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Michigan state capitol tours.

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Visit Michigan State Capitol

Mingle with the leaders of the state at Michigan State Capitol, one of the most distinctive and impressive landmarks in the city of Lansing. Wander around the perimeter of the elegant, neoclassical building, then join one of the tours to witness the inner workings of Michigan’s legislature.

Visit the third version of a State Capitol building in Michigan. Before Lansing had the title of capital city, Detroit was chosen as the governmental center of Michigan and had its own capitol. After Lansing was surprisingly chosen as the new capital in 1847, a wooden building was quickly built but failed to meet the standards required for state government. Come to Lansing today to see Elijah E. Myers’ design for the permanent capitol, which was built between 1872 and 1878.

Gaze upward at the stunning exterior of the building, which is covered in neoclassical features. Look for columns with Corinthian and Ionic capitals and marvel at the cast-iron dome that towers above the building.

Take a tour of the interior to learn about the different aspects of the building’s history and its current usage. Enter through the sparse ground floor, once an armory, before walking up to the more ornate first floor. The floor of the rotunda is made from shards of thick glass, while the inner dome leaves visitors in awe of its hand-painted designs.

See portraits of Michigan’s past governors on the second floor in a gallery of paintings depicting each politician. This floor also houses the current governor’s office, as well as the house and senate chambers. Watch the politicians in action from the public viewing galleries on the third floor. After your tour, wander around the grounds of Capitol Square, which is lined with colorful flowerbeds.

Michigan State Capitol is located near several other attractions. Find Aldado Riverfront Park to the east and the Michigan History Museum to the west, both accessible in about 15 minutes on foot. Tours are available every 30 minutes from Monday to Saturday, excluding public holidays.

Plan a trip to see Michigan State Capitol

The Comstock Inn and Conference Center

Reviewed on May 31, 2024

Graduate East Lansing

Reviewed on May 29, 2024

Hyatt House Lansing University Area

Reviewed on Jun 2, 2024

Popular places to visit

Central united methodist church.

Marvel at one of the most impressive church buildings in Lansing and see inside the nave during one of its inclusive services every Sunday.

• Lansing Art Gallery

The work of Michigan artists is celebrated in a community-run, non-profit gallery located in the heart of the state’s capital city.

• Wentworth Park

Pause for a break from sightseeing in central Lansing by resting in this quiet park with interesting monuments, river views and convenient local amenities.

• Lansing Center

Learn about the events happening at Lansing Center during your trip to Lansing. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

• R.E. Olds Transportation Museum

Travel through the history of transportation in an engaging museum that charts the history of the REO Motor Car Company and displays some of its finest vehicles.

Herrmann House

With an intriguing history that touches on Ernest Hemingway and the Lost Generation of writers, this stately mansion today houses the college’s president.

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Michigan State Capitol Virtual Tour

Lansing, Michigan

Welcome to our virtual tour of the State Capitol! The tour currently takes you from the statue of Governor Austin Blair in front of the Capitol, into the rotunda. Once in the rotunda, you can look 360° around you. We're currently in the process of adding much of the rest of the building, including the House and Senate Chambers.

Please e-mail us with your comments!

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Michigan State Capital Building: Tours, Pictures, Cool Things to See at the Capitol (Dome, Senate, House of Representatives) 

By Sherry Trautman

Michigan State Capitol | By Sherry Trautman | Traveling Michigan

Visit our Michigan Capital building in a fun new way to see the stunning Gallery of Governors, House of Representatives and Senate Chambers! We promise you will have fun while learning (because nobody likes boring stuff!).   

*Plus, embark on our 10 Hidden Secrets in the Michigan Capitol treasure hunt for even more fun! 

*We also have lots of fun ideas of things to do while you are in  Lansing Michigan .

Take a Virtual Tour of the Michigan State Capitol!

See the Rotunta, 160 Historic Battle Flags and the Famous Starry Dome!

Did you know the State Capitol is a National Historic Landmark?

What is Michigan's state capital?

Lansing, Michigan but was previously in Detroit.  

Is Michigan State Capitol open? Can I visit the Capitol Building? What are the Hours?

Yes, you can embark on a self-guided tour.  The Michigan State Capitol is open 8-5 Mon.-Fri. Tours for ten people or less are offered on the hour 9-4 p.m. Single use self-guided tour books are also available at the main tour and information desk on the ground floor at the east entry. 

