California State Capitol Museum in Sacramento, CA | Museums and Galleries

The Capitol Collection evokes the essence of the state through images clearly recognizable as distinctive California scenery and people. The Capitol Art Program maintains three collected works of paintings: the Permanent Collection, the Loan Collection, and the Biennial Senate Contemporary Art Collection. The combined collection inludes hundreds of prized paintings, murals, statues, and antique furniture chosen to portray the various phases of California's history and depict significant eras of the State Capitol.
Governors Portraits. Portraits of the governors are displayed throughout the Capitol and vary in style with the governor's chosen artist.
Murals. The Capitol is home to two stunning murals, one is a 1914 depiction of California's past, present and future, the other depicts the origin of the state's naming.
Antiques and Artifacts. Numerous furnishings, largely of the Renaissance Revival style, grace the Capitol's historic rooms and working offices.
Contemporary Art Collection. Senators select artists from his or her district to display their work in offices located behind the Senate Chambers.
Capitol Art Loan Program. More than 100 paintings, loaned from various individuals and institutions, are displayed in the West Wing of the Capitol.
Educational Resources. We invite you to learn more about California's political process:
- California History and Government Materials. This program contains current and historical information about California's government and ways people can become active participants in shaping California.
- Architectural Materials. This program includes a detailed tour of the Capitol's architectural features and art collection.
- Special Exhibits. This program highlights special exhibits from the various California State Parks' museums in Sacramento.
- Additional Educational Materials. This program contains a selection of links to other web sites relevant to teaching California history and social studies.
- Governors and First Ladies. Find out more about California's governors and first ladies.
The Legislative Bill Room, located next to the basement rotunda, serves as the liaison between the Office of State Printing, the Legislature, and the public. Here you can get copies of all bills and resolutions within the past two legislative sessions, or 4 years. If you're interested in learning about the day-to-day activities of the Legislature, the Bill Room also makes these documents available to the general public.
Capitol Park. Capitol Park is comprised of 40 acres and spans twelve city blocks. The park includes hundreds of species of trees, shrubs, and flowers and numerous monuments and memorials.
Architecture. 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.