New North Capitol Building adds offices, Museum of Utah, and parking at Utah Capitol

The new North Capitol Building in Salt Lake City. Photo: State of Utah

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — A newly completed addition to the Utah State Capitol Complex brings expanded office space, secure storage for the state’s art and historical artifacts, a new conference center and additional public parking to Capitol Hill. Known as the North Capitol Building, the project will also serve as the future home of the Museum of Utah, set to open next year.

The Museum of Utah will occupy the building’s first floor and is expected to open in June 2026, though a museum gift shop is slated to open in the coming weeks. Exhibits will feature hundreds of artifacts, including a replica of the iconic golden spike, the cowboy outfit worn by Michael J. Fox in a scene from Back to the Future III filmed at Monument Valley, and the Mormon Meteor III hot rod, which the state acquired last year.

“People come to Capitol Hill to participate in their government,” Gov. Spencer J. Cox said. “The North Capitol Building makes that experience easier and more welcoming, and it strengthens the complex behind the scenes with safer storage and resilient design. It’s built for the public, and it’s built to last.”

State officials said visitor access and ease of movement across the Capitol complex were central to the building’s design. Designated bus drop-off zones and clearer circulation routes are intended to improve access for school groups, visitors and large events, while new construction resulted in a net gain of more than 315 parking stalls.

The North Capitol project began in 2022 with the demolition of the former state office building constructed in 1960. Originally budgeted at $165 million, the project ultimately cost $320 million, driven by construction inflation and a decision to expand both office space and parking.