Utah State Capitol

While visiting Salt Lake City 2 weeks ago, my husband and I made sure to make a visit to the capital. We came on a Monday (December 21) and parked across the street at the visitor center (
), then made the trek up all the steps to enter through the main doors of the capitol.
Anyways, sadly we found out that from December 14 through January 3, all museum volunteers were given a break and so unfortunately we did not have a tour guide/​docent available to give us a tour during our visit (but the volunteers will be available starting tomorrow, January 4 if you come for a visit).
On the day we came, we were fortunately to walk in on a special holiday concert put on by some children and teens (not exactly sure what school or organization they were from). It was nice to see this huge decorated Christmas tree and listen to beautifully mastered holiday music while walking around this beautiful capital.
The structure and architecture is quite beautiful. The high ceilings and layout is quite a sight to see.
While we walked around all the floors (don’t forget to visit the basement, there is a small area with some history about the stage flag and the state symbol, the beehive and just some general information about Utah), we were able to see the house and senate chamber rooms. There are also some statues to view, but wished there were signs and more information to read about them.
Overall, worth a visit to soak up some American history. But would have been better to have a docent give us a tour (maybe the next time we come to Utah).

So I never actually went into the capital… so I am just reporting on the grounds. SUPER PRETTY. And okay my favorite thing/​the reason I came… was to climb up to the top of the steps and just enjoy the beautiful views of Salt Lake! It is so nice. I came at night and in the morning. At night there is a wonderful view of the lights and it is absolutely beautiful. I came up to the top while on my run in the morning as well, and was just taken back by how beautiful the mountains were and the valley. DEFINITELY recommend coming up as a place to sit and talk or just enjoy some nice views.

This is a must see if you find yourself in SLC.
We rolled up to the Capitol Building during the day on a Sunday. The doors were unlocked and there were only a few other visitors in the building.
Incredible architecture but even more incredible is the building is open for free viewing. Not sure the hours the place is open, so you may want to Unilocal that.

Utah’s spectacular state capitol building is a bit of an uphill hike from the heart of downtown Salt Lake City, but well worth the effort. Take in the breathtaking mountain views from the front steps, then head inside to see Utah’s history unspool through the glorious artwork adorning the walls and ceiling of the cavernous atrium.
A self-​guided tour of the building will take about 30 minutes, including quick peeks into the House and Senate chambers. There’s also an interesting history display on the ground floor, and the spacious grounds are worth a stroll — or a morning jog, if you’re so inclined.

Gorgeous building with

One of the more scenic and memorable state capitol building areas that I’ve visited, and I’ve seen more than half of them in the United States. The capitol is like most in its deep-​rooted history during western expansion, as well as its grand architecture both inside and out.
First off, the views from the building are phenomenal. On a clear day, you can see all of Salt Lake City, and possibly as far out to Orem (definitely Murray). It seems that this building is a popular wedding destination for receptions, as well as grand photo shoots. In fact, on the day that I arrived, there was a wedding party that had the entire building shut down (probably a member of the Huntsman family).
Nonetheless, the outdoor courtyard area is humble & quaint, yet an area that you can ponder your thoughts in. There are several statues within the courtyard that are a reflection of Utah’s past and present development. The outdoor area on the front portico is phenomenal, with several lion statues as well as other landmarks. My favorite lion was named Fortitude. Unfortunately, none of these lions would ever form Voltron. Lol.
You can see the state capitol building easily from South State Street, as well as other areas within Salt Lake City. Certainly worth the stop while in town.

So-​so as far as state capitals go. It hits every mark: grandeur, ornateness, deep sense of history, beauty, unique and majestic art, but nothing really stands out as exceptional to me. It’s not your fault Utah State Capital, the bar is just really high, and you’re probably in the middle of the pack which isn’t a bad place to «bee.» Hah!
One area this State Capital excels is the educational and state history exhibits on the main floor. They talk about the economic base of the state, the history of the coat of arms, and Utah’s ties to the entertainment industry. Another thing that’s nice about this Capital is the location perched above City Creek. It’s kind of neat just walking around there and taking in the views.

This is a must see place to visit for tourists and locals alike. This was my first visit to the capital, and the view is breathtaking. Ran into a few brides doing wedding photos with their groom’s, simply beautiful! Don’t forget to go to the top floor, there are some amazing statutes and done great utah history. In the basement, even more history of Utah, really amazing stuff! Go learn something new!

A magnificent and beautiful building with a great view of the city.
If you’re into historic or grand government buildings, the Utah State Capitol Building is worthy of a visit whether you’re a tourist or a local. It’s a relaxing place. It’s rarely in session, there is a lot of well maintained green grass to walk and a Mormon Battalion Monument. If you want even more walking, to the side of the Capitol Building down a few steps is the serene Memory Grove Park.
The Capitol itself can be canvassed within an hour. If you want to read every word of every display in the basement level then it might take you an hour. To view the building, the murals, the paintings, sculptures and some rooms, it only took me 35 minutes.
Unlike some State Capitol Buildings, Utah’s is well maintained inside and out. It’s one that mimics the style of our nation’s capitol building, but at a much smaller scale. Utah has a strong Mormon history and that is represented inside by murals of Brigham Young and the seagulls that saved the city and outside by the Mormon Battalion Monument. The rotunda is breathtaking.
Slow your roll and just stand in front of the Capitol Building. You’ll have a great view of the Salt Lake City skyline as the capitol is perched atop a hill.
There is no admission charge and they do give free tours. A great place to stop with the family, to walk, to eat your sack lunch, or just to get some air conditioning. There is free street parking along the side.

Pretty! Big! Free entrance!
The architecture is very nice and looks well maintained. They are still making renovations to the place since it’s an old building. I love the design and materials used. Great place to take photos and enjoy.

Spectacular
Majestic
Ornate
Stunning
Beautiful
All of these superlatives apply.
The Capitol is a celebration of marble, granite, and art.
Every square inch of the building and grounds reveal a wonder. The painted murals on the ceilings, The enormous rotunda and grand starcases. The statues and monuments inside and out, The two immense lions that guard the front door. You can spend two hours here and not see all there is to appreciate.
A very beautiful building indeed.