ST. PAUL, MN — The Minnesota Department of Administration launched a new online reservation system today for booking public conference rooms and meeting spaces in the restored Capitol. When the Capitol opens on January 3, the building will feature approximately 40,000 square feet of public use space that will better reflect how the public interacts with their government. That is nearly double the amount prior to the restoration.
“The Capitol is a place for Minnesotans to gather and share their ideas about the future and direction of our state,” said Lt. Governor Tina Smith. “The restoration project has greatly expanded the public space within the Capitol, including new meeting and working rooms that can be reserved. I encourage all Minnesotans to take advantage of the expanded public space when they visit their Capitol.”
The new public spaces provide historic venues for the public to use, and include meeting rooms, working and gathering space, as well as expanded dining areas. Examples of new space include a large gathering area in the Basement Level that accommodates about 95 people. It is surrounded by exposed stone pillars that form the supporting foundation for the Capitol Rotunda and dome. Several new spaces are also available on the third floor on the East Wing. Two large conference rooms, two small conference rooms, and the Cass Gilbert Library contain period furniture, large windows, high ceilings, skylights, and state-of-the-art audio-visual systems. There is also a room available to host rotating exhibits.
"The Minnesota State Capitol Building belongs to the people of our state," said Administration Commissioner Massman. “Ensuring the public’s ability to easily access and use the Capitol were key drivers in the renovation project. A convenient reservation process is another example of that effort.“
All public spaces administered by the Department of Administration can now be reserved for use after normal business hours. The new public spaces are a part of the nearly 40,000 square feet of new or repurposed space developed during the Capitol Restoration. The online reservation system can be accessed at
http://mn.gov/admin/citizen/public-events/capspacereservations.jsp.
Although the Capitol will open on January 3 for the legislative session, construction will continue in and around the building. The Minnesota State Capitol Grand Opening Celebration is August 11-13, 2017, when work is complete. The multi-day celebration will commemorate the completion of the $310 million restoration of the State Capitol with entertainment, commemorative, and educational events in and around the building.
