Freedom's Frontier

Whether viewing the interior or exterior, the Missouri state Capitol provides visitors a rewarding glimpse of the cultural and natural legacy of our state.

The Missouri State Museum, inside the Missouri State Capitol includes a History Gallery, a Natural Resources Gallery, a Missouri Veterans Gallery, and the "Foundations" Gallery (focused on Missouri state Capitol/government).

All four floors of Missouri's Capitol are open to the public. A 45-minute guided tour is the best way to experience the historic and decorative features of the building. A walk around the Capitol grounds highlights more of Missouri's history, including Karl Bitter's bronze relief of the signing of the Louisiana Purchase Treaty, which sits on the terrace overlooking the Missouri River.

The Missouri State Museum features exhibits, dioramas and changing displays. The east wing of the museum, originally named the Missouri Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall in 1919 to recognize Missourians who served during World War I, now serves as the state museum's History Hall. The Resources Museum, created in 1921 to display the products of the state's forests, fields and mines, today serves as the state museum's Resources Hall.

A must-see for any admirer of modern American art is Thomas Hart Benton's mural series, A Social History of the State of Missouri, that engulfs the House Lounge at the capitol. These murals can only be seen by taking the Capitol tour, which is offered throughout the day (reservations required for groups).

Free guided tours are offered year-round (except New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas) and are approximately 45 minutes to one hour in length. Meet at the tour desk on the first floor of the Capitol. Please review the tour guidelines before making your reservation or visiting for a walk-in tour.

Capitol tours information found here.