The Arizona Capitol Museum (ACM), located in Phoenix, Arizona, is housed in the original Territorial Capitol building. The museum provides a unique opportunity to learn about the rich history, culture, and government of Arizona.
Location
The museum is located at:
1700 W Washington St,
Phoenix, AZ 85007,
United States
Website
For more details, you can visit their official website at azlibrary.gov/azcm.
Exhibits
The museum’s exhibits focus on the history and culture of Arizona, from territorial days to the present. Here are some of the things you can expect to see:
1. Governor’s Office: The restored office of Arizona’s last territorial governor.
2. Arizona State Symbols: Learn about the official state symbols of Arizona, including the state bird, flower, and more.
3. Historical Artifacts: The museum houses a range of artifacts from different periods in Arizona’s history.
4. USS Arizona Display: The museum features a collection of artifacts from the USS Arizona, which was sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Things to Do
1. Explore the Exhibits: The museum features four floors of exhibits, offering insights into various aspects of Arizona’s development and history.
2. Attend Special Events and Programs: The museum hosts a variety of special events and programs throughout the year. Check the museum’s events calendar on their website for current listings.
3. Visit the Historic House Chamber: See the restored House chamber, which looks as it did at statehood in 1912.
4. Participate in Educational Programs: The museum offers educational programs and resources that bring Arizona’s history to life for students and teachers.
The ACM is located in the historic capitol building, which served as the seat of the territorial and state government from its completion in 1901 until the state government outgrew it in 1974. The building is a significant architectural landmark, featuring a copper dome and a zinc Winged Victory statue.
Permanent Exhibits
1. Ship of State: This exhibit showcases the silver service from the USS Arizona, the ship famously sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor.
2. Historic House and Senate Chambers: See the restored House and Senate chambers, which look as they did when the state’s Constitution was written.
3. Governor’s Office: Explore the restored office of the last territorial governor, complete with period furniture and accessories.
4. Arizona Takes Shape: This exhibit focuses on Arizona’s transition from a territory to a state.
5. Timeline of Arizona History: This timeline spans the 48th state’s history from the days of the Territory to the present.
Educational Opportunities
The Arizona Capitol Museum offers a variety of educational opportunities for both students and teachers. Educational programs are designed to complement and enhance classroom instruction. The museum also provides curriculum guides, resources, and materials that can be used in the classroom.
Special Events
The museum hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including historical and cultural exhibits, lectures, workshops, and presentations. These events provide a great opportunity to delve deeper into the history, culture, and governance of Arizona.
Museum Store
The museum store offers a selection of unique items related to Arizona history and culture, including books, gifts, and souvenirs. Purchases from the store help support the museum’s mission.
Accessibility
The museum is committed to being accessible to all visitors and offers wheelchair accessibility, service animal acceptance, and sign language interpretation with advance notice.
