Montana Historical Society expands Capitol tours to weekends

For people seeking a special guided experience, the Montana Historical Society (MTHS) is now offering free tours daily that explore the art, architecture, and history of Montana’s Capitol.

“We’ve been delighted by the interest in our Capitol tours so far this summer and are excited to increase the times and days they’ll be offered,” said Darby Bramble, museum education officer at MTHS. “Since the beginning of June, we’ve seen more than 600 people participate in our guided tours.”

Participants range from Montana families to people traveling from across the globe. The Capitol is located at 1301 East Sixth Avenue in Helena.

Starting July 9 and continuing through Sept. 13, the MTHS will provide Capitol tours every day of the week. Monday-Friday tours start at 9:30 and 11 a.m., and 1:30 and 2:30 p.m. Saturday tours will be at 9:30 and 11 a.m., and 1:30 p.m. Sunday tours are at 11 a.m., and 1:30 and 2:30 p.m.

Since 1902, the Montana State Capitol has stood as both a commanding symbol of the past and a bold promise for the future. Planned and constructed during the two decades following Montana’s admission to the Union, the building stands as a tangible declaration of the values and aspirations of Montana’s founders.

On July 4, 1899, Montana’s First Governor, Joseph K. Toole announced: “[The Capitol] will be to the state what the homestead is to the citizen, what the fireside is to the family … Here should repose the honor and conscience of the state by which its citizenship shall be judged and measured and its glory achieved and preserved.”

At its most fundamental level, the Capitol serves as a home to the essential workings of state government. Yet today, the historically and architecturally significant structure remains open to the public and offers visitors a unique opportunity to learn about our Montana’s unique heritage.

Visitors are welcome to explore the Capitol on their own using a self-guided tour book found onsite. The Capitol building is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., and weekends, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Capitol building is closed on Christmas Day and New Year's Day and may be closed to the public occasionally on weekends for scheduled routine maintenance.

Free tours of the historic Original Governor’s Mansion at 304 No. Ewing home are offered this summer Tuesday-Saturday at noon, and 1, 2, and 3 p.m. For more details, call/email Darby Bramble at 406-444-2412 or darby.bramble2@mt.gov or visit the Montana Historical Society website at: https://mhs.mt.gov/education/Tours