Exploring the Arizona Capitol Museum: A Guide to History and Culture

Historical Overview

The first territorial capital of Arizona was Fort Whipple, an army post near Prescott. The capital was later relocated to Prescott in 1867. Subsequently, the territorial capital moved to Tucson and then back to Prescott in 1877. Finally, Phoenix became Arizona’s permanent capital in 1889, marking the beginning of the construction of the Phoenix State Capitol building, which was completed in 1900 at a cost of approximately $136,000. The Arizona State Capitol Building was dedicated on February 25, 1901 and designated a museum in 1977.

The Arizona State Capitol Museum served as the state capitol when Arizona was admitted as the 48th state of the United States in 1912. The Governor’s Office was located here until the mid-1970s. Although the rooms of the Arizona State Capitol Museum are no longer used for state business, the Governor’s Office, other departments, as well as the Senate and House of Representatives, are in adjacent buildings.

The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Tip: When visiting the museum, you’ll find that it isn’t particularly extravagant or high-tech. This building aims to maintain authenticity, so don’t expect modern lighting or large screens. The goal here is to preserve history.

Who Should Go?

The museum welcomes the public, and it is especially frequented by local schools for educational purposes.

School Groups and Guided Tours

Reservations are essential for all student groups and larger guided tours. These tours primarily focus on the north wing of the second and third floors (offices, House Chamber) and typically last about 45 minutes, followed by a visit to a current Legislative chamber for approximately 30 minutes.

Small Groups and Individuals

Visitors are encouraged to explore the Arizona State Capitol Museum at their own pace during regular hours. When entering the building, stop by the information desk located off the main rotunda to pick up a flyer detailing a museum map. Volunteers are on hand from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to interpret exhibits and answer questions. The north wing of the second and third floors is reserved for guided tours from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For those preferring a quieter visit, the afternoon is advisable.

What You’ll See

The Arizona Capitol Museum comprises exhibits distributed across four floors. It is recommended to start from the top level and work your way down. The fourth floor allows you to look down into the original House Chamber from the gallery. The third floor offers insights into territorial Arizona, the legislative process, and the influential people of Arizona. This level also houses the Chamber.

On the second floor, you can explore the offices including that of the Governor and other prominent officials, along with exhibits showcasing artwork from the Arizona Capitol Museum collection. The main floor features the State Seal on the rotunda and artifacts salvaged from the USS Arizona following the Pearl Harbor attack, along with an exhibit detailing Arizona’s state symbols and an intriguing narrative about the Merci Train, known as the Gratitude Train.

Did you know that after WWII, each of the 48 states and Washington D.C. was gifted a rail car full of items from France? An exhibit features the contents of Arizona’s boxcar; the actual boxcar resides at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale.

Tip: While heading to the Museum Shop, be sure to compare the mosaic of the Seal of Arizona in the rotunda with the Seal located by the front door. What’s missing from the seal on the floor? If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask a volunteer!

Location, Hours, Admission

The Arizona Capitol Museum is conveniently located in downtown Phoenix, at the same site as the current state capitol offices and legislature. Here you can find a map with directions and parking information for the Arizona State Capitol.

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 remains closed on state holidays.

Arizona Capitol Museum Admission

Visiting the museum is free of charge.

Museum Rules

• No food or drink is allowed. If you bring food items, you may leave them with the information desk and enjoy them in the first-floor lounge at the end of your visit.
• Photography is permitted.

Museum Store

The store operates from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. It serves as a great venue to purchase Arizona-themed gifts.

Tip: Plan on spending between one to two hours at the Arizona State Capitol Museum, with additional time allocated for shopping at the Museum Store.