Arizona Capitol Museum

1700 W Washington, Phoenix, AZ 85007, USA

Address:	1700 W Washington, Phoenix, AZ 85007, USA
Phone:	+1 602-926-3620
Site:	azlibrary.gov
Rating:	4.3
Working:	9AM–4PM 9AM–4PM 9AM–4PM 9AM–4PM 9AM–4PM 10AM–2PM Closed

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 20

Farinaz Parsay

The Arizona Capitol Museum serves as a symbol of Arizonas vast and colorful history. The Museum as the arm of the Arizona State Liberty, Archives and Public Records, and a division of the Secretary of State was founded in 1979. The original building started in 1899 and completed in 1900 as the capitol for the Territory of Arizona. A decade later the delegates met in the building to draft a state constitution and in 1912, the building became the capitol of the 48th state of the United States of America. The history goes back to the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. There are exhibits in four floors of the building and the 4th floor is the Peoples Floor: under the copper Dome. The 17-foot-tall wind vane that tops the Dome moves with the shifting winds. One could observe and appreciate the school students in small groups listening with interest while gathered around the story tellers. An impressive, informative and enjoyable visit.

Jill Barber

I loved the Capitol Museum! It is beautifully maintained, the staff are top-notch, and best of all it is generously air-conditioned. I was surprised at how much of the building is open to the public - you can walk right in to the room where the House of Representatives used to meet, for instance, and the old governors office. There are exhibits on agriculture and mining and even the states postal history, which might sound dull but I promise its not. I think I got a better feel for Arizonas history in 2 hours at the museum than I did in all my years of school. It was certainly more interesting! I was also impressed, and very moved, by the exhibit on the U.S.S. Arizona. The museum houses a piece of the Arizonas superstructure. It was a nice complement to the ships anchor across the street at the memorial plaza. I cant say enough good things about the Arizona Capitol Museum. If youre in the area, its definitely worth a visit.

Susanne M.

Most state capitols have walking tours of their active capitol building. Phoenix is unique in that the tour is of the former building; the active government buildings have been built up and around the original state house and it has been converted to a lovely museum. However, you can view the current house and senate chambers (each located in their own buildings on either side of the grounds) from the galleries -- just ask a guide or security guard. Arizonas state house is one of the smaller in the USA, but is charming and theyve converted it into a fantastic museum covering many different areas of the states history. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and were pleased to see Arizona citizens participating in government and exercising their right to protest.

Kel Moy

it is all very convenient. there is a museum area with photos of how the state government used to work when arizona was a new state. their desks were close together. there is an amusing exhibit about the early phone operators and how they had to be replaced with more serious people. there is also a directory and you can call up the congress for in state and federal level. they will ask you what zip code you live in then tell you they cant help you then ask you if you want to give them some money for some odd reason. to do what?

Jason Cadell

The Arizona Capitol Museum is the original building that housed the capitol. Being able to go into many areas that now house amazing items in the museums collection is very worthwhile. Spending time here was something that I look forward to doing again when Im back in Phoenix, AZ. The ground floor wing to the left when you first walk in that focuses on the U.S. military was amazing. Very family oriented museum that had no cost to tour when I was there.

Irina Ivannikova

Бесплатная парковка и бесплатное посещение. На этом плюсы заканчиваются . Просто капитолий небольшой, в котором раньше происходили заседания сената. Сейчас тут оборудован музей, который реставрируется.

Ellie Kesselman

The exhibits were the best. They werent just government related, but also about events and people who were significant in Arizona History. There are lots of exhibits! The museum is quiet, cool and well-maintained. Admission is free! Most parking is free too. The museum store is great. Many books, copper souvenirs (state mineral of AZ) especially the giant penny, craft items and it is surprisingly inexpensive.

Kat T

Its a great place for learning about Arizonas history. Guided tours are free; Id suggest checking this place out. Its incredible! You can also sit in the rafters of the senate house and the legislative house situated in the buildings on either side of the museum. Its a great experience. Thanks to Sen. Smith and Reps. Finchem and Leach for the amazing behind-the-scenes tour you gave me and my family!

A Private User

Not only is this place free, they keep it nice and cool, but the staff is amazing, you can either do a tour or do a self guided too, which is what I prefer, all 4 floors gave so much history about this place...I recommended to everyone...by the way even the parking is free right across the street at the Wesley Bolin Memorial Park...anyway you must go visit...

Todd Bailey

Havent been here without an elementary school tour but the building is open to the public. Ironically not much security. We walked right in and took our guided tour of 3 floors. Kind of a nice change but I wonder how long it will take for some of me to mess it up.

Sylvia Martinez-Medrano

Walked around and saw a lot of memorabilia from the second world War and history of Arizonas part in it. Great place to visit and explore its history followed by a trip to the park and its memorials. Theres also a new coffee shop right accross from the gift shop

Justin Kei

Great place to learn about Arizonas history for free. Easy parking and well-kept grounds. Lots of interesting corners full of fun facts about things like how Arizona became a state and the people who run it. Easy to spend a couple of hours.

Janis Schmidt

Security wouldnt let us walk through the building with our sign, even though it wasnt on a stick and was just the 1st amendment! (we werent protesting anything) They made us walk all the way around the building in 105 degree heat.

Paul Christensen

Very interesting exhibits, and history. If you get the chance, stop in and have a look around. There are a few activities for the kids, a giant Lego flag, and we managed to track down a picture of a relative from a long time ago.

Bruce Swanson

Touring exhibit are photos of Arizonans who have died while serving in the military since 9/11. Post-It notes from their families and friends were tagged in to photos. Very moving. Had to resist weeping for the losses.

Jinhui Chen

Its a great place to visit and learn the history of the state of Arizona. The settings are easy to read, to access and to feel about the past. The build is awesome, highly artistically design and well maintained.

Terri Taylor

Americans in Arizona told the Anti-Americans at the Human Services Campus at 230 S 12th Ave in Phoenix that the Americans want the Anti-Americans and terrorists out of the state capitol within a week.

Shawn Elder

Interesting opportunity to view a historic state capitol building. Good for groups of all ages, with motorcoach parking directly in front. Could use a walking guide booklet to facilitate more info.

Nena G

They never answer their phone!!! I was going to bring a group and I just ended up going some where else! I have called about 5 times left messages and never received a phone call back

Ronald de Roo

We didnt visit the museum because we were just interested in the building itself. In the hall is de Arizona seal made in tessallation. There is also a nice park in the front.