New York Opens State Capitol Following Pandemic Shutdown
With 70 percent of adults in New York State having gotten at least the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, Governor Andrew Cuomo says a big tourist attraction in the state capitol will be welcoming visitors for the first time in over a year.
The Empire State Plaza complex in Albany that includes the State Capitol and Legislative Office Building reopens to the public June 18 with tours of the Capitol resuming on Monday, June 21.
In addition, the outdoor tours of the Empire State Plaza are due to start back up on July 7.
Unvaccinated people will still be responsible for wearing masks.
Free Capitol tours happen Monday through Friday at ten and noon starting at the Information Desk in the Capitol’s State Street, Albany lobby. Space is limited and reservations are recommended. Reservations for groups of ten or fewer can be made online. Groups of ten or more can call (518) 474-2418 to make arrangements.
The Capitol building was constructed by hand of solid masonry over a periods of 32 years in the 19th century.
The Capitol tours last 45 minutes.
The free outdoor tours of the plaza are Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 2 p.m. starting outside the main entrance to the Egg Center for the Performing Arts on the Empire State Plaza. Reservations are required and can also be made online at empirestateplaza.ny..gov or by calling 518-474-2418.
The plaza gours are also 45 minutes long and feature highlights of the 98-acre complex. Information provided by the governor's office claims no two tours are the same.