California State Capitol Park is a museum in Sacramento, CA. Its overall rating is 1 out of 5.
The neoclassical structure was built between 1861 and 1874. It is now listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Surrounding the building is Capitol Park, featuring trees from around the world and monuments. Read on to know more.
The Building
This incredible building houses the chambers of the Assembly and Senate, the two branches of state government. The rotunda which divides and unites the two separate chambers is one of the most beautiful architectural features of this Neoclassical structure.
Outside you will find a gorgeous park filled with amazing trees from all over the world. Take a look at the video above and you will get an idea of all the different species that are in the 40-acre forest that surrounds California’s Capitol building.
You will also see an East Annex building that was built by the late great State Architect Alfred Eichler in 1952 and still has all of the optimism of Streamline Moderne which was the style of the thirties. This is the same style that he used for his most celebrated project the Tower Bridge. It was designed to be the pendant piece to this very large and impressive State Capitol.
The Park
The California State Capitol Park Sacramento CA houses the seat of the state government, including the bicameral legislature and governor’s office. The Neoclassical structure was completed between 1861 and 1874 at the west end of Capitol Park, an area bounded by 10th Street, 15th Street, N Street, and L Street.
During a tour of the building, you’ll see historic rooms restored to reflect different architectural and legislative eras. Keep an eye out for the portraits of past governors, such as Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jerry Brown (who used to be the governor before him).
The 40 acres of gardens and memorials surrounding the building are also worth a visit. They include trees from all over the world, a grove dedicated to pioneers, a coy pond, and a rose garden. The grounds are a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. There’s even a dedicated walk that shows off the various plant varieties. You’ll also find several statues and monuments to different events in California history, such as the Civil War Memorial Grove. Browse around this site.
The Museum
The Capitol building itself is a museum, showcasing the legislative history of California. A guided tour is a must to see the historic rooms and rotunda that represent the changing laws of the state over time.
The outside of the Capitol is also worth a look with its large dome and Neoclassical architecture. One of my favorite things to do is to walk the paths around Capitol Park, which stretches down several blocks and has trees from all over the world (a map is available). There are also memorials for different facets of California history.
For example, there’s the Earl Warren Walk and the California Peace Officer’s Memorial. Other monuments include a statue of Father Junipero Serra, the Pioneer Camellia Grove and a memorial to the Senator Capitol Kitty. Lastly, there’s a beautiful bronze sculpture of the state seal. There are also two murals by Arthur Mathews, one depicting California’s past, present and future in 1914 and the other depicting the origin of its name.
The Visitor Center
Guests can see the state’s government in action here, visit the historic rooms of the Senate and Assembly, and take a self-guided tour of the Capitol rotunda. The grounds of the park are a must-see as well, with monuments and memorials, a rose garden, coy pond, fruit trees and walking paths.
The Capitol itself was designed in Neoclassical style by architect Reuben S. Clark and built between 1861 and 1874. The complex was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.
In the west side of the building, there are large doors that were meant to open onto a grand staircase but due to budget constraints that never happened. Visitors now enter the building through ground-level doors on the north side of the complex. Next blog post.
Driving directions from Advanced Repipe Specialists to California State Capitol Park
Driving directions from California State Capitol Park to Crocker Art Museum