Exhibits

Exhibits at the Capitol include biennial exhibits in the cases outside of the hearing rooms, virtual exhibits on the website, rotating exhibits in the Capitol Galleria, electronic exhibits in the Welcome Center and our public art throughout the building.

Featured Virtual Exhibit: "ReEnvisioned: Contemporary Portraits of Our Black Ancestors"

This exhibit was developed by the Salem Art Association with funding from the Oregon State Capitol Foundation, a 501c3 non-profit organization.

The Capitol History Gateway Exhibit Cases: Capitol Construction

The Capitol has undergone much change in its life. Constructed in 1937-1938, the building has always been a beacon for those wishing to propose change. In 1977, the building had an expansion with the creation of hearing rooms and the “wings,” legislative offices for the Senate and House members. Today, the building is undergoing more change. With the need to create a more accessible and safe building, the legislature passed funding in 2016 to start the Capitol Accessibility, Maintenance and Safety (CAMS) construction project. To learn more about the building’s changes over time, visit the exhibit cases in front of the hearing rooms on the first floor or scroll through the panels below.

 

Capitol Art Collection

Second Creek Painting by Laura Ross Paul
Second Creek by Laura Ross Paul, 2008

The astounding Capitol Art Collection was the first funded by Oregon’s Percent for Art legislation, another of the state’s groundbreaking laws. Grab a self-guided tour brochure at the Guest Services Kiosk on the first floor and discover some of the Capitol’s fascinating art treasures. The collection features work by over 150 of Oregon’s finest artists and most pieces are housed in the legislative member office wings. A catalog containing photos and descriptions is available for purchase in the Capitol Store.

Preview the Capitol Art Collection [pdf].