The Old State House, widely regarded as Connecticut’s most important historic building, has undergone a complete historic restoration, including the recreation of its nineteenth century landscape. The exterior of the building has been returned to its appearance at the completion of its last major renovation in 1920, while the interiors of the building have been returned to various historic periods which illustrate their uses over the centuries. The construction project also provided an opportunity to bring the building into conformance with all Building Code requirements and, through the introduction of a new elevator and ramping at the plaza level, make the building fully accessible to the handicapped.

Of great interest is the work undertaken on the ground floor. This area was totally reconfigured in order to provide a new Visitors’ Entrance, Museum Shop, Administrative Offices and a new Stair Hall, a natural extension of the Great Hall on the floor above. From this hall a stair will lead visitors to a new 10,000 square foot underground gallery that will house the Museum of Connecticut History.

This project was awarded a Special Achievement Award from AIA Connecticut in 1996.

The Old State House
Hartford, Connecticut
The Old State House Association
Completed August 1996