Step Inside the Wisconsin State Capitol: A Downtown Break with a View

When you live or work downtown, it’s easy to walk past the Capitol every day and forget that one of Madison’s most beautiful spaces is open to explore — completely free. Taking five minutes to step inside offers a quiet reset in the middle of a busy day, along with a dose of history and architecture that still defines the city.

A building designed to be admired

The Wisconsin State Capitol took more than a decade to build and officially opened in 1917. At 284 feet tall, it remains the tallest structure in Madison, by law, no building downtown can rise higher than the base of its dome. The result is a skyline built around one landmark and two lakes, giving Madison its unique sense of balance. Inside, the Capitol is filled with hand-cut marble from six countries, grand staircases, and intricate murals and mosaics by American artist Edwin Blashfield, who also painted the U.S. Capitol dome in Washington, D.C. Every corridor feels like a moment frozen in time — warm in winter, cool in summer, and open to all.

Things to see when you visit

• The rotunda: Stand beneath the dome and look up, the glass floor above lets in a soft, natural glow that changes with the time of day.
• The observation deck: Open during the warmer months, this 92-foot-high terrace offers 360° views of both Lake Monona and Lake Mendota, along with the full sweep of downtown.
• Art and architecture: Carvings, stonework, and murals line each wing — every turn reveals something new.
• Free tours: The Capitol is open daily for self-guided visits, and guided tours are available on a regular schedule (perfect for visiting family or coworkers from out of town).

Why we love it

For ULI residents and office tenants, the Capitol isn’t just a landmark — it’s a neighbor. It’s a space for lunch-hour walks, photography, and inspiration on a gray day. And it’s a reminder that downtown living offers a front-row seat to Madison’s history, beauty, and civic life — all within a short walk from your front door or desk. 

Visit: Wisconsin State Capitol, 2 E. Main Street
Hours: Open daily (check current hours before visiting)
Tours: Visit State Capitol  

Step inside this week, you might be surprised by what you’ve been walking past all along.