When the Missouri Legislature is in session, Missourinet is usually there to report what’s happening. If you are visiting the Missouri Capitol once or on a regular basis, these tips are meant to help you navigate the building, know what to expect, and to learn about the people inside.
The Capitol is open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday and from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. If the House or Senate is holding a hearing after hours, or is in session, the Capitol will be open.
First Floor
Capitol Police are located in the guard shack on the east side of the building on the outside. That often serves as the Uber and Lyft pickup/dropoff spots. Capitol Police walk the halls often. A spaniel named Burbon and a German shorthair named Leon might be with them. If the building is open, Capitol Police are also at the security entrance.
To enter the building, you’ll have to go to the south end. There will be a security check with a metal detector. If you have state worker badge access, then you have more options than the average folks do.
Build in extra time to go through security and for parking. Large groups and students will be visiting the Capitol on a regular basis through mid-May. The lines to get into the building might take a little time.
Protests and rallies are usually outside on the south side and the 1st floor Rotunda. Protesters may also march the halls to have their voices heard. If they are in the chambers and are disruptive, they will be removed.
The Missouri State History Museum is around the first floor almost as soon as you get through security.
The information desk can be found right after the security checkpoint. It has listings of legislator offices and other helpful information.
Senate committee hearings are on the 1st and 3rd floors.
Elevators can be found at each corner of the building and in the middle of the building on the north side. (It does not stop on the second floor)
Bathrooms are scattered throughout the building.
The stairs to the basement are found on the northwest end. The stairs to all other floors (1-4) are found on the sound end and the northwest and northeast areas.
All sorts of events (political and nonpolitical) are held in the 1st floor Rotunda during session. It can get loud sometimes but it can be good entertainment if it is a group singing or playing music.
Second Floor
Statewide elected offices are on the 2nd floor: The Governor’s, Lt. Governor’s, Secretary of State’s, State Treasurer’s, and State Auditor’s. The Attorney General’s Office is across the street from the Capitol, in the Supreme Court Building.
Third Floor
First and foremost, free coffee is found on 3rd floor on the House and Senate sides.
House and Senate chambers are on the 3rd floor. The House is on the west end of the building and the Senate is on the east end.
Senate committee hearings are on the 1st and 3rd floors.
If you need a quiet place to work, the Senate library on 3rd floor might be a good option.
Most displays and special events, such as “Technology Day at the Capitol” and “Banana Split Day,” are usually on the third floor in the Rotunda area.
Most of the Hall of Famous Missourians figures are on the third floor. A few have made their way to the second floor.
Fourth Floor
For citizens to monitor debate, there is public seating on the 4th floor in both chambers.
Basement
House committee hearings are in the basement. (Pardon the ugly carpet that really needs to be replaced)
The cafeteria in the basement is open until 2 p.m. Monday-Friday. My favorites: breakfast burritos (served until 10 a.m.), meatloaf, fettuccini alfredo, and soft serve ice cream.
Vending machines are in the basement.
Bonus tips
Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk.
No smoking in the building.
You might occasionally see alcohol make its way to someone’s office.
If you are there for a contentious hearing, get there early if you want a closer parking spot and to get a seat during the hearing. Finding parking can be a pain. Prepare to walk a few blocks. Bring quarters and your card to pay for parking. The Madison Street parking garage is no longer an option because it’s being torn down. If you get a parking ticket, Jefferson City just increased those to $25.
Text messages in the Capitol can sometimes have a hard time making it to their destination, especially on the second floor. The wifi is not great on the second floor and sometimes the basement. If you need to reach someone immediately, it’s best to call or email.
Lobbyists like to hang out on the 3rd floor in the Rotunda area and the cafeteria.
Missouri Capitol (Photo by Missourinet)
Wash your hands like crazy. It’s germ city at the Capitol. Trust me.
The north side of the Capitol has several nice memorials that are worth viewing.
Beware of the icy stairs outside during the winter! The walkways to enter the building might be a safer option.
Many lawmakers and lobbyists hang out downtown for lunch and dinner. From January to mid-May, downtown is often bustling on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. In the mornings, Yanis Coffee Zone and High Rise Bakery on High Street are frequented by Capitol insiders.
The unofficial Capitol mascot is an outgoing, well-behaved goldendoodle named Truman. You might see him coming and going.
If you need help finding a place or person, just ask someone. Most people there are nice. 😊
Click here for maps of the building.
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