Secret Treasure Hunt in the State Capitol!

Did you know there are hidden secrets in the Michigan Capital ?  

Embark on our Michigan Capital treasure hunt adventure! Search for giant mollusks, antlers, fancy door knobs and lots more!

Michigan State Capitol Address

100 N. Capitol Ave, Lansing, MI 48933

Where is the Entrance to the Michigan State Capitol?

It can be very confusing to determine where the entrance to the Michigan State Capital is located.  My friend and I wandered around for quite a while.  See the circle above as the entrance is under the massive front staircase!!  

What to Do First When Visiting the State Capital?

You will arrive on the ground floor and walk past security.  Be sure to take a guide book (free to borrow)  if you wish to have a self guided tour which is also  free . 

This book is invaluable for your experience and we read along as we walked.  

If you wish to have a guided tour or have questions, call the Information Service line at 517-373-2353.  

See the Senate in Action!

The Senate (blue room) has public viewing areas on the third floor.  You are welcome to enter but you must remain seated if the chamber is in session.  This is a very quiet room so we didn't speak as people were working. Both galleries have areas for wheelchairs.  You can see why the Michigan State Capitol is a National Historic Landmark.

FYI: It's very easy to get turned around as you are going between floors so I just memorized that the Senate has predominately blue walls and the House has pink.  

The Senate has 38 members and is the smaller chamber (between the Senate and the House of Representatives).

When you visit the House and Senate Chambers, look up at the magnificent coffered ceilings.  These panes were originally made of red and white hand etched glass but were lost or broken many years ago. They were placed with plastic in the House and plywood in the Senate.  

Can you find your state's Coat of Arms?

Learn More About the House of Representatives

The House of Representatives Chamber (pink room) has 110 members .  Each representative is elected to a two-year term.  They sit at an assigned desk with Republicans on the right and Democrats on the left. (So that's where the right and left designation originated!!)

The presiding officer is the Speaker of the House and is elected to this position by the members.

Did you know the original 1878 desks were refinished and are still used in this chamber?  Pretty cool, huh!  It would have been a waste to get new desks when these are spectacular!

The Gallery of Governors is Breathtaking!

The Gallery of Governors  is a portrait gallery of past Governors located on the second and third floor.  The Governors pay for their own portraits and after they leave office, the portrait is hung in this gallery. Be sure to walk around the full circle.

There are only 14 portraits in total and they are arranged in chronological order, with the most recent portraits hung on the second floor and the oldest portraits displayed on the third floor. When a new governor leaves office, the oldest portrait gets the boot.  Just kidding , the oldest one is moved to another area in the building...(well, gets the boot).

Did You Notice The Ghostly Governor Painting?

This painting definitely caught my eye as it is vastly different than the traditionally painted portraits on the second floor in the Gallery of Governors. 

This is a portrait of Governor John Swainson , who served from 1961 to 1962.  After only serving one term, the Governor left the office.  Since the governors pay for their own portraits, Mr. Swainson wished to have his painting appear unfinished to symbolize his then unfinished career.

The Rotunda is the Star of the Show!

This phenomenal Rotunda is meant to be awe inspiring.   It's hard not to drop your jaw as you stare up in wonder at the magnificent architecture, paintings and vast open space.  

This spectacular dome was created to inspire you with endless possibilities just within your grasp. 

This spectacular floor of the Rotunda has 976 glass tiles that are 5/8" thick.   This floor appears to be glowing as it is lit from below. 

It's fun to look up at the ceiling of glowing glass when you first enter the Capital and then head up the stairs to your right or left to walk on the glowing glass tiles.

We dare you to lay down on the glass floor of the Rotunda and look up 160 feet to the "eye" or oculus of the dome.  There, you will see a spectacular starry sky!

See the Supreme Court at the Michigan State Capitol

This Supreme Court room is just magnificent at the Michigan State Capitol.   The chairs look so comfortable and the wood work is extraordinary.

Pin This Michigan State Capitol Page!

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Thanks for stopping by.

Our Words of Wisdom: “Never follow anyone else’s path. Unless you’re in the woods and you’re lost and you see a path, then by all means follow that path.”

