Public is welcome back to the Minnesota Capitol

a roll of chain fence at the Minnesota State Capitol
A roll of chain link fence sits in front of the Minnesota State Capitol in St. Paul as the barriers around the building are taken down on Tuesday, June 1. The Capitol will reopen to the public on June 10.
Evan Frost | MPR News

A sign of the post-pandemic times: The Minnesota Capitol will reopen to the public on Thursday after a 440-day closure.

The Department of Administration announced the long-awaited end to access restrictions on Monday. It has been closed throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and until last week was surrounded by a temporary security fence due to bouts of civil unrest last year.

It coincides with a special session planned for next week that is needed to approve a new state budget.

For now, the building will be open only during daytime hours on weekdays — longer when the Legislature is in session. Weekend hours will be set at a later date.

Permitted demonstrations and special events outside of the building can also resume, the agency said.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.