ALBANY — It's one of the state capital's grandest buildings, but the public rarely gets a glimpse inside the State Education Building.

The Education Department is trying to change that with new monthly public tours, which will be held on the second Saturday of each month, starting Aug. 12. Tours of 25 people maximum will kick off at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., and run 45 minutes. (Tours of the state Capitol across Washington Avenue will be held the same days at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.)

Reservations for the free tours are required and can be made here.

"The Education Building was a modern marvel when it was built over 100 years ago and continues to amaze and delight today with its stunning architecture, art and history," said Board of Regents Chancellor Betty A. Rosa in a statement. "I encourage adults, families and students to register for a tour and learn about this grand, historic building."

The Education Building, which celebrated its centennial in 2012, was designed by renowned New York City architect Henry Hornbostel, one of 63 architects to submit plans, and was constructed by the Rochester firm R. T. Ford and Company. Construction began in 1908 and the building was dedicated in 1912.

At the time, the cost to construct the building amounted to roughly $4 million and covered everything from the purchase of the land to building construction. The Education Building was the first major building constructed in the U.S. solely as a headquarters for the administration of education. In addition to State Education Department staff, the Education Building originally housed the State Library and State Museum — now located in the Cultural Education Center.

New York State Museum staff will lead the tour, giving visitors a chance to see the historic Chancellors Hall, Regents Room and the Rotunda adorned with murals by Albany native Will H. Low. This is the first time the building has been made available for regular public tours since the State Museum and Library were moved from the Education Building to the Cultural Education Center in the 1970s.

"The State Education Building is a magnificent architectural gem and we're proud to open it to public tours," said State Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia in her own statement. "The building is full of history and intricate details that the public deserves to see and appreciate. We're also pleased to work with the State Office of General Services to promote this tour and give visitors an opportunity to spend an afternoon exploring the historic State Capitol and State Education Building."

State Capitol tours conducted by the State Office of General Services begin at the Empire State Plaza Visitor Center, located on the Concourse level of the Plaza. Highlights of the tour can include the legislative chambers, Hall of Governors, Governor's Reception Room, Hall of New York, historic staircases and carvings.

WMHT's "New York Now," a co-production with the Times Union, took a tour of the Education Building in its centennial year — the report starts at the 19:40 mark:

More information on the history of the State Education Building is available here.