Did you know that you can tour the Ohio Statehouse for free? Self Guided tours are available at any time during operating hours. Free guided tours are also available. The Ohio Statehouse is not only home to the Ohio House and Senate chambers, but also the Ohio Statehouse Museum & Gift Shop, various exhibits, and the famous Rotunda. Outside the Statehouse the grounds are surrounded by many monument and gardens.

The Ohio Statehouse was built in 1861, and has been renovated several times since. The statehouse took 20 years to build with construction starting in 1939 and completed in 1861. Delays were due to politics, funding and epidemics. Greek architecture can be seen throughout the building and the many columns that support the structure. Electricity was added in 1892 and telephone communication was possible in the house chamber in 1880. House and Senate sessions where televised for the first time in 1960 and the Ohio Statehouse Museum opened in 2009.

Lots of symbolism can be found throughout the Ohio Statehouse. The Greek architecture and Doric columns represent democracy. Flowers are seen throughout and are a motif of America's as a land of prettify opportunities and democracy. Circles in the Rotunda room represent everlasting in both the building and the democratic government. There are lots of stairs in the statehouse, each representing power, authority and control. Climbing higher to where the chambers are shows this. Many statues are seen throughout recognizing those who have made significant contributions to Ohio and to America's Democracy.

The Ohio Statehouse is located at: 1 Capitol Square Columbus, Ohio 43215 and more information can be found at: Statehouse Tours Website

Sources: The Ohio Statehouse Self Guided Tour Brochure