Kansas State Capitol

IMPRESSIVE! This is one of the most intricately detailed and beautiful building in America. From the majestic Ad Astra sculpture on top of the dome to the limestone base of intricate walkways in the basement this building shines. It proudly shows Kansas history, art, architecture and citizenry off beautifully. Next time I visit it will be a workday, so I can experience the dome tour and see government in action. A must see for anyone in the area, not just Kansans.

The remodel on our old Capitol was top notch. We have the most beautiful Capitol now. Be sure to check out the store where the old copper roof has been turned into jewelry and is sold to the public! Beautful pieces!

Highly, highly recommended to anyone interested in architecture, beautiful buildings or Kansas history.
While staying in Topeka for a few days, it turns out that our hotel was just a couple blocks away so I had to check this out on the first evening we were there. Walking around the grounds, I was confused because I thought it was a very old building, but it, and the hardscaping and landscaping look brand-​new. Turns out, that there was an extensive renovation completed quite recently, and everything both inside and out is extremely gorgeous, with the highest craftsmanship and style, with plenty of art and history to go along.
Early one morning, we showed up just in time to take the dome tour, which gives not only a bird’s eye view of the neighborhood from an exterior walkway near the top of the dome, but also an inside view of the construction of the dome and how it sits on top of the interior dome. We had a great tour guide who explained everything well and did not rush us for all. Afterword, we spent an hour and a half giving ourselves a tour of the rest of the building which was all open to the public during the summer hours. Spectacular!

Gorgeous Capitol building. While there isn’t a ton to check out on a Saturday morning visit and dome tours are only on weekdays, it was well worth a stop and the security officers made us feel very welcome. It’s impeccably kept and there’s plenty of history to check out. Be aware the visitor entrance is a bit hard to locate initially, and is basically in the basement of the building. I am not a Kansan but still felt (I suppose) a bit of «regional pride» and was very excited to learn more about the Wheat State!

Beautiful neoclassical structure. Cool mansard roof.

The Capitol Building is beautiful, a perfect example of architecture and quality although the surrounding area is a bit rough. The drive to and from Topeka is still a toll road 10 years after the toll road was supposed to go away which is more annoying than expensive. Having to come to a complete stop twice on a major highway and wait in line cost more than $ 2.75 in tolls it wasted 20 minutes.
It’s a bit of a shame the Capitol has a crime problem and what I would consider ghetto areas (not safe to walk on your own at night). Hopefully the city will continue to improve.

Kind of like the Indiana state capitol building, Kansas is kind of low-​key, not a lot to look at, not many reading materials, it’s small and it’s currently under lots of construction.
I wasn’t fond of the bronze dome — however, from the pictures on google, it looks like this was the renovation, not the original.
I felt like I was in a clinical building, train station, with no real personality, though the old lift/​elevator was pretty cool, and they get an extra star for being able to get to have a walk around and sit in the chairs in the Old Supreme court room!
Not my favourite SC, but worth a stop all the same — hopefully the renovation will be done quickly.

I haven’t been to the Capitol since I was a kid. An out-​of-​state visitor begged to see it one rainy afternoon and I reluctantly agreed since it was rainy & I knew there was underground parking.
What an incredible building! Loved the murals I remembered as a kid and the famous John Brown pose. The plaques on all of them are short and informative. We were able to go into each house and the Governor’s public office space.
A little difficult to find the visitor’s desk with the brochure. Once we did, worth the effort for the extra information.
Can’t wait for the exterior to be completed.

Pretty nice building compared to most state capitols.
it’s a shame though they only seem to be maintaining it and keeping it from collapsing as opposed to restoring it to it’s previous luster.
Probably the only other thing to do in Topeka besides going to Blind Tiger.

We visited the Capitol building today and it’s *gorgeous*! There are beautiful murals, four Pete Felton statues on the second floor, and the Senate chamber is stunning. We viewed the dome from each floor and it’s really beautiful. The interior elevator (with an operator) was built in 1923. Also; everyone working in the building (the guard at the Security entrance, the elevator operators and the workmen) were all very friendly.
The entrance to the (free) parking garage is on 8^th Street.

Beautiful. Renovations make parts inaccessible. Met Gov. Brownback, who generously stopped to talk outside his office. How many governors are that accessible?
Guard at Senate spent a lot of time telling history and answering questions. Met Lt. Gov. Collins there, who also stopped to talk and shake hands. The Senate chamber has been restored and is fabulous.

The Kansas State Capitol dome tour is a hidden jewel. According to our tour guide, Carl, this is one of only two state capitols that allows full access to the top of the dome. This may sound boring or pedestrian to the novice, but let me explain what full access means. You see the tip top of the dome? right under the Indian? That’s how high you get to go. How do you get up there? Well you walk up 296 steps. The last series of steps is a suspended staircase followed by a precarious spiral staircase. Don’t be like me and look down because you will break out in sweats and get the shakes worse than Amy Winehouse. Once you’re up at the top you get an amazing view of Topeka. Walking down the steps isn’t as scary as walking up, but still scary.

If you’re passing by or through Topeka the Capitol building is a must see. The new restored/​renovated Capitol building is one of the most beautiful buildings I’ve ever had the pleasure of touring. Built from materials from around the United States, and the world, it really Is a sight to see. Home to the Kansas state Senate and House of Representatives, as well as John Curry’s famous paintings including Tragic Prelude and many others. Notable parts of the building is the state Library in which citizens of Kansas may check out books from, as well as the Senate, House of Representatives, and Governors’ office. Also noteworthy is the dome tour, a climb to the outer dome of the capitol building up 296 stair steps. Not for those afraid of heights or those who may get jelly legs climbing a flight of stairs. The Kansas historical society happily gives tours of both, and their tour guides are knowledgeable and friendly!