State Capitol opens to the public on Saturdays

CARSON CITY, Nevada – Public access to Nevada’s State Capitol is being expanded to include Saturday hours. The 146-year-old silver-domed Capitol – the centerpiece of state government located in the heart of Carson City – will be open to the public on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., beginning Aug. 19. “The opening of the Capitol on Saturdays is another sign of Nevada’s strong economic recovery,” Gov. Brian Sandoval said. “Now, families and visitors from across the globe will be able to learn about Nevada’s unique and impressive history by walking the halls of our Capitol building and experiencing its beauty firsthand. From the newly-restored Old Assembly Chambers, where gaming was originally passed into law, to the Old Supreme Court, where precedent-setting cases were settled, the Capitol building is an important symbol of our state’s history.” Free one-hour guided tours by docents from the Nevada State Museum will take place at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. each Saturday and include both the exterior of the building and nearby memorials as well as the interior of the building. The tours are available for up to 20 people on a first-come, first-served basis. The building includes numerous historic artifacts that range from portraits of past Nevada governors to sculptures to historical items showcased during Nevada’s Sesquicentennial celebration. The Old Supreme Court and Battle Born Hall, which houses many of the sesquicentennial artifacts, are open on the second floor. Visitors who do not wish to take one of the formal tours can take self-guided tours. The Capitol remains open to the public Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guided tours of up to 20 people can be arranged in advance by calling the Nevada State Museum’s Education Program at (775) 687-4810, ext. 237.