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The Texas Governor's Mansion is the oldest continuously occupied building in downtown Austin, and it has been home to every Texas governor since 1856.

Built between 1854 and 1856 in the Greek Revival style, the mansion was designed by Abner Cook, one of Austin's most prominent early architects. At 10,500 square feet, it was grand for its time, and Sam Houston was the first governor to call it home.

The mansion's history has not been entirely peaceful. In June 2008, someone threw a Molotov cocktail through a window in the early hours of the morning, causing a devastating fire that gutted much of the interior. The arsonist was never identified. A meticulous four-year restoration followed, and the mansion reopened in 2012, with many of its original features painstakingly recreated.

Over its lifetime, the building has hosted presidents, foreign dignitaries, and countless state events. It sits just south of the Capitol on Colorado Street, surrounded by gardens that have been tended for more than 160 years.

Free public tours are available on select days. And if you're on a Questo quest through Austin, the mansion and its surroundings have stories that go well beyond what you'll find on a plaque.

The Texas Governor’s Mansion

The Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin is a world-class cultural institution and the largest university art museum in the United States. Its impressive collection encompasses nearly 21,000 works spanning diverse periods and styles, making it a treasure trove for art enthusiasts. The museum is particularly renowned for its exceptional holdings in Latin American art, Italian Renaissance masterpieces, and modern and contemporary American works. Whether you're a seasoned art collector or simply curious about creative expression, the Blanton offers an inspiring journey through centuries of artistic achievement.

Blanton Museum of Art

The building simply called "Austin" is one of the most extraordinary pieces of art in Texas, and it almost didn't exist. Ellsworth Kelly, one of America's most important abstract artists, designed it as a standalone work combining architecture, sculpture, and light into a single experience. He gifted the design to the Blanton Museum of Art in 2015. He died that December, at 92, without ever seeing it built.

The building opened on February 18, 2018, and it is the only freestanding structure Kelly ever designed. At 2,715 square feet, it's a stone chapel-like space with no religious affiliation, meant purely as a place to experience colour and light. Thirty-three windows of coloured glass (in deep reds, blues, greens, and yellows) cast shifting patterns across the white interior throughout the day. Black-and-white marble panels and a totem-like wooden sculpture complete the space.

Kelly described the project as a "totality of architecture, sculpture, and light." Walking inside, especially on a sunny day, you'll understand what he meant. The light changes constantly, and no two visits look the same.

"Austin" is free to visit as part of the Blanton Museum's general admission (free on Thursdays). If you're exploring Austin on a Questo quest, this is a stop where the challenge might be to slow down and really look.

"Austin" by Ellsworth Kelly

The Littlefield Fountain sits at the south entrance of the UT Austin campus on Guadalupe Street as a tribute to American sacrifice and valor. Designed by acclaimed Italian sculptor Pompeo Coppini and unveiled in 1933, this magnificent fountain was commissioned by Major George Littlefield to honor American involvement in World War I. The fountain's composition features a striking central figure: Columbia, representing America, positioned prominently on the prow of a ship. She is flanked by allegorical figures representing both the Army and the Navy, creating a powerful tableau of American military strength and unity. This enduring monument continues to inspire visitors with its artistic beauty and historical significance.

Littlefield Fountain

The Barbara Jordan statue by sculptor Bruce Wolfe stands at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, honoring one of Texas's most influential political leaders. Barbara Jordan (1936-1996) was a trailblazer who made history as the first African American elected to the Texas State Senate in 1966. Four years later, she became the first Southern African American woman elected to the U.S. Congress in 1972. Her powerful voice during the Watergate impeachment hearings in 1974 earned her national recognition and respect. Jordan's legacy of courage and eloquence was recognized with her induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame. The statue captures her dignified presence and serves as an inspiration to all who pass through Austin's airport.

Barbara Jordan Statue by Bruce Wolfe

The Texas State Capitol Building stands as a bold architectural declaration of Texas pride and power. Designed by Elijah E. Myers and constructed between 1882 and 1888, this stunning structure surpasses the United States Capitol in Washington DC, reaching an impressive 302.64 feet in height. Built from Texas Sunset Red Granite quarried from Granite Mountain and generously donated to the state, the capitol was constructed with help from 86 skilled granite cutters brought from Scotland. The building's complexity is staggering: 392 rooms, 924 windows, and 404 doors. Over 20,000 people attended the dedication week celebration. Crowning the dome is a Goddess of Liberty statue made from 80 welded zinc pieces. Remarkably, the construction was largely financed through the sale of over 3 million acres of Texas Panhandle land.

