California State Capitol

California State Capitol


The seat of California’s government also houses an informative museum with an extensive collection of Californian art.

The grand Corinthian columns and the high granite archways of the California State Capitol show that this is a building of serious history and relevance. Completed in 1874, the building’s design was based on the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. Inside, however, you will find a wealth of information, art and history that is uniquely Californian.

Very few areas within the building are out of bounds to the public. You are free to wander the large chamber room in which the bills that make up Californian law are still passed. Forty seats, one for each senator, are arranged beneath a huge chandelier, an electric replica of the original gas version. If the senate happens to be in session, take a spot to the side and watch history in the making as new legislation is passed or debated.

For a deeper understanding of California’s rich political history, visit the museum. The most significant areas are on the first floor and the basement. Tour the restored historical offices of the Governor and the State Treasurer, or browse the extensive collection of Californian art. More than 50 paintings depicting California, as well as murals, furniture, and statues, are in the west wing and the east annex. Look out for the collection of contemporary art too — each of the current senators selects a contemporary artist from his or her district and the works are displayed in the offices behind the senate chambers.

As you make your way around, look for the many uniquely Californian designs and motifs throughout the building. Grizzly bears, as well as the goddess Minerva and scenes of the state’s past and future, are represented in murals, mosaics and bronze reliefs around the building.

For detailed and enthusiastic explanations of what you are seeing, take one of the free guided tours. These run on the hour every hour, and sometimes include a short film in the theatre.

You’ll find a good range of restaurants in the basement, where there’s also a gift shop.

The California State Capitol is located at the west end of Capitol Park. There is metered parking on the street and Amtrak buses stop nearby. The capitol is open daily except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s.

Popular places to visit


Top California State Capitol Hotel Deals

Hyatt Regency Sacramento
Hyatt Regency Sacramento
4 out of 5
1209 L St, Sacramento, CA
Hyatt Regency Sacramento
The Citizen Hotel, Autograph Collection
The Citizen Hotel, Autograph Collection
4 out of 5
926 J Street, Sacramento, CA
The Citizen Hotel, Autograph Collection
Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade
Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade
3.5 out of 5
100 Capitol Mall, Sacramento, CA
Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Sacramento Downtown
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Sacramento Downtown
2.5 out of 5
200 Jibboom St, Sacramento, CA
Howard Johnson by Wyndham Sacramento Downtown
Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel
Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel
4 out of 5
1230 J St, Sacramento, CA
Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel
Delta King Hotel
Delta King Hotel
3 out of 5
1000 Front St, Sacramento, CA
Delta King Hotel
Inn Off Capitol Park, Ascend Hotel Collection
Inn Off Capitol Park, Ascend Hotel Collection
3 out of 5
1530 N St, Sacramento, CA
Inn Off Capitol Park, Ascend Hotel Collection
The Sterling Hotel
The Sterling Hotel
3.5 out of 5
1300 H St, Sacramento, CA
The Sterling Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.