The Capitol building was modeled on the Maison Carrée, a roman temple in Nimes, France. Architects Charles-Louis Clérisseau and Thomas Jefferson chose the location and style of the Capitol building. It sits on Shockoe Hill and faces downtown Richmond to the river. The initial construction on the Capitol building started in 1785. Here you will find more historical information about the Capitol building and Capitol Square.

Legislative Branch
Virginia's General Assembly (House of Delegates and the Senate) meet in the Capitol building while in session.

Executive Branch

The Governor, Ralph Northam, has an office located on the 3rd floor of the Capitol building. The Capitol also houses the offices of some of the other members of this branch of the government.

Follow this link to explore the Capitol building and Capitol Grounds virtually. (this link utilizes Adobe Flash and may not work on your computer**)

**If you are unable to view the virtual tour, click here instead (or in addition, if you'd like): interactive site for the Capitol building.

Some things to look for:

1. Updates/renovations to the Capitol building and the grounds over time.

2. Where the House of Delegates and Senate meet.

3. History of the capitol building and grounds.

Click "next" to continue your virtual field trip!