Your Capitol — Your Oregon

As part of ongoing efforts to make seismic and accessibility improvements at your Capitol, the historic portion of the building (Rotunda, Galleria, House and Senate Chambers, Governor's Ceremonial Office, and Observation Deck/Tower Platform) is closed to the public.  Limited access to the chamber third floor galleries will be available during floor sessions on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

Visitor Services staff will not resume in-person guided tours until January 2025. To learn more about the impact of construction on Capitol operations, visit our Frequently Asked Questions page​.  ​

Perched atop the Oregon ​​​​State Capitol stands a gilded statue of a bearded man. Is he a politician? A hipster? Marketing for the Portland Timbers?

No. The "gold man" is the "Oregon Pioneer," a symbol of the independent spirit of Oregonians.

The ability of ordinary people to affect change in Oregon is a long-standing tradition, exemplified by the regilding of the Oregon Pioneer in 1984. When the Oregon Legislature was unable to appropriate funding for the refurbishment, school children collected $40,000 worth of dimes to complete it.

Visit Your Capitol

Your Oregon Capitol is usually open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the week, hours are longer during legislative days and sessions. Admission is always free. Check the tours page for available options. If you can't visit in person, take a virtual tour of the capitol and building grounds here.

Discover Your Heritage

You can begin your journey of discovery on this website, by reading stories about how citizens like you helped create some of Oregon's unique laws. Or, visit one of the hundreds of historical sites near you where you can read about citizens in action.

Engage with Your Democracy

​You are invited to participate in the making of laws. Yes, we mean that. That's what a democracy is. While inside the Capitol, you can talk to your legislator, testify, or volunteer.

But you don't have to be at the Capitol to make a difference. You can be anywhere. Write your legislator, testify in writing, connect with your local government or neighborhood association, track bills, volunteer for political action committees, run for office, and, of course, vote.