The Old State Capitol building in Springfield will once again be accepting visitors to take tours of its historic interior beginning Oct. 7. The building has been closed since last spring to facilitate work on repairs.

Many of the repairs, managed by the Illinois Capital Development Board, involve installation of a new roof on the drum that supports the Old Capitol dome, along with restoration of the drum columns and drum windows.

While many of the repairs are still underway, the painting of the interior of the drum, plaster repair and painting of interior ceilings and walls has been completed.

“We are excited to reopen the Old State Capitol since the interior portion of the dome restoration project is complete,” said Von Bandy, director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Office of Land Management. “We invite guests to plan a visit to experience the new education gallery and video room.”

While the Old State Capitol was closed to visitors, the IDNR State Historic Sites staff installed a new education gallery and video room for a more involved visitor experience. The new 11-minute video highlights the historical significance of the building and can be viewed on the Old State Capitol webpage as well.

“The Old State Capitol building is one of Illinois’ most historic landmarks, and we are proud to have worked with the IDNR to oversee these important updates to the interior of the facility,” said CDB Executive Director Jim Underwood. “While work continues on the building’s exterior, we are pleased the public will now have the ability to tour and experience the State Capitol in a new and interactive way.”

Beginning Oct. 7, the Old State Capitol will be open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. All visitors will be required to observe current guidance from the CDC and Illinois Department of Public Health regarding face coverings and social distancing.