MANSION TOURS HIATUS IN SUMMER – JUNE LAST MONTH FOR TOURS UNTIL OCTOBER
OLYMPIA – The Georgian-style Olympia Governor’s Mansion, situated on a bluff overlooking Capitol Lake, Puget Sound and the Olympia Mountains is the oldest building on the capital campus. June is the last month until October to tour the historic landmark as the public tours will close July through September for annual maintenance.
Wednesday’s, June 5 and 12th tours will be held at 10:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Each 30-minute tour is open to only 30 visitors and is hosted by the Governor’s Mansion Foundation docents. For reservations visit the Department of Enterprise Services’ website at https://apps.des.wa.gov/mansion/mansion.aspx to complete an online Mansion Tour request form.
On the tour, guests will visit the public first floor rooms – The Great Hall, Drawing Room, Library, Family Room Gallery, West and East Corridor, State Dining Room and Ballroom, and hear about the historical and cultural significance of the mansion’s furnishings, art and library collections. Also, tours will see a family photo display of the six state governors who served before the mansion’s completion and sixteen families who have lived there since its construction in 1909. In addition, this will be the last tour showing of the current art exhibit, featuring the work of four artists, Barbara Earl Thomas, Hiawatha D., Steve Jensen and William Brennen.
Reservations MUST be made at least 24 hours in advance. However, tours fill up fast so the earlier you make your reservation, the better. For questions or additional information, please email the State Capitol Tour Office at tours@des.wa.gov (please put in subject line Gov. Mansion Tours). Adult tour guests must present photo identification and all visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Masks are not required. No umbrellas, strollers or food/drink will be allowed on the tour. The Mansion is accessible to wheelchairs and walkers.
Visitors must walk a 200-yard incline up the Mansion. Campus parking is limited so see the Capitol Campus Interactive Map https://des.wa.gov/about/contact-us/capitol-campus-interactive-map.
Cancellation Policy – If you need to cancel your reservation, please do so with at least 72 hours’ notice (3 days) prior to your tour date. Call the Tour Office at 360.902.8880 to cancel your tour. Leave a message if no one answers. A waiting list is maintained for these tours and those not showing for their scheduled times do limit others wanting to attend. While last-minute issues are sometimes unavoidable, please make every effort to give adequate notice of cancellation.
The Governor’s Mansion Foundation, an all-volunteer, non-profit, non-partisan organization, honors the historical and cultural significance of the Washington State Governor’s Mansion by maintaining and enhancing the furnishings, art and library collection in the public rooms of the mansion, educating the public about the mansion and its history, and advocating on its behalf. The Governor’s Mansion Foundation is independent of the Governor’s office and the Governor. To learn more on becoming a “Friend of the Mansion”, or for more information on GMF, visit www.wagovmansion.org.
Terms & Conditions
Please Note:
• Cancellation Policy – If you need to cancel your reservation, please do so with at least 72 hours notice (3 days) prior to your tour date. Call the Tour Office at 360-902-8880 to cancel your tour. Leave a message if no one answers.
• Guided tours are provided by volunteer docents who generously donate their time to the Governor’s Mansion Foundation. Further, a waiting list is maintained for these tours and those not showing for their scheduled times do limit others wanting to attend. While last-minute issues are sometimes unavoidable, please make every effort to give adequate notice of cancellation. We want to make this experience positive for all involved. Thank you for your cooperation.
• Tours and requirements (masks/vaccination/etc.) are subject to change depending on COVID.
• Masks are not required for all guests on a mansion tour.
• All weapons are prohibited on the mansion grounds.
• PHOTO IDENTIFICATION IS REQUIRED for all persons 18 and older.
• Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
• The walk to the mansion includes a 200-yard incline up to the entrance.
• Public Restrooms are not available.
• Backpacks, strollers, umbrellas, gum, food, and drink are not permitted on the tour. Bins will be provided for storage of personal items. Purses are okay.
• The tour is 25 minutes of walking and standing. The mansion is accessible to walkers and wheelchairs (1st floor only). If accommodations are needed, please check the box when setting up your tour.
• Names of all individuals touring is required no later than 24 hours prior to your tour. Please e-mail the list to tours@des.wa.gov or provide the names in your Tour Request.
• Visitors will check-in with the Washington State Patrol at the bottom of the mansion driveway at least 10 minutes prior to their tour.
• For Visitor Parking Information, and to view an online campus parking map, please visit the Department of Enterprise Services website at www.des.wa.gov .
• For groups who have received prior approval to drive up to the mansion due to a special need, please submit the following vehicle information at least 24 hours prior to the tour: make, model, color, year, and license plate number of the vehicle.
• If you need to cancel or make changes to your reservation, please call the tour office at 360-902-8880 or by e-mail at tours@des.wa.gov as soon as possible.
• Please share the above information with your group. Thank you!
Updated Dec 18, 2023