Maine State Capitol Building

The Maine State Capitol building stands on Capitol Hill in Augusta, the state capital of Maine, at the heart of a compact civic campus overlooking the Kennebec River. The current building, completed in 1832 and substantially expanded in 1909–1910, was designed by Boston architect Charles Bulfinch — the same architect behind the United States Capitol dome. Maine's capitol is built of Hallowell granite quarried locally along the Kennebec River, giving it a distinctive pale grey exterior that stands out against the surrounding landscape. The copper-clad dome, topped by a gilded figure representing Wisdom, rises 185 feet and defines the Augusta skyline. The interior of the capitol is open to visitors during business hours on weekdays, and free guided tours are available through the Maine State Museum, which is located in an adjacent building on the same campus. The State House includes the Senate and House chambers — both open when the legislature is not in session — as well as a Hall of Flags displaying Civil War-era regimental flags from Maine's military regiments. The Maine State Museum adjacent to the capitol provides a fuller survey of Maine's history, natural history, and industrial past for visitors seeking deeper context. Augusta is approximately one hour north of Portland via I-95. Street parking near the capitol and in the Kennebec River waterfront area is available, as is parking in state lots adjacent to the campus.