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Arizona Capitol Museum: A Journey Through Arizona's History

Explore Arizona's history and heritage in Phoenix at the Capitol Museum, housed in the beautifully restored 1901 Capitol building.

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Housed in the original 1901 Capitol building, the Arizona Capitol Museum in Phoenix offers a fascinating glimpse into the state's history, from its territorial days to the present. Explore exhibits, view historical artifacts, and learn about Arizona's government and culture.

A brief summary to Arizona Capitol Museum

Local tips

  • Visit the U.S.S. Arizona exhibit to see artifacts from the battleship, including a silver service donated by the citizens of Arizona.
  • Take the elevator to the fourth floor and work your way down to explore the exhibits in chronological order.
  • Don't miss the Arizona flag made of LEGO bricks, with each brick representing a square mile of the state.
  • Check out the Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza across the street, featuring monuments honoring key figures and events in Arizona history.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Arizona Capitol Museum is accessible via Phoenix's public transportation system. Valley Metro operates bus and light rail services that stop near the museum. Several bus routes serve the area, including routes 3, 15, and 19. The closest light rail stations are Van Buren/19th Ave and State Capitol/17th Ave. From the light rail, it's a short walk to the museum. A single ride on Valley Metro costs $2, and a day pass is $4, offering unlimited rides.

  • Walking

    The Arizona Capitol Museum is located at 1700 W Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85007. If you are in the downtown area, the museum is easily accessible by foot. From Central Avenue and Washington Street, walk west on Washington Street for about 1 mile. The museum will be on your right, just west of the Wesley Bolin Plaza. The walk is generally flat and takes about 20-25 minutes.

  • Driving

    If driving to the Arizona Capitol Museum, use the address 1700 W Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85007. Free parking is available in the Wesley Bolin Plaza, located east of the museum. Parking lots are accessible by heading west on Adams Street towards 17th Avenue or east on Jefferson Street towards 15th Avenue. Limited street parking is also available in the surrounding area. Several parking garages are also available nearby, such as the Jefferson Street Garage at 333 East Jefferson Street. Parking rates in these garages typically range from $3-$5 per hour.

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Discover more about Arizona Capitol Museum

The Arizona Capitol Museum, located in downtown Phoenix, resides in the beautifully restored original Capitol building, offering visitors a captivating journey through Arizona's rich history and political heritage. Built in 1901, the Capitol served as the center of Arizona's territorial government and its first state capitol until 1960. Today, the museum's exhibits, events, and programs focus on Arizona's evolution from territory to statehood. Inside, you can explore over 20 exhibition areas spread across four floors. Key exhibits include the U.S.S. Arizona: Flagship of the Fleet, showcasing artifacts from the sunken battleship, including its silver service. The Arizona Takes Shape exhibit traces the state's governmental evolution. You can also see a remarkable Arizona flag constructed from over 113,000 LEGO bricks, each representing a square mile of the state. Other highlights include the Governor's Office exhibit, recreated to appear as it did during the state's early years, and the Merci Train exhibit, a collection of gifts from France thanking the U.S. for its support after World War II. Visitors can explore the original House and Senate chambers, offering a glimpse into the state's legislative past. The museum also delves into broader aspects of Arizona's identity, such as its unique minerals and diverse environment. Interactive displays and touch tables enhance the experience, making it engaging for all ages. The Arizona Capitol Museum is not just a repository of artifacts; it's a place where history comes alive, offering a deeper understanding of the forces that shaped Arizona.

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