Did you know that the Michigan State Capitol offers self-guided smartphone tours? These 15 minute, elevator based tours allow visitors to explore topics not covered in depth on the usual Capitol tour. And the best part? No download required! The tours are hosted on the Capitol's main website, meaning the tours can be taken without having to download an app onto your phone or device. These tours can be taken upon your next visit to the Capitol, or even from the comfort of your couch!
Weidemann Art Tour
Christian Weidemann served as the foreman of the Capitol painting project from 1885-1890 for the William Wright Company of Detroit. The Christian Weidemann Art Collection, donated by descendents of the artist, contains designs that can be found throughout the Capitol. The tour begins on the ground floor of the Capitol in the Special Exhibits room and continues up through the building to the third floor.
Capitol Square Tour
As the construction of the Capitol was nearing completion in 1878, notable Michigan landscape architect Adam Oliver was hired to plan out Capitol Square. Oliver’s design created a leafy, green setting for new building featuring open lawns on the east and west sides, crisscrossed with paved walkways. The sidewalks surrounding Capitol Square were lined with an allée of shade trees.
Today, a walk around Capitol Square is a wonderful way to enjoy the building’s architecture, historic monuments, and beautiful landscaping.
Portrait Collection Tour
The Michigan State Capitol’s portrait collection contains paintings of former Michigan governors, justices, and legislators.
Due to the chronological nature of our portraits, the collection serves as a record of both Michigan governmental history and the development of art styles and movements throughout the course of American art history. These changes often reflect the social, cultural, and political concerns that existed at the time of each portrait's creation.
Over time, portrait styles shift from classical to modern - brushstrokes become looser and more visible, poses become less stiff, and artworks begin to express more emotion.
Furniture Tour
The Michigan Capitol is home to an impressive collection of late 19th century furniture.
In this tour, you will take an up-close look at a few of the prominent furniture pieces in the building, examining intricate ornamental details and learning more about the history of American furniture styles.
Moments in History Tour
Michigan's National Historic Landmark, the Michigan State Capitol, has played host to numerous historical figures, events, and moments in history. Photographs allow us to immerse ourselves in the history and to drop into a moment in time when a president addresses the Legislature, a rally makes its way inside, or for any other historic moment in history.