Nebraska State Capitol - Lincoln, Nebraska - State Government Building

Nebraska State Capitol is located at 15th and K Streets in Lincoln, Nebraska and is adjacent to downtown Lincoln. It is the capitol and seat of the Nebraska Legislature and contains various other state government offices. The building is open 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, 10am to 5pm Saturdays and holidays and 1pm to 5pm on Sundays.

The current building is the third to be constructed on this site with the first two pulled down due to poor construction. The third is a limestone structure built at a cost of $9.8 million in four phases over a period of 10 years from 1922 to 1932, and incorporates a 400 foot domed office tower. The square base of the building is 437 feet with the tower adorned with the 19 foot tall bronze figure of "The Sower" rising from the center, whilst stone carvings around the outside depict historic events in the 3,000 year evolution of democratic government.

Free guided tours lasting between 30 and 55 minutes begin at the North Entrance on the 2nd Floor and feature the Vestibule, Foyer and Rotunda area as well as the Legislative Chamber and Supreme Court when they are not in session. Visitors should note that the Legislative Session is the busiest period at the Capitol and begins each year in January and ends in April or early June. The busiest time for school tours are usually between March and May and are geared toward fourth graders, although the public is welcome to join tours with the school children.

The public can join a tour without prior booking but groups of 20 or more are advised to book in advance, and they run on the hour between 9am and 11am and 1 to 4pm Monday to Friday. Saturdays and holidays tours run at 10 and 11am, and between 1 and 4pm, whilst Sunday they are from 1, 2, 3 and 4pm. Visitors should note that the building is closed on Thanksgiving and the day after, Christmas Day and New Year's Day.

The observation decks on the 14th floor of the tower are open during public hours with visitors able to take the north tower elevators. Photography and videos are permitted in the Capitol and on the tours, but special equipment can only be set up with prior approval. Food is not permitted in the public areas of the building, but areas are available for visitors to eat in the courtyards and the pedestrian mall north of the Capitol, whilst there is also a cafeteria open for breakfast and lunch on weekdays only.

The nearest parking available is on the streets around the Capitol, whilst longer term parking can be found at the public parking garage located at 12th Street and L Street. Accessible parking is available on K Street adjacent to the Capitol's north entrance. The accessible entrance is beneath the Grand Staircase and accessible restrooms are located on the ground floor in the four outer corners of the building, and on the second floor in the outer northwest corner.