Oklahoma State Capitol Building
A tour of the Oklahoma State Capitol is a must for any history or art buff. Built in 1917, the Greco-Roman structure was topped with a dome in 2002 and is home to murals and paintings depicting Oklahoma’s history. It’s the only state capitol in the U.S. with a once- working oil well on its premises. One of the wells, named Petunia #1 because it was drilled in the middle of a flower bed, was active until 1986 and was recently restored as a monument to our state’s energy industry.
Oklahoma’s Capitol is also unique among state capitol buildings for the great amount of artwork beautifying its grounds and adorning its hallways and rotunda. Two significant collections of art are managed at the capitol by the Oklahoma Arts Council – the Capitol Art Collection and the State Art Collection. Comprising the Capitol Art Collