State Capital

Learn about California and the Capitol
Check out the new Kids Zone Web site where students can learn about the California State capitol while having fun.
Kids Zone

See the Capitol from wherever you are.
Can't make it to Sacramento? The virtual tours provide you with a unique opportunity to visit the Capitol from any location in the world.
Virtual Tours

Planning to visit the Capitol in person?
Find out more about tour times, building security, parking, how to get here, and other information related to planning your exploration of the Capitol.
General Information and Tours

Calendar of Events
The California State Capitol Museum hosts numerous activities and exhibits throughout the year.
See Current Events

Explore the Capitol's art and artifacts.
The California State Capitol Museum is home to an extensive collection of important historical California artifacts, artwork, and antique furnishings.
Exhibits and Collections

Curious about the Capitol's architecture?
Designed in the neoclassical style, the Capitol reflects the Greek and Roman influences of our democracy.
Art & Architecture

See how California's laws have helped shape the state and nation.
Learn about important legislation that has been passed since 1849 and how these laws have helped shape the state, nation and world.
Historic Legislation

Find out something new about California.
Filled with fun facts and fascinating information, teachers and students can learn everything they ever wanted to know about California Government and its State Capitol.
Capitol Learning

Building Hours
Weekdays: 8 - 5
Weekends: 9 - 5
Admission: Free

Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year's Day

School and Group Tours
(10 - 35 people)
Free guided school and group tours are by reservation only for groups from ten (10) to Thirty-five (35) persons. We recommend a ratio of ten students to one adult chaperone.

Contact ReserveAmerica for your
reservation at (866) 240-4655.

For Additional school or group tour information, educational materials, and group rules:
contact Tour Office
(916) 324-0333.

Public Tours
Public tours are conducted daily, on the hour, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m .
For tour information contact Tour Office:
(916) 324-0333.

Tour Office
Located in basement Room B-27
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily
(916) 324-0333

Basement Theater
Films are shown daily
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Admission is Free

Architectural Tour
A common feature found in many state capitols, including California's, is a portico opening into a central rotunda that rises into a dome. This architectural convention, borrowed from the Romans, creates an inspiring and majestic entrance. Learn other interesting facts about the design of the capitol in this section.
- Take the Tour

California State Capitol History

Part I: Planning
At the 1849 Constitutional Convention, plans to establish a capital for the 31st state in the union were conceived, years of ongoing controversy over location gave way to a final site selection, architectural plans were finalized in 1856, but was construction ready to begiin?
- Selecting Sacramento
- Architectural Ancestors
- A Capitol for California

Part II: Construction
Four years following the approved architectural designs, the construction of the Capitol building began. Floods, politics, labor issues and other problems made completing the massive undertaking a formidable task
- Concept to Reality
- A Tale of Two Stones

Part III: Growth
The rapid growth of the state and expanding government responsibility soon created the need for additional space at the Capitol, after several major expansion efforts and three-quarters of a decade issues arise concerning the structural integrity of the building. California had to make an important decision--rebuild or restore?
- Apse and East Annex
- Rebuild or Restore?

Part: IV: Restoration
The decision to restore the historic Capitol created one of the largest restoration projects in California's history, artisans relearned arts long forgotten, the Senate and Assembly Chambers would regain their glory and the building was incorporated with modern technology while maintaining the splendor of the Capitol's original appearance.
- Restoring a Legacy
- Lost Arts
- Fine Details
- Legislative Chambers