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Sherry Trautman is a seasoned business owner and a multifaceted content creator, deeply entrenched in the world of travel in Michigan. With her extensive background in writing, editing, photography, marketing, website design, web mastering, social media, and publishing, she is the driving force behind the acclaimed Michigan Travel site "Travel-mi.com." A lifelong Michigander, Sherry's journey began in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan led her to St. Joseph during her formative years, and further to Kalamazoo for her higher education. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design and Fine Art from Western Michigan University. Her career initially blossomed in Battle Creek, where she contributed significantly to aviation, marketing, and the art industry. In 2018, Sherry, alongside her husband Chris, embarked on a passionate endeavor with the inception of Travel-MI.com. This venture was not just a business but a full-time commitment to exploring and celebrating the diverse landscapes and communities of Michigan. Together, they tirelessly traverse the state, curating unique experiences, capturing stunning visuals, and weaving engaging narratives that showcase Michigan's rich cultural tapestry and natural beauty. From her early experiences in different Michigander locales to her extensive professional background, Sherry's life and work epitomize a deep-rooted expertise in Michigan travel, making her an authoritative voice in this niche.

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Lansing Family Fun

Lansing Family Fun is where the fun's at! We're your local guide to family adventures, and cool events, with a mix of travel information, guides, and helpful content galore.

It’s Time to Visit the Michigan Capitol Building in Lansing

Don’t Wait for a Field Trip to Explore the Michigan State Capitol Building

Did you know that you can tour the Michigan Capitol Building in Lansing?

Braving a blustery winter day, my son and I took a self-guided tour of this national treasure. We almost forgot it was so cold outside as we got lost in the atmosphere and beauty. Our visit brightened our day, leaving us excited to return and bring the rest of our family with us.

The capitol building in Lansing, Michigan is a treasure.

If you’re hoping to explore the capital building yourself, this is what you need to know:

Table of Contents

How to Tour the Michigan State Capitol Building

The Michigan State Capitol moved from Detroit to Lansing location in 1847. The capitol building we know today was completed in 1873 . The building was designed by Detroit architect, Elijah E. Meyers (the same architect who later planned the Texas state capitol in Austin.)

Visit the Texas State Capitol and the buildings’ similarities will strike you.

There is a reverence of sorts when you walk into either building.

Don’t let that intimidate you.

You are welcome to take a self-guided tour of the Michigan State Capitol building within its hours of operation .

Touring the history, art, and detail as an adult was a whole new experience. It was very special to be able to share this with my son, just as my mom loved visiting with us when we were kids. I imagine this generational tradition will continue to flow through many Michigan families and visitors for decades to come.

Guided Tours of the Capitol Building

Guided tours are available between 9:00 and 4:00. Groups of 10 or more people can schedule a tour in advance, smaller groups and individuals are permitted to join with scheduled groups. Please call (517) 373-2353 to confirm tour times or schedule a tour.

Smartphone Tours

The Capitol also offers smartphone tours . These efficient, self-guided experiences delve into specific Capitol themes, including historical furniture, portraits, and artwork throughout the Capitol and its surroundings.

Michigan State Capitol Stats

Height: 267 feet tall, from the ground to the tip of the spire

Number of Floors: 4

Number of Rooms: 139

Building Dimensions: 420 ft × 274 ft

Year Inaugurated: 1879

5 Reasons to Take a Self-Guided Michigan State Capitol Building Tour

All self-guided tours including the Smartphone tours are FREE of charge.

1. Soak Up Grandiose Structure and Beauty

Don’t have a lot of time but want to take an awesome adventure?

Try out touring the Capitol Building by wandering through it. You’ll be able to take in a lot in a short amount of time, is worthwhile and can be really fun.

My son loved seeing the decadence and learning all about the Capitol Building. He kept saying over and over, “Wow, look at that!” I answered things like “Right!? That’s all hand-painted!” and “Yes, these are called the grand staircases.”

The absolutely gorgeous dome high above his little gaze was what got the most attention.

2. Notice the Detailed Architecture and Monuments

13 monuments grace the grounds before you even walk into the building, including The Hiker Memorial which was sculpted by Theo Alice Ruggles Kitson, one of the first American women sculptors to gain international prominence!

We’ve been to many events on the Michigan State Capitol grounds, but slowing down to learn about each individual piece is really special.

Sauntering the halls and seeing the wall-to-ceiling hand-painted detail of the architecture is breathtaking!

Can you imagine being one of those painters!? Thrilling!

Each balcony has a unique view, and you’ll find an extensive amount of architecture throughout the Michigan Capitol Building.

3. Explore the Fine Art

Placed purposefully throughout the building are fine art pieces of each governor, eight muse paintings, and hand-painted murals.

Included on this list of art is the starry dome in the center of the Capitol Building.

You’ll find this as you stand on the round glass floor at the main level by gazing upward.

4. Learn Michigan and American History

Lansing wasn’t always the capital city; it was first in Detroit. In March of 1847, Lansing was chosen as the second capital location – and there have been three buildings.

The Capitol Building in Lansing’s downtown is the third capitol building Michigan has known.

Now, more than 100 years later, boy have we proved the “horrified observers” wrong that Lansing is not a “howling wilderness” or “village-less.”

We not only have villages, but a vibrant community filled with amazing people and our city has tons of things to do with our families .

It’s so awesome to learn about the history of our state while touring a building filled with just that – history!

You’ll find all of this information and much, much more when you visit and take the Historic Tour of the Capitol Building.

5. Explore it All

Spend the day at the Michigan State Capitol Building by doing all of the tours .

If you’re visiting from out of town and want to have a memorable experience, this is a great way to make the drive worthwhile. Be sure to check out our tips before you come our way.

Check out the tips below to make your day trip to Lansing great:

Tips for visiting the Michigan State Capitol

1. Parking : There are credit card meters along Washington Square. Finding parking there will ensure you don’t go over your meter and provides a nice walk through Lansing’s downtown strip. Also, parking structures are located on Capitol Ave between Shiawassee and Ionia, and Washington and Kalamazoo. Both of these structures are within walking distance of the Capitol.

2. Coming with kids? Have the Talk : Visiting the Capitol Building is a lot of fun, but letting the kids know it’s not ok to touch the walls or important pieces is really important before you go.

3. No worries : The building has many people walking in and out at all times. You might feel overwhelmed when you arrive but don’t worry, you are welcome, even with kids in tow. The friendliness as you walk through the building is awesome.

Visiting the Michigan State Capitol Building Will Stick With You

As my son and I walked up to the Michigan State Capitol Building he said, “Mommy! Is this where the king of the castle lives?!”

I replied, “Well, sweetie, if this was a castle – technically it would be considered where the queen of the castle resides. After all, we now have our second female governor in office in Michigan’s history!”

Special trips like this can bring up fun and engaging conversations with our kids. I love that we have this type of opportunity right here in downtown Lansing!

The Michigan State Capitol is one of those wonderful places mutually enjoyed by all ages. Kids are welcome in our Capitol building and they love to see all of the beauty, history, art, and information just like we do.

Try it out and let me know how your trip goes! We’d love to hear your feedback, thoughts, and tips.

Carla Brooks

Carla is Oregon born, Michigan raised, so it comes as no surprise she's an avid adventurer in all things nature and water fun. She's passionate about storytelling and the power it has to engage the community, give voice to the teller, and invoke a call to action. She is a proud Mexican-American woman who loves to travel (while eating and cooking delicious foods from around the globe), is grateful for her daily yoga practice, and garners much joy from spending time with friends and family. Life is ripe with story and she is always working to capture the magic wherever she goes, so don’t be surprised if you catch her jotting notes with a camera in hand.

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Your guide to visiting the Michigan Capitol

Planning a trip to Lansing? You can stop by the Michigan State Capitol, a National Historic Landmark well worth a visit. You can explore the Capitol on your own or join a tour.

When is the Michigan Capitol open to the public?

The Capitol is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. But when either the state House, state Senate or a legislative committee is in session outside those times or on a holiday, the building is open 30 minutes before the start of the session and 30 minutes after adjournment.

The Capitol is closed during major holidays with closures falling on the preceding Friday or following Monday when a holiday falls on a weekend. Call 517-373-2353 to verify whether the Capitol is open.

If you want a booklet for your self-guided tour, you can pick one up at the Capitol Tour and Information Services, which is located in the east wing on the ground floor and at Heritage Hall at the main entry tour and information desk.

How to join a tour of the Michigan Capitol

Capitol tours are free! They occur Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and take about 45 to 60 minutes. You don't need a reservation if you're traveling solo or with a small group (fewer than 10 visitors). Still, tour times can change due to staffing levels, so if you're interested in a guided tour, it's wise to call the Capitol Tour Service in advance at 517-373-2353.

