ST. PAUL-The Minnesota Capitol building reopens Jan. 3 after being mostly closed for three years of renovation work, but a formal celebration comes Aug. 11-13.
State Administration Commissioner Matt Massman made the announcement Tuesday, Nov. 29, saying that visitors to the renovated Capitol will "have a jaw-dropping experience when you go in the door."
Related story: Upset over paintings, Dayton walks out of meeting While most of the work is finished, Massman warned members of the Capitol Preservation Commission that some construction will remain through late summer.
The outside and inside have undergone a comprehensive renovation that nears $310 million. Some areas look much like they did before, just spruced up, but much of the Capitol has been changed to open up space for public meetings and other uses. Plumbing, heating and air conditioning, electrical and other systems have been upgraded.
Some events will note the opening on Jan. 3, the day when the House and Senate begin their 2017 session. Also that day, the state Supreme Court plans to meet in its Capitol courtroom.
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Construction officials will maintain control of the Capitol until Dec. 31. Many Capitol workers plan to spend the New Year's weekend getting ready for the Legislature's return.
