Visitor FAQs
Where is the State House located?
The State House is located at 125 West State Street in Trenton. Tours begin in the adjacent State House Annex located at 145 West State Street.
What are the State House's security protocols?
State House security is maintained by the New Jersey State Police. All adult visitors are required to go through magnetometers and show a valid photo id to enter the complex.
What are the tour times?
Tours are offered Monday through Friday at 10: 00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m, and 3:00 p.m. All tours require advanced registration and begin in the State House Annex. To make a reservation call the Tour Office at 609-847-3150.
The State House is closed Saturdays, Sundays, and State holidays, including: New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents’ Day, Good Friday, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Election Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. (Please note that holidays occurring on a Saturday are observed on the preceding Friday and holidays occurring on a Sunday are observed on Monday.)
Are reservations needed?
Yes—reservations are required to tour the State House Complex. Please call the Tour Office to schedule a reservation at 609-847-3150.
Are self-guided tours available?
No, self-guided tours are not available. Staff and volunteer tour guides escort visitors through the building, explaining its history, art and architecture, and the legislative process.
Is parking available?
Limited free parking is available in the capitol parking garage on weekdays. The garage entrance on West State Street is located between the New Jersey State Library (185 W. State Street) and the New Jersey State House Annex (145 W. State Street). The garage can also be accessed from the rear entrance to the Capitol Complex, off Route 29. Proceed to the guard booth and have a picture ID ready to gain access to the garage. Metered, on-street parking is available along West State Street. Several pay lots are located within walking distance. Parking for wheelchair users is available on West State Street and in the garage.
On Saturdays, free parking is available in the surface lot at Barracks and Lafayette Streets, at the rear of the State House, and adjacent to the Old Barracks Museum.
Visit our directions page for more information.
Where does the tour start?
Tours begin in the State House Annex (145 W. State Street) first floor lobby.
What is the admission cost?
All tours are offered free of charge.
What will I see on the tour?
You will see the legislative and executive portions of the State House including the General Assembly and Senate Chambers, Rotunda, and other significant interior spaces. Visit the highlights and facilities page for more information.
Is photography allowed?
Photography for personal use is allowed.
How do you accommodate people with special needs?
The Tour Office strives to accommodate guests with special needs. Please call the Tour Office at 609-847-3150 for specific arrangements or click here for more information.
Will I get to meet the Governor or legislators?
The Governor and legislators do not routinely greet visitors. You can find contact information for your legislator here.
Do you participate in the Capitol Collector program?
Yes, we can stamp your passport or provide an individual souvenir postcard to memorialize your visit to the New Jersey State House.
Do you have any programs for youth groups other than school classes?
We welcome day camps, faith-based youth groups, and scouts. A visit to the State House supports a Girl Scout badge for Brownies (Celebrating Community), Juniors (Inside Government), Cadettes (Finding Common Ground), Seniors (Behind the Ballot), and Ambassadors (Public Policy). Potential Boy Scout merit badges include Citizenship in the Nation, American Heritage, and Citizenship in the Community.
How do I contact the Tour Office?
Staff is available to answer questions between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday by calling 609-847-3150 or emailing njstatehousetours@njleg.org.
Does the State House have a gift shop?
No. Souvenirs are available for purchase at the State Museum, Old Barracks Museum, and Trent House.
Where can I eat?
Casual eateries are located nearby, primarily on Warren Street. Picnicking on the grounds is permitted.
What else is there to see nearby?
Our capital city is rich in historic sites and cultural attractions. Information about these and other local sites of interest is available here.
State Museum (609-292-6464) www.state.nj.us/state/museum
Old Barracks Museum (609-396-1776) www.barracks.org
Trent House (609-989-3027) www.williamtrenthouse.org
Trenton City Museum (609-989-1191) www.ellarslie.org
Are there special requirements due to Covid-19?
As of March 22, 2022, all Covid-19 restrictions, including proof of vaccination, have been lifted from the State House Complex.
Can I have my wedding pictures taken at the State House?
Designated areas on the capitol grounds are available for wedding photography. To obtain a permit and for more information, contact a representative of the Public Use Program at 609-847-3135.
