House and Senate to offer Live Video of 2013 Sessions
The Virginia House of Delegates and the Senate of Virginia offer live streaming video of the 2013 Legislative Sessions, when each body convenes for session. The next sessions are to be held on Wednesday, April 03, 2013 at noon.
Monument to the Achievements of the Women of Virginia to be Installed on Virginia's Capitol Square
Conceptual rendering of the monument © EISStudio and 1717 Design Group
RICHMOND – 3/28/13 The Women of Virginia Commemorative Commission announced the selection of the winning design for the Women's Monument to be placed on the grounds of Virginia's Capitol Square in Richmond. Thought to be the first of its kind in the nation, the Monument will commemorate the collective contributions of the women of Virginia throughout the past 400 years of its storied history. Prominently placed and respectfully integrated into the historic Capitol landscape, the Monument's oval-garden design includes elements of sculpture and landscaping that will provide visitors an interactive and educational experience. Out of 34 designs submitted from around the world, the Commission unanimously selected the winning design by StudioEIS of Brooklyn, New York and The 1717 Design Group, Inc. of Richmond, Virginia. Today’s decision was announced in conjunction with the Library of Virginia's annual Virginia Women in History awards celebration.
See the full press release of the monument announcement.
Jefferson Statue unveiled in the State Capitol
Jefferson Statue unveiled to the public
On May 3, 2012, The Virginia Capitol Foundation, joined by leaders of the Virginia General Assembly, unveiled a newly commissioned bronze sculpture at the State Capitol entitled Thomas Jefferson, Architect of Liberty. The larger-than-life bronze statue represents Mr. Jefferson at approximately age 42 when he designed the Virginia State Capitol. Mr. Jefferson is holding an architectural drawing of the Capitol which was the first building designed and constructed expressly to house a governmental body in our new nation.
The Virginia State Capitol’s 2007 Restoration and Expansion featured a 27,000 square foot underground extension that included plans for a sculpture of Thomas Jefferson to be placed in the area known as the Plaza. The statue, which will now be on permanent display in the Plaza, will serve as a guidepost, beckoning the more than 100,000 annual visitors to enter America’s first monument to democracy.
A full press release, detailing the statue's origins and journey to its permanent home at the State Capitol is available.
"Keepers of the Flame" film now showing at the Capitol
Capitol visitors will soon learn more about Virginia’s central role in American history, thanks to a new film, Keepers of the Flame, produced by the Virginia Capitol Foundation with assistance from actor, filmmaker, and Virginia native Tim Reid. The 20-minute visually-interactive film is available for viewing seven days a week during regular Capitol tour hours.
The film features compelling stories of individuals who have made an impact on Virginia history – from well-known figures like Thomas Jefferson and George Washington to High School Student Barbara Johns who proved that everyone can make a difference. This film, coupled with the Capitol’s ongoing educational programs and exhibits, tells the story of Virginia’s representative government and celebrates the Commonwealth’s central role in American history with a goal of inspiring viewers to appreciate and become involved with public service.
The film can be seen at regular intervals during visiting hours of the Virginia State Capitol in the new Capitol extension.
See more information about visting the Capitol in person or receive help with scheduling a group visit, by calling (804) 698-1788 to verify daily tour schedules and make group tour appointments for groups of 10 or more.
A full news release about the film is available.
2013 Usage Guidelines for the Capitol Campus
The Virginia Capitol, one of the most historic structures in the Western Hemisphere, every year welcomes thousands of Virginia citizens and visitors from around the country and throughout the world. The Virginia Capitol is unique among historic sites because it also is a working government building. It is important to respect and safeguard the historic nature of the Capitol as well as preserve the public’s access to their government without impeding the day-to-day operations of state government and the conduct of the people’s business.
In accordance with local, state, and federal laws, rules, and regulations, interim rules regarding the Capitol and the House and Senate galleries have been established jointly by the Clerk of the House and the Clerk of the Senate at the direction of the General Assembly’s Committee on Joint Rules.
Groups interested in holding an event on Capitol Square will need a permit. Please see the Commonwealth of Virginia's Division of Engineering and Buildings (DEB) webpage.
