State House
Office of Public Information
CN-068, State House
Trenton, NJ 08625-0068
(800) 792-8630 (free from NJ) • (609) 292-4840 • (609) 633-2709
www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislativepub/visiting_guided.asp

New Jersey's beautiful State House is the nation's second oldest capitol in continuous use, the first being in Maryland. The original structure was built in 1792 and has been added to and modified over the years. Today, after extensive restoration, it stands as an example of the finest craftsmanship the nation has to offer.

The building is truly magnificent, its recreated period rooms exemplifying the styles of the 1892 General Assembly and 1903 Senate. A new exhibit area on the third floor features artifacts, engravings, and memorabilia related to the history of the State House and Legislature. Throughout the building the works of some of New Jersey's greatest artists can be seen, including Hiroshi Murata's intricate designs of inlaid wood that comprise the walls in one of the legislative conference rooms. Other works, including painting and sculpture, are displayed throughout the rooms and halls, courtesy of several major museums.

A few of the many highlights of this building include the Rotunda, with its 145-foot domed ceiling; the Assembly Chamber, lit since 1892 by a magnificent chandelier made by Thomas Edison's General Edison Electric Company; and the Senate Majority Conference Room with original stained glass skylights and enormous wooden conference table.

Still home to the New Jersey Legislature, not to mention the Governor's Office, the State House can be toured by individuals and families with the aid of Self-Guiding interpretive maps. However, at times when official business is being conducted, some areas may be inaccessible. Non-session days -- Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday -- are best for a visit, and during these times Guided Tours can be enjoyed (reservation required).

Groups, including School Groups, are welcome for an educational tour. A tour generally takes a little over an hour. Video presentations on both the law-making process and the restoration of the State House can add about 20 minutes each. School Groups can also participate in a role-playing exercise that illustrates the procedure of proposing, debating, and voting on a bill.

Groups consist of 10 or more people.