If you're planning to visit the Capitol with a large group (10 or more visitors), you'll need to make a reservation by calling 517-373-2353 or 517-373-2348.

What to see during a visit to the Michigan Capitol

If you're visiting the Capitol — whether on a self-guided or official tour — you'll have access to the public areas of the building. That includes the Rotunda and the Gallery of Governors. You may also be able to stop by the House and Senate galleries if available.

Contact Clara Hendrickson at [email protected] or 313-296-5743. Follow her on X, previously called Twitter, @clarajanehen.

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Take a Tour of a 'Greener' Colorado State Capitol Building

It’s hard to miss the gold-plated dome atop the Colorado State Capitol , but the nearly invisible geothermal system that heats and cools the building is every bit as compelling.

Operational since 2013, the system was a first for a state capitol building.

“The building is uniquely situated over the aquifer in downtown Denver,” says Doug Platt, the capitol’s spokesperson. “The way our geothermal system works is it pulls the water out from underground, circulates it through a variety of heat exchangers throughout the building, and then we put the water back into the ground so that there’s no net gain or loss of the water from the water table. We just borrow its temperature: a constant 64 degrees underground.”

Notes Platt: “It’s a more moderate baseline to both heat and cool the building.”

Designed with a target reduction in energy costs of $29 million, the geothermal system “pays for itself with energy savings,” he adds. “Should there not be energy savings demonstrated, the builder of the system has performance contracts where they would offset if there was any increase in cost. At the end of the day, the system was built with no state tax dollars.”

Geothermal heating and cooling is not the capitol building’s only superlative when it comes to sustainability.

“The Colorado State Capitol was the first one ever to get LEED-certified,” says Platt.

The implementation of recycling and water conservation programs and a move to energy-efficient LED lighting helped garner the certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, he adds, noting, “We have converted over 22,000 lights not only in the capitol, but in the entire Capitol Complex.”

The biggest sustainability challenge at the capitol involves bringing a building built in the 1890s into the 21st century.

“With the technology that’s hardwired into the building, sometimes it makes it a challenge to do that, but that doesn’t deter us from doing a lot of common-sense things as well as technologically advanced things,” says Platt.

“Despite the fact that you don’t see this stuff as a tourist, a lot of its going on in inconspicuous areas,” he continues. “We need to always consider the architect’s vision of the building and the historical significance of the building so that when we do these things, we don't disrupt that historic character. Putting in a geothermal system, for example, we didn’t run new ductwork where people can see anything. It all has to be done without disrupting the historical vision of the building.”

Gov. Jared Polis has also promoted sustainable practices via executive orders, including one in 2023 that established a sustainability office to promote government efforts and reduce energy and water consumption in state buildings.

It also pushes the greening of the grounds at the capitol and other government properties.

“This executive order talks about xeriscaping, it talks about converting all of the equipment that we use to landscape from gas power to electric power,” explains Platt.

All of these initiatives add up to a significant whole. “When we talk about sustainability, it’s sort of a journey rather than a destination,” says Platt. “We’re walking the walk.”

Take a free tour of the capitol building, Monday through Friday, where you can admire the intricate stained glass, towering columns, gilded crown molding, gleaming brass chandeliers and, of course, the gold dome atop it all.

Eric Peterson

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Gov. Whitmer Announces New Actions to Build a More Innovative Michigan

May 30, 2024

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: [email protected]

Gov. Whitmer Announces New Actions to Build a More Innovative Michigan

Infrastructure for Innovation, Pitch Competition, Chief Innovation Ecosystem Officer will grow Michigan’s economy, unleash Michigan’s entrepreneurial spirit

MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich.— Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer delivered the keynote address at the Mackinac Policy Conference, announcing new actions to support innovators and entrepreneurs who are building the future in Michigan. They include a pitch competition to support innovators with capital, two executive actions to open testing equipment, facilities, and infrastructure to entrepreneurs, and a new MEDC team member to foster a culture of innovation.

“Michigan innovators drive our state forward, solve problems, push boundaries, and bring new ideas, people, jobs, and prosperity to Michigan communities,” said  Governor Gretchen Whitmer . “We need to have their backs. I am announcing three new actions to invest in culture, capital, and creativity, grow Michigan’s economy, and unleash the innovative spirit that is in every Michigan community. Michigan is redefining our story and showing the world that we have what it takes to build the future. Let’s keep working together to strengthen our innovation ecosystem and make our state the best place to make your idea a reality.”

