Minnesota State Capitol reopens for 1st time since closure during pandemic

On Thursday, the Minnesota State Capitol building reopened to the public for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic shut it down.

Regular weekday hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. have been reinstated. The Minnesota Department of Administration said in a release that weekend hours will resume at a later date.

The building will remain open beyond regular hours as needed to accommodate House of Representatives and Senate floor sessions as well as any legislative hearings conducted in Capitol hearing rooms.

With the reopening, the public will once again be able to reserve space in the Capitol for meetings and events. According to a release, events will continue to be permitted on the Upper Mall, Lower Mall and Leif Erikson Park. More information for holding public rallies and special events within Capitol Complex buildings and grounds can be found here.

In addition, the Minnesota Historical Society information desk on the Capitol’s first floor will be open and will resume providing information for self-guided tours. Guided tours are expected to resume this summer. For more information on the Capitol’s historical site, click here.