<h2>How Tall is the Texas State Capitol Building?</h2><p>The Texas State Capitol Building is a beautiful building that can be seen from miles away. It has a lot of history and is a historical landmark.</p><p>The Texas State Capitol Building is the tallest state capitol building in the United States, standing at about 545 feet tall. It has 48 floors and is made up of limestone and granite, with a dome that sits on top of it all. The Texas State Capitol Building was completed in 1888 and has been standing tall since it was built. This makes it the oldest state capitol currently standing in the United States.</p><h2>How much did it cost to build the Texas State Capitol?</h2><p>The Texas State Capitol is a beautiful building that you can find in Austin, Texas. This building was completed in 1888. The cost of the construction was $6,500,000 which equates to around $78 million today.</p><p>The construction of the state capitol took six years to complete. The total cost was $6,500,000 which is equivalent to around $78 million today.</p><h2>How old is the Texas state capitol building?</h2><p>The Texas State Capitol building is the oldest state capitol in the United States. It was constructed between 1882 and 1888 and has been renovated, restored, and expanded many times since.</p><p>The Texas State Capitol is one of the most famous landmarks in Austin. It's recognizable by its imposing dome with a golden eagle on top and its iconic clock tower.</p><h2>What Time Does the Texas State Capitol Building Open?</h2><p>The Texas State Capitol Building is open from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday and at 9am to 12 noon on weekends. It is closed on state holidays.</p><h2><strong>Where is the Texas state capitol building located?</strong></h2><p>The Texas state capitol building is located at 1100 Congress Avenue, Austin, Texas. The Capitol is the home of the state legislature and houses their offices and chambers for legislative sessions. It was designed by Elijah E. Myers and opened to the public on September 17, 1892.</p><h3><strong>Interesting facts</strong></h3><ul><li>The Texas Capitol building is the most visited state building in the United States.</li><li>The Texas Capitol was designed by architect Elijah E. Myers and completed in 1888.</li><li>The Texas Capitol has a total of 1,100 rooms and houses over 10,000 employees.</li><li>There are over 2 million visitors to the Capitol each year!</li><li>The Texas Legislature is the governing body of Texas.</li><li>There are 1,437 members of the Texas Legislature who represent districts of all sizes and across all parts of Texas.</li><li>The Legislature convenes in Austin in the Texas Capitol building.</li><li>The Texas State Capitol building is located in Austin and it is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city.</li></ul><h3><strong>Popular tours</strong></h3><p>The Austin Texas State Capitol Building is a popular attraction in the city. Aside from being a tourist destination, it is also the home of the Texas Legislature. The state capitol building offers tours that are conducted by professional tour guides who are knowledgeable of the history and architecture of this building.</p><p>These tours are conducted daily and last for about an hour. The tours are broken down into two separate parts: the history of the building, and the inside of the building. Some tour highlights include a walk through a replica of the Treaty Room, where several treaties were signed between Texas and Native Americans; an overview of how a political party gets its name; an overview of what happens during legislative sessions and a walk through the rotunda.</p><h2><strong>Planning Your Visit</strong></h2><p>If you are planning to visit the state capitol building in Austin, Texas, there are a few things that you should know before you go. The Texas State Capitol Building in Austin is open for tours every day of the week. The tours are free and last about an hour. There is also a gift shop on site with items such as t-shirts, hats, and souvenirs. The tours are scheduled by the Bureau of Fine Arts and Historic Sites, which also manages and oversees all state-owned buildings. There is a touch screen kiosk available for visitors who wish to book tours in advance. Tour reservations can be made sixty days in advance, but it is recommended that you make reservations as early as possible. For more information about the Texas State Capitol Building, please visit<a href="https://tspb.texas.gov/plan/tours/tours.html">&nbsp;https://tspb.texas.gov/plan/tours/tours.html</a></p><h2><strong>Good to Know</strong></h2><p>The Texas State Capitol Building is the state's seat of government. It houses the offices of the governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, attorney general and comptroller. The building was designed by architect Elijah E. Myers in 1888 and has been expanded over time to meet growing needs. The capitol building features a dome that is made up of 36 sections that are each made out to represent one year of American history. Its dome was made to include 36 sections that represent one year of American history on it, with a copper-clad lantern dome and an exterior staircase leading to a museum called the "Wonder of the West," This building is known as the "36-Block-Star." The Texas State Capitol Building was later expanded to include an underground tunnel system designed by architect I. M. Pei in 1978 and the underground tunnel system is still in use for the security of the building.</p><h3><strong>Conclusion</strong></h3><p>There is no doubt that the Texas State Capitol building is one of the most iconic places in the United States. We have just proven that with some of the most interesting facts about this iconic place. It is now your turn to visit and see for yourself. What is the most fascinating thing about the Texas State Capitol building? Share with us!</p>

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One More Moment – Ghosts of Austin

Visit the Texas State Capitol, built 1882-1888. Taller than US Capitol, made of Texas granite. 392 rooms, stunning architecture.

The Texas State Capitol Building, Austin — Visitor Guide & Things to Do Nearby

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