at Missouri State Museum
The Missouri Capitol embodies the history and resources of the state through its architecture, artworks and materials. The Missouri State Museum offers free guided tours of the Capitol year-round (except New Year’s, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas actual and observed). Reservations made at least 24 hours in advance are required.
To reserve a tour, click here, or call the museum at 573-751-2854.
Before booking your tour, read these frequently asked questions.
What to Expect on Tour
The Missouri Capitol is a working building that houses the Missouri General Assembly and offices of state officials and legislators. Tours of the Capitol may vary depending on the events or activities scheduled in the building, or the person guiding the tour. Expect to spend 45 minutes to one hour on tour. Tours are conducted primarily in the hallways and public spaces of the building and highlight the history of the state through the artworks and architecture of the building.
Access to some of the Capitol’s most famous artworks, including Thomas Hart Benton’s “A Social History of the State of Missouri,” is limited. The House Lounge, where Benton’s mural is located, is used by the House for meetings and other activities during the legislative session (January through mid-May). It may be closed at times during the work week. Due to this limitation, many groups on tour in the spring will not be able to view the painting.
Tour Schedule:
Reservations are required for all individuals and groups and are to be made at least 24 hours in advance. The maximum group size is 30 people. Multiple small groups may be scheduled for the same tour, so please have an exact headcount when making reservations.
February*
Tours start every half hour beginning at 9 a.m. (excluding the noon hour). The last tour begins at 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and at 11:30 a.m. on Friday. Tours are at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
*Exact date will vary by calendar year. See reservation page or call for more information.
March through mid-May*
Tours start every 20 minutes beginning at 9 a.m. (excluding the noon hour). The last tour begins at 3:40 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and at 11:40 a.m. on Friday. Tours are at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
*Exact date will vary by calendar year. See reservation page or call for more information.
Mid-May through Memorial Day weekend*
Tours start every 30 minutes beginning at 9 a.m. (excluding the noon hour). The last tour begins at 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and at 11:30 a.m. on Friday. Tours are at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
*Exact date will vary by calendar year. See reservation page or call for more information.
June through September*
Tours start at the top of the hour beginning at 9 a.m. (excluding the noon hour). The last tour begins at 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and at 11 a.m. on Friday. Tours may be scheduled at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.
*Exact date will vary by calendar year. See reservation page or call for more information.
October through mid-November*
Tours start every half hour beginning at 9 a.m. (excluding the noon hour). The last tour begins at 3:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and at 11:30 a.m. on Friday. Tours are at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
*Exact date will vary by calendar year. See reservation page or call for more information.
Mid-November through January*
Tours start at the top of the hour beginning at 9 a.m. (excluding the noon hour). The last tour begins at 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and at 11 a.m. on Friday. Tours may be scheduled at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.
*Exact date will vary by calendar year. See reservation page or call for more information.