Online Registration Opens Monday, September 13 at www.empirestateplaza.ny.gov 

New York State Office of General Services Commissioner RoAnn Destito today announced the annual return of the Capitol Hauntings tours. Online registration will begin on Monday, September 13, for the 13 days of Capitol Hauntings tours that will be offered between September 30 and October 29. These special tours explore the legends, folklore, and tales of ghost sightings and other strange things connected to the historic state Capitol.

“Combining the truly fantastic history of the New York State Capitol with the fantastical stories that people crave when Halloween season arrives is what makes our annual Hauntings Tour one of the most popular of our special themed tours of the Capitol,” Commissioner Destito said. “Our tours are free, and they fill up quickly, so I encourage everyone to sign up early and avoid missing out on this terrific and fun tour.”

Mixing history and the macabre, tour guides tell stories about the night watchman who died in the Capitol fire of 1911 and who some believe still makes his rounds today. They also recount tales of the two United States presidents who visited the Capitol after they died.

Find out where the Assembly Chamber’s “lost” murals are located and what happened to the tormented artist who created them. Walking among the gargoyle-like carvings and strange carved faces, visitors will discover the location of the Capitol’s “secret demon,” and evidence of a curse the demon may hold on the Capitol will be revealed, along with other dark secrets.

The tour lasts about an hour, but the chilling, ghostly tales might haunt you forever.

The free Capitol Hauntings tours will be offered:

• 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays only, from September 30 through October 22.
• 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, from October 25 through October 29

All tours start at the information desk in the Capitol’s State Street Lobby.

Space on each tour is limited, so pre-registration is required. Individuals and groups of 10 or fewer may register online at www.empirestateplaza.ny.gov, beginning on Monday, September 13. Larger parties should call (518) 474-2418 to register.

The wearing of a face mask is currently required on the tours to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.