Constructed in 1899 to 1911 and modeled after the United States Capitol in Washington D.C., this impressive structure is made of native Arkansas white marble and granite. Guided tours are given Monday through Friday, but we were there on a Saturday and had to do a self-guided tour. We picked up a map at the information desk near the front entrance.
The large rotunda area features pictures of the state's governors. While in the rotunda, look up at the dome for a magnificent view. One fascinating thing about this building is that it is asymmetrical. On each side of the rotunda are identical staircases surrounded by murals leading up to the Senate and House Chambers respectively. The governor's office is on the second floor and may also be viewed.
On the capitol grounds are monuments dedicated to Arkansas natives killed in Vietnam, law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, and a nice rose garden. The brass doors at the front entrance are 10 feet tall and 4 feet thick. They were bought from Tiffany's of New York. The capitol building is open Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm and Sundays from 10am to 4pm. Admission is free.