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Montana State Capitol events – Helena, MT
Montana's copper-domed capitol, completed in 1902, holds the House of Representatives chamber where a large Charles M. Russell painting hangs and is open for free public tours.
1301 E. 6th Ave, Helena, MT 59601 · Official site
Upcoming at Montana State Capitol
Nothing listed for today. Listings refresh every morning (last update 2026-09-04).
No upcoming listings at Montana State Capitol right now. The venue's own calendar (linked above) may have more.
About Montana State Capitol
The Montana State Capitol was completed in 1902 and expanded with two wings in 1909-1912. It houses the offices of the governor and secretary of state and the chambers of the Montana Legislature, which meets in regular session only in odd-numbered years, convening in early January and typically adjourning by late April. The House of Representatives chamber displays Charles M. Russell's painting "Lewis and Clark Meeting Indians at Ross' Hole," one of four original Russell works in the building.
The Capitol sits at 1301 E. 6th Ave, across from the Montana Heritage Center. Building hours are Monday-Friday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and weekends 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day. The Montana Historical Society runs free, hour-long guided tours (limit 25 people, drop-ins welcome) covering art, architecture and civics; self-guided tour booklets and a kids' scavenger hunt are available at the first-floor information desk during business hours. The building and grounds are free to enter and wheelchair accessible.
What happens here
- Free guided tours led by the Montana Historical Society
- The Montana Legislature in session every odd-numbered year, January through roughly April
- The governor's annual Capitol Christmas tree lighting in early December, with caroling and a toy drive
- Political rallies and protests on the Capitol steps and lawn, including large demonstrations in 2025 and 2026
- Self-guided tours and a scavenger hunt for kids using booklets from the first-floor information desk
Good to know
- The Legislature only meets in odd-numbered years; 2026 is not a session year, so the building is quieter and easier to tour.
- Guided tours are free but capped at 25 people; arrive at the scheduled tour time rather than expecting one on demand.
- Metered and free street parking surrounds the Capitol grounds; the building itself has no visitor parking lot.
Annual events at Montana State Capitol
Montana State Capitol FAQ
- is it free to tour the Montana State Capitol
- Yes. The Montana Historical Society offers free, hour-long guided tours, and self-guided tour booklets are available at the first-floor information desk during building hours at no charge.
- when is the Montana Legislature in session at the Capitol
- Montana's Legislature meets in regular session only in odd-numbered years, convening in early January and usually adjourning by late April. 2026 is an even-numbered year, so no regular session is underway.
- what is the Charlie Russell painting at the Montana Capitol
- It's "Lewis and Clark Meeting Indians at Ross' Hole," a large painting by cowboy artist Charles M. Russell that hangs in the House of Representatives chamber. It's one of four original Russell works in the building.