Kentucky Old State Capitol Building, Frankfort: Photos, Reviews & Location

Tours of a Greek Revival building, once seat of the state government, restored to circa-1850 style.

At a glance

#4 of 5 Historical landmarks in Frankfort #7 of 18 Tourist attractions in Frankfort

LocalGuideWorld score: 4.70

0.2 km from the center of Frankfort

Rating breakdown

5 ★75%
4 ★20%
3 ★5%
2 ★0%
1 ★0%

300 W Broadway St, Frankfort, KY 40601

history.ky.gov

(502) 564-1792

Photos of Kentucky Old State Capitol Building (62)

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Kentucky Old State Capitol Building, Frankfort – photo 1

Kentucky Old State Capitol Building, Frankfort – photo 2

Kentucky Old State Capitol Building, Frankfort – photo 3

Kentucky Old State Capitol Building, Frankfort – photo 4

Kentucky Old State Capitol Building, Frankfort – photo 5

Kentucky Old State Capitol Building, Frankfort – photo 6

Kentucky Old State Capitol Building, Frankfort – photo 7

Kentucky Old State Capitol Building, Frankfort – photo 8

Kentucky Old State Capitol Building, Frankfort – photo 9

Kentucky Old State Capitol Building, Frankfort – photo 10

Kentucky Old State Capitol Building, Frankfort – photo 11

Kentucky Old State Capitol Building, Frankfort – photo 12

Quick facts

What is the rating of Kentucky Old State Capitol Building?: Kentucky Old State Capitol Building is rated 4.7 out of 5 based on 436 reviews.
How does Kentucky Old State Capitol Building rank in Frankfort?: Kentucky Old State Capitol Building is #4 of 5 Historical landmarks in Frankfort by LocalGuideWorld score (rating weighted by number of reviews).
Where is Kentucky Old State Capitol Building located?: 300 W Broadway St, Frankfort, KY 40601 — 0.2 km from the center of Frankfort.
How can I contact Kentucky Old State Capitol Building?: Phone: (502) 564-1792 · Website: history.ky.gov

Reviews (11)

Thomas Mertz 2024 Aug 03

This Greek Revival building, built in 1830, was the seat of Kentucky's government until the new Capitol opened in 1910. It is a beautiful building and its law library, legislature chambers have been restored to their 1850 appearance. The highlight of the building is the circular stone staircase which is entirely self supporting. Tours taking 30 to 60 minutes are given Tuesday - Saturday at 2 pm. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable about the building and Kentucky history. Purchase tickets at the Kentucky Historical Society one block to the east.

Alexander Leyva Serrano 2024 Jun 23

If you want to have a good relationship with Kentucky's history, this is your place. What are you waiting for?
Here, you will experience how it was for the people and the politicians to lieve in a totally different era with a kaleidoscopic way of thinking.
I went there doing a school field trip. However, I would like to go again and have more time to enjoy history.

Monica King 2023 Oct 24

We have never driven around this place before but it is actually very beautiful. I can't wait to see it in the spring. Right now it's decorated for fall and the governor house is decorated for Halloween. And of course the capital is still completely surrounded with scaffolding lol

Debi K 2023 Oct 21

We could walk around wherever on a self guided tour. The architecture was beautiful, especially the Chandeliers and the crown moldings.

Bill Kusmit 2023 Sep 05

Very cool KY has two capitol buildings. After the epic gold some of Charleston this was very underwhelming but still cool to see. Walked around the grounds with my pup. Very nice people in this area as well. And walking distance to other sites like the new capitol building and floral clock.

Nikki Black 2023 Jul 13

Kentucky Historical Society tickets prices are great. We went to the KY old state capital building, KY historical society museum and KY military museum.
The old state capital building is small but really nice. The architecture is really wonderful. Its very educational and worth visiting

Felicia Forletta 2023 Jul 07

Just visiting the Capitol. I didn't go inside. There was no one outside and plenty of places to park right out front for a quick picture. The grass and landscape were picture perfect!

Alan Perez 2023 Jul 04

Beautiful infrastructure inside and out.
Mr. Scott was an amazing your guide. Very educational and informative experience. Do recommend if visiting from out of town. Free entrance and free guide.

Denai C 2023 Jul 02

This was such a cute little capitol building right down the street from the newer one. Unfortunately they were doing renovations on it and we were not able to take a tour. I would definitely stop by when in town again with the hopes to get inside.

Dock Dynasty 2023 Feb 19

Very small capital but still very neat to see. Price is included with the Kentucky historical society museum and military museum.

Mr. G 2018 Nov 12

Access a tour at the Kentucky History Center; it is worth it. Simple, yet grand, reflecting the optimism and serious aspirations of the state in 1848. The curving "floating" stairway, held by a capstone at the top, fascinates with its ingenuity and is alone worth the visit. But there is much more in the simple chambers for research, drafting of laws, and debate. A nice window into government's basic needs.