Online Registration Now Open at www.empirestateplaza.ny.gov 

New York State Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy today announced the annual return of the Capitol Hauntings tours. Online registration will begin on Wednesday, September 14, for the month of Capitol Hauntings tours that will be offered between October 3 and October 31. 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 extraordinary history of the New York State Capitol with the sensational 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 Jeanette Moy 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. Monday through Thursday, from October 3 through October 31.
• 3 p.m., 5 p.m., and 6 p.m. on Fridays: October 7, 14, 21, and 28.

Tours will not be offered on Monday, October 10.

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 Wednesday, September 14. For groups of 10 or more, please contact the Plaza Visitor Center at 518-474-2418 to arrange a tour.

Masks are optional in the Capitol, and visitors are no longer required to show proof of vaccination.