​Visit Your Historic State Capitol

 
Admission: Free
Address: 900 Court St. NE, Salem, Oregon 97301  |  Phone: 503-986-1388
Weekdays: 8:00AM - 5:00PM  |  Weekends: Special Events Only

 
Learn About Your Historic State Capitol, Oregon's Rich History, and the Legislative Process.

Oregon State Capitol staff are available to schedule your next tour of your State Capitol.  Whether it's learning about your State Capitol, Oregon's rich history, or the legislative process, Capitol Staff are here to educate, answer questions and direct visitors to offices in the State Capitol.   We have several tour options to choose from, including staff guided, self guided, or video tours you can enjoy from your home or school.   We look forward to your visit!

Call 503-986-1388 to schedule a visit to your Oregon State Capitol today!

Tour Options

• Guided Historical Building Tour for walk-in visitors and scheduled/school groups: Available year-round, except for the month of December, at 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 2:30 PM,Monday through Friday, subject to guide availability. As you walk throughout the building your tour guide will share information on the history of the State Capitol, Oregon and the legislative process. School tours are available for fourth grade and older. Reserve by calling 503-986-1388.

• Guided Tower Tour for walk-in visitors: June 1 - Sept. 30, 10 AM, 11 AM, 1 PM, 2 PM, Monday through Friday, weather permitting. This guided tour departs from the Rotunda located on the first floor. The tour involves a climb of 121-steps to the observation deck. Enjoy the view of the City of Salem, and learn all about the Golden Pioneer. No one under 16 allowed without a parent or guardian. No backpacks allowed. Note: Defacing or vandalizing of state property is punishable by law. The State of Oregon is not responsible for injury or loss.

• Guided Historical Building Tour combined with Tower Tour for scheduled/school groups: June 10 – September 30, Monday through Friday, weather permitting. This tour involves a climb of 121-steps to the observation deck. Enjoy the view of the City of Salem, and learn all about the Golden Pioneer. This tour is recommended for fourth grade and older. No backpacks allowed​.​​​

• Staff-Guided Legislative Tour: Legislative tours are available during the Legislative Session. You will see your legislators in committee and during chamber floor session. You will also learn how a bill becomes a law. This tour is recommended for middle school grades and older.

• Self-Guided Historic Building Tour: A self-guided tour brochure is available at the Visitors Kiosk, located on the first floor.
• Video Tours: Videos showing the Oregon State Capitol and Oregon Pioneer​ are available online.

Please plan on arriving 15 minutes prior to your tour time. Late arrivals will conflict with other tour groups and could cause your group to miss a portion or all of your tour. If requesting a school tour, we ask that your group include one adult for every ten students. If the tower trip is part of your tour, the adult to student ratio needs to remain constant throughout the entire tour. No backpacks allowed on tower portion of the tour.

Current Exhibits

• Art of the Time - Art of the People: An art collection representing almost every type of artwork which is a tribute to the range and vivacity of creative minds. The collection features over 150 Oregon artists. Pick up a self-guided brochure at the Visitor Information Kiosk located on the first floor. A catalog containing images of the Art of Time - Art of the People is available online, or to purchase in Room 49, located on the ground floor.
• Capitol History Gateway Interpretive Experience- The new exhibit on the Capitol's first floor galleria is titled "Oregonians Making a Difference." Four sets of display windows highlight Oregonians who got involved in Oregon's citizen democracy an improved our way of life. None were politician - they were just people who saw a need and took the lead to make a difference. 
• Oregon Rock & Mineral Exhibit - Located near the Capitol Rotunda, this display is rotated regularly and features collections from rock and mineral clubs from around Oregon.

Parking information

Street parking is available at ten-hour, coin-operated meters located throughout the Capitol Mall. All-day, City of Salem parking passes may be used at any Capitol Mall parking meters within the area defined on the back of the pass. The passes are sold in Room 49 at the State Capitol. For additional information, contact Purchasing and Supply Services at (503-986-1180).

Food Options

Your group is welcome to bring lunches and eat outside in the State Capitol State Park or on the grand staircase in the Capitol Rotunda. Please contact Visitor Services at 503-986-1388 if you are planning lunch in the Rotunda. Cafe at the Capitol (503-585-4266) is located on the ground floor of the Capitol.

Decorum

Knowing and following decorum will make your visit to the Capitol more enjoyable:

• In consideration of others in the Capitol, please encourage your group to be quiet and orderly.
• When using stairs and hallways, please stay to the right and behind your guide.
• When visiting the chamber galleries, please do not put your feet or other items such as purses or papers on the wooden ledges in the front row of seats. Please hold on to your camera equipment and information pamphlets.
• No food or beverage is allowed in the chamber galleries.
• No flash photography in galleries during floor sessions.
• Sliding down the staircases in the Rotunda is not allowed.

Capitol Gift Shop

Hours: Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Gift Shop Phone: 503- 986-1391
Gift Shop FAX: 503-986-1131
Email: capitol.giftshop@state.or.us

​​The store showcases a wide variety of Oregon products and Oregon artists. The Gift Store will gladly work with you to find the perfect gift.  Staff will ship your items for a reasonable shipping and handling fee. The store offers free gift wrapping with purchase. 

Capitol Floor Plans:

Ground Floor

First Floor

Second Floor 

Third Floor

Fourth Floor ​