Cafe NJ is located off the parking garage atrium on level 3 and is accessible via the pedestrian tunnel between the State House and Annex. The site accommodates 150 patrons and features both hot and cold food selections from a salad bar, grill, sandwich station and quick-serve take-out area. The cafe is open Monday through Friday, serving breakfast 7:30am to 10:30am, and lunch 11:30am to 2:30pm.

Directly below the cafeteria, the State House Welcome Center houses exhibits, a theater space, multipurpose rooms, public rest rooms, pay phones, drinking fountains and information assistance.

Just in Jersey is a series of interactive exhibits which includes multiple levels of learning so that both children and adults can enjoy it. The centerpiece is Making Laws -- Debate, Negotiation and Compromise, where a ball rolls on a track representing the path of legislation. Treasures and Trivia uses touch-screen monitors to quiz visitors on State trivia. A large display monitor enables guests to Discover New Jersey by showing legislative district, major attractions, and fun facts. Nearby, a rotating mobile represents our Democracy in Balance. For I Have a Voice, visitors hear short debates on public policy issues and cast votes. Large blocks representing portions of the State House help visitors construct The Building of Government.

A large multipurpose room can be divided into two to accommodate educational programming and public use functions. The space is frequently used by school groups for Make a Law! mock-legislative session programs. The space is available to State agencies for training and other business activities, and to outside parties for certain types of functions.

The Welcome Center is generally open from 9:30am to 4:30pm. It is accessible from level 2 of the parking garage atrium and at the grade of the State House South Addition.

A concession stand in the basement of the front area of the State House sells newspapers and magazines, beverages, snacks and prepackaged food items. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7:30am to 4pm.

Hosting Functions

The Public Use Program is coordinated by the Office of Legislative Services, Office of Public Information, on behalf of the State Capitol Joint Management Commission. This program is designed to permit interested parties to set up displays or conduct events within the Capitol Complex free of charge during normal business hours. The designated interior areas of the Capitol Complex are available for occasional use by the public for civic and educational purposes, and for cultural activities sponsored by a State Agency.

The Welcome Center Multipurpose Rooms, Cafe NJ, and the State Capitol Plaza may be rented for use during off-hours.

Additional information, and a complete copy of the rules and application are available by contacting Dawn Temperino at (609) 292-4661.