Arizona Capitol Museum – Overview
The Arizona State Capitol Museum was the actual state capitol building when Arizona became the 48th state of the United State in 19121. The Governor’s Office was located here until the mid-70s. Although the rooms of the Arizona State Capitol Museum are no longer used for state business, the Governor’s Office, other departments and the Senate and House of Representatives are in adjacent buildings.
The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places2.
Tip: When you visit the museum, you’ll note that it isn’t especially fancy or hi-tech. This building is deliberately very simlar to the original, so don’t expect fancy lighting or big screen videos. The goal here is authenticity
School Groups and Guided Tours
Reservations are required for all student groups and other larger guided tours. The guided tours focus on the north wing of the 2nd and 3rd floors (offices, House Chamber) and last for about 45 minutes followed by a visit to one of the current Legislative chambers for about half an hour.
Small Groups and Individuals
You are encouraged to visit the Arizona State Capitol Museum during regular hours and tour the exhibits on your own. Stop at the information desk off the main rotunda when entering the building and pick up a flyer with a museum map. Volunteers are available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to interpret the exhibits and answer questions for visitors. From 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 pm the north wing of the 2nd and 3rd floors is set aside for guided tours. If you would rather visit when the museum has fewer large groups, the afternoon is your best bet.
Of Interest to Educators
If you can’t get your students out on a field trip to the Arizona Capitol Museum, check online for available traveling exhibits1about Arizona and its history.Factoid: The motto Ditat Deus on the Great Seal of the State of Arizona means God Enriches.
Did you know that each of the 48 states and Washington D.C. received a rail car full of gifts from France after WWII? You can see a display of the items that were in Arizona’s boxcar at the Merci train exhibit. The actual box car is located at McCormick Stillman Railroad Park2 in Scottsdale.
Tip: On your way to the Museum Shop stop and compare the mosaic of the Seal of Arizona in the rotunda floor to the Seal of Arizona by the front door. What’s missing on the seal in the floor? If you can’t find it, ask a volunteer!
Arizona Capitol Museum Address:
1700 West Washington Street
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Arizona Capitol Museum Phone:
602-926-3620
Arizona Capitol Museum Hours:
The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. It is closed on state holidays2.
Arizona Capitol Museum Admission:
There is no charge to visit the museum.
Museum Rules
- No food or drink is allowed. If you bring food items with you, you may leave them at the information desk and enjoy them in the 1st Floor lounge at the end of your visit.
- Photography is permitted.
Museum Store
The store hours are from 9:30 to 4 p.m. This is a great place to buy Arizona-themed gifts and books!
Tip: Your visit to the Arizona State Capitol Museum will probably take between an hour and two hours, with some extra time allotted for shopping at the Museum Store.
Source: phoenix.about.com – By Judy Hedding