“Michigan has always been a state of creators who change the world,” said  Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II . “I have been an entrepreneur, and I know how important it is to support the people whose ideas will grow our economy, move Michigan forward, and building on our state’s rich history of innovation. PitchMI, Infrastructure for Innovation, and the Chief Innovation Ecosystem Officer will inject capital into high-growth startups, ensure innovators feel represented and respected, and lower barriers to new companies, wealth, and new jobs. Governor Whitmer and I will keep working with anyone to make Michigan the best place to make your idea a reality.”

“As we work to grow Michigan’s economy through our ‘Make It in Michigan’ economic development strategy, we know that cultivating our state’s culture of innovation is paramount to its success,” said  MEDC CEO Quentin L. Messer, Jr.  “We are grateful to Governor Whitmer for her continued leadership as Team Michigan remains steadfast in its commitment to thinking creatively, working collaboratively, and supporting initiatives to ensure anyone can ‘Make It in Michigan.”

“As the economy grows, investment in entrepreneurship is required in order for the state to thrive,” said  Wafa Dinaro, Executive Director of the New Economy Initiative . “The Governor’s initiative will help entrepreneurs reach their goals, especially those in underserved and under resourced communities.”

“It is exciting to see the Governor focusing on the important infrastructure needed to accelerate entrepreneurship in Michigan—particularly plans to capitalize on our tremendous physical and intellectual assets that can make a meaningful difference to the next generation of startups,” said  Renaissance Venture Capital CEO Chris Rizik . 

“Startups choosing to build in Michigan stand to benefit from the Governor's announcement today,” said  Remora Co-Founder & CEO Paul Gross . “It has often been too expensive and near impossible for Remora to access the equipment, facilities, and other resources required to develop our mobile carbon capture technology. We're thrilled to see Michigan lower barriers to building a business by tapping into all of the State's assets, and we're confident this will help more people start great companies in Michigan.” 

“Ultimately, innovation is fueled by talent,” said  Northern Michigan University President Brock Tessman.  “At NMU we launched the Work Scholars program to connect our talented students to the local innovation ecosystem and make it possible for more entrepreneurs to build their lives, families, and career success in the Upper Peninsula.”

The Whitmer administration has made historic investments to lower costs, support a skilled workforce, restore infrastructure, and make Michigan the best place to raise a family. These investments build on Michigan’s rich heritage of innovation—the most engineers per capita, the 5th largest advanced manufacturing workforce in the country, and an unmatched university research and development corridor. Growing a long-term innovation ecosystem comes down to the three Cs: culture, capital, and creativity. Entrepreneurs need all three to thrive.

Chief Innovation Ecosystem Officer

Ben Marchionna will be Michigan’s first-ever Chief Innovation Ecosystem Officer. He will help build a community of innovation and make Michigan a place where innovators and entrepreneurs feel seen and heard and work together to drive us forward.

Ben is a dynamic leader in innovation, technology, engineering, and the intersection of innovators and government. He comes from Electra.aero, where he was Director of Technology and Innovation. He was also Vice President of Global Operations at SkySpecs, focused on robotics and AI asset management products for the clean energy industry, and a graduate of the Engineering Leadership Development Program at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works, where he helped design a variety of revolutionary aircraft. Governor Whitmer appointed Ben to the Unmanned Aircraft Systems Task Force for the State of Michigan.

“I’m excited to convene Michigan’s vibrant innovation stakeholders to help build an even more thriving ecosystem in our great state. We know entrepreneurship and innovation is key to growing Michigan’s economy, creating jobs across our state, and building a future with shared prosperity for all Michiganders,” said  Ben Marchionna, MEDC Chief Innovation Ecosystem Officer .

PitchMI is a statewide, shark-tank style competition helping innovators solve problems and address the biggest problems facing Michigan. The state, in partnership with leading organizations, will host a public competition to solicit pitches and then invest in the most innovative start-up, who will then be able to take the capital and make their audacious idea a reality. The first PitchMI competition will identify and award $100,000 to an innovative solution that transforms the way Michiganders get from point A to point B safely, affordably, and efficiently. PitchMI is a commitment by the state to spur entrepreneurial problem solving, connect innovators with capital, and create a ripple effect accelerating more innovation.

Infrastructure for Innovation

State and local governments, universities, civic organizations, and the military have the cutting-edge equipment, facilities, tools, and expertise entrepreneurs need to innovate new products and solve problems but too often it’s inaccessible. That’s why Governor Whitmer will open up the “Infrastructure for Innovation” right here in Michigan.

She signed an executive directive instructing state agencies to catalogue technology, equipment, and facilities across the state and work with the owners to make it available to the innovators who need it. The state will also enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Department of Military and veterans Affairs to engage our military and make critical infrastructure available to entrepreneurs so they can test their ideas. This will be the first of many MOUs with institutions stepping up to support innovators.

Michigan will be the first state in the nation to get this done, and the only one to take such a proactive, strategic approach to opening physical infrastructure to innovators.

“Michigan is the premier location for innovators to design and implement solutions which are instrumental to national security and the operations of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs,” said  U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general of the Michigan National Guard and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs . “As the largest military presence in Michigan and a community-based organization, the support of our communities is imperative to the Michigan National Guard’s success. We are fortunate that our elected leaders continue to prioritize economic development within our communities, and we look forward to working with industry partners to expand on Michigan’s accomplishments and strengthen local ties through this new agreement.”

To view Executive Directive 2024-2, click  here .

Growing Michigan’s Economy

Governor Whitmer is committed to lowering costs, creating jobs, and bringing supply chains home from overseas so more Michigan individuals, families, and small businesses can ‘make it’ right here in Michigan. In 2021, the governor reached across the aisle to put powerful economic development tools in our toolbox that have helped win transformational projects creating thousands of high-tech jobs building the future of cars, chips, and clean energy across Michigan. Since 2019, Michigan has announced projects totaling more than 38,000 good-paying auto jobs and become home to the #1 emerging startup ecosystem and the “next Silicon Valley” for mobility innovation. Governor Whitmer will continue working to make Michigan the best place to innovate, grow a business, and build the future.

Executive Office of the Governor

Communications Division

[email protected]

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Heritage Hall to Open July 5, 2022

LANSING, Mich. — After about 2.5 years of construction at the Michigan state Capitol, Heritage Hall is almost finished. The completely new 40,000 square-foot underground building at the Capitol will open on July 5.

“We're going to open the facility on July 5 for our first tour group to come and start the tour at Heritage Hall before they go into the Capitol,” said Rob Blackshaw, the executive director of the Michigan State Capitol Commission.

The project has been in the works since fall 2019 and broke ground in January 2020.

“It is a new facility that supports all the functions of the Capitol building and supports the legislatures in what they do,” Blackshaw said. “If there are any groups or events who want to come visit them, we can do catered functions inside this hall, we can actually have a committee meeting in in the state room inside of Heritage Hall.”

All Capitol tours will start from Heritage Hall once it is open, he said.

“Up to 200,000 kids a year, third and fourth graders start their tours here, have an orientation and then ascend up the new west steps into the Capitol building for the Capitol tour itself,” Blackshaw said.

July 5 will be more of a soft opening to allow for the start of operations and tours at Heritage Hall.

"That'll give us a couple of months to really work through our new routines and establish everything before the legislature returns from their summer break in September," Blackshaw said. "When they come back from summer break, we'll probably have more of a formal grand opening for them to introduce the space to them as well.”

In May of this year alone, the Capitol had almost 10,000 visitors. On Monday, the Michigan State Capitol Commission discussed adding an underground maintenance garage, which would just be under 5000 square feet and probably add an additional $4.5 million to $5 million to the $40 million project.

“Just east of the north annex, there's a space they want to put an underground maintenance garage in,” Blackshaw said. “We currently have a majority of our equipment off site.”

Blackshaw said that whether it’s snow removal or landscaping, there is a great need for storage space because they have doubled their capacity for ground space they need to maintain.

The commission is keeping the look and feel of the Capitol in mind.

“We took the west side of the grounds and turned it more into a park like space instead of an old parking lot,” Blackshaw said. “So no matter what you do on Capitol Square, now, there will be green landscape, very appropriately and very well maintained.”

Blackshaw said there are 16 parking spots on each side of Walnut street bridge, and there will be four electric vehicle charging stations, which will be ready to go at the opening on July 5.

Click here to learn more about the State Capitol building.

Content By: Luisa Wiewgorra , Fox 47 News Posted June 13, 2022

Photo credits: Renderings: Heritage Hall, Header image - James Lenon