Exhibits
Exhibit Highlights
USS Arizona: Flagship of the Fleet
The USS Arizona, named in honor of the 48th addition to the Union, is a symbol of the state. In addition to the memorial at Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza, the battleship’s silver service and other artifacts are on display in the museum. The USS Arizona was sunk during the invasion of Pearl Harbor and represents a turning point for the nation, prompting the US to enter World War II.
Arizona Takes Shape
The United States government created the Territory of Arizona on February 24, 1863. Follow the journey from westward expansion through statehood to see how Arizona evolved.
Governor’s Office
The Governor conducts executive business with the officers of the government, executes the laws, and communicates with the legislative branch. This location was used by the Arizona Governor until 1974 and features first Governor of Arizona, a rotation of past Governors and the 23rd Governer of the State.
Historic House Chamber
See what government in action looked like during early statehood. The chamber has been restored to look as it did during the Arizona Constitutional Convention in 1910.
Secretary of State's Office
What is the Secretary's job? A view of responsibilites, accomplishments and community involvement of the 20th Secretary of State and history of the office are highlighted in this newly updated exhibit. This exhibit is located on the 2nd floor of the museum.
The Judicial Branch - Arizona State Courts
Visitors can see a robe worn by Supreme Court Justice, Sandra Day O'Conner, learn about Arizona Supreme Cour Justices and some of the notable cases decided in the Arizona Supreme Court. This exhibit is located on the 3rd floor of the museum.
Minerals of Arizona's Historic Mining Communities
This exhibit includes minerals, crystals, rocks, and fossils provided by the Arizona Mining, Meneral and Natural Resource Education Museum. The importance of abandoned minig sites is also an educational component of this exhibit.
New Exhibits
Righting a Wrong: Japanese Americans and World War II
The museum is proud to announce the official opening of Righting a Wrong: Japanese Americans and Word War II, on loan from the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service.
The exhibition explores the experiences of Japanese Americans incarcerated in the U.S. during WWII. It features artifacts from the incarceration camps as well as interactive displays featuring historic documents and personal testimonies.
Martin Luther King Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a prolific Civil Rights leader whose ideas transformed the nation. Following his assassination in 1968, many attempts were made on both national and state levels to pass a holiday honoring his legacy. This exhibit includes a recording of a speech Dr. King delivered at ASU in 1964 as well as a timeline of the various efforts behind the recognition of “King Day” as an official holiday here in Arizona.
Merci Train
The United States and France have long been allies and during World War II, the U.S. provided aid and supplies to the war-torn country. After the war ended, the people of France sent a boxcar packed with gifts of gratitude to every state. In preparation for the 70th Anniversary of the Merci Train boxcar arrival in Arizona, we’ve created a preview exhibit through the spring of 2019, to provide a glimpse of some of the train contents.
CapSnaps Gallery
CapSnaps is the museum’s very own “selfie room.” This interactive feature contains playful photo opportunities including an old telephone booth, a Suns basketball player, and maybe even the Secretary of State’s podium.
Lego Flag
Ever wonder what a huge flag made of Legos looks like? The museum is proud to host a seven foot flag made with exactly 114,006 Lego bricks to represent the total number of square miles in Arizona.
