idaho state capitol building

I have visited the Capitol Building in DC and this building definitely measures up if not in size in grandeur. I'm not sure I have ever seen so much marble in one structure. It is a very pleasant place to sit and contemplate. We were the only ones under the dome that afternoon beyond a few workers passing through. The Christmas decorations were still up, understated and lovely. Full replica of the Liberty bell at the base of the front stairs.

Really great building modeled after the U.S. Capitol Building. They had decorated very nicely for the holiday season with poinsettias and garland and a large lighted tree out front.

The capitol building is essentially a duplicate of the US Capitol building in a lot of ways. Solid marble, and huge. Most notable: It was uncrowded and friendly - even got to meet the Governor as he was walking to meet with various staff people - in his shirtsleeves. Gave you the feeling that he is like Lincoln - who would greet visitors at the door and invite them in for a cup of (tea?) and chat. Idahoans should be very proud of their capitol and of Boise. Wonderful town.

Great place to check out especially during the holidays, beautiful decorations and colors. The tree inside and outside area awesome.

We had a nice time at this state capitol. The grounds are well-maintained and there were some very impressive floral displays outside. The staff was quite friendly, particularly one of the Governor's assistants, who informally spoke to us for awhile about the state. Unfortuntately, tours aren't readily available, but they had a video we watched and they gave us a self-guided tour pamplet. The gift shop was worth checking out. In the rotunda, there was a work in progress of a giant map of the state, made out of M&M's - one of the senator's kids was going for a world record. This is a nice state capitol, perhaps not the most impressive, but worth seeing nonetheless.

It's well worth a visit, and you can park outside in the street . Has a history of the state on the walls near the gift shop. If not in session you can visit the chambers and try out the seats.With all of that marble they aren't going to be building state capitols like this again. Especially nice in December with seasonal decorations.

Beautiful building with a wealth of history of Idaho for any history buff. Downstairs is a must see with original made in Idaho gifts.

The Idaho capitol building has some neat architecture but is hard to visit and appreciate without a lot of planning. For example guided tours are available if booked in advance by a group of at least five people, and the streets around the capitol are all one way streets so if you miss the turn it can be hard to find your way back. The parking meters are all coin operated as well, so you'll need to find a garage if you don't carry a lot of quarters with you.

We just returned from the Governor's Idaho arts award presentation at the rotunda, which was tastefully decked with pine boughs & a big wreath in the middle of the rotunda. We are blessed in Boise to have this fine structure that was reconditioned a few years ago. As Jim L describes in detail, there is some special architecture and finishes that make this a unique building. Take time to wander through the various levels & visit the legislature chambers --- you will feel like you are stepping back in time.

The Idaho Statehouse, which is an exact, one-third-size replica of the nation's capitol building, is a treasury of history and a great place for families to tour. The stately marble interior takes one back to the early days of the history of Idaho, which became a state in 1890. Many statues, plaques, and displays provide ample information about pioneer times, and there is something interesting here for all ages. The eagle that tops the capitol dome is 5-1/2 feet tall and is composed of copper that is gilded with bronze-tinted gold. A cafeteria serves food when the legislature is in session from January to March or April.

The exterior doors were open on Saturday, November 22, 2014, but the information desk, gift shop, and guided tours were all shut down until January 2015 when the Legislature returns.

My brother came to visit us from Florida. We took him on a tour of the capital building. It is a truly gorgeous place. The original architects designed it to have lots of natural light coming in from side and top-story windows shining down onto the lighter colored marble interior. Have to visit it to see what I am referring to. There is, on one level, an exhibit showing something about how the building was designed. That was interesting to read. Has been several years since we visited, so can't remember all the details. It is right at the end of Capital Blvd., (fancy that, eh?) and very close to Goldy's, also off Capital Blvd., which is a great breakfast place, with a coffee cafe on the corner where you can go to wait for a table to open up at the Goldy's restaurant, then could go visit the Capital Building. The landscaping and exterior underwent a renovation which was completed a couple years ago or so. To submit this review, I had to specify a time of visit. The earliest choice was Dec. 2013, but we came several years ago.

One of the staff in the Boise Art Museum recommended walking around in the capitol, and I am so glad we made a diversion to tour this magnificent building. After a recently completed huge renovation project, the inside of the capitol is now simply awe inspiring. Much of the inside is made of marble, but not the pillars. These are made using a technique called “scagliola” (Italian term), which is the art of making plaster look like marble (incorporates granite, marble dust, gypsum, glue and dye). See if you can tell the difference between real marble and the plaster version. I couldn’t.Have your camera ready, as there are cool angles all over the place. Lots of art too. Here’s the route we took and the things we checked out, starting on the 4th floor and working our way down:4th … Entrances to the balconies of the Senate and House chambers. The public can enter here and watch the proceedings. Nothing was happening when we were there, but the rooms are pretty cool.3rd … Main entrances to the legislative chambers; Idaho Supreme Court.2nd … Offices of the governor, lieutenant governor and other elected officials. There’s also a photo-worthy statue of George Washington astride a horse, and a plaster copy of the "Winged Victory." The reception area has copy of Idaho’s Great Seal.1st … Try to view the stars representing colonies and states (look up toward the dome). The floor has a marble pattern called a “compass rose,” best seen from above, and a sundial containing minerals native to Idaho.On the lowest floor you can check out many informational exhibits having to do with the history of Idaho, and a little museum shop. Also, walk down both wings to see the auditoriums, smaller conference chambers, dining areas, etc.

If you are exploring downtown Boise this is a must stop, go in and check it out. Definately worth it.

Besides enjoying the architecture and history of the capitol and was amazed by the access. Visitors are permitted to roam the entire building and are welcomed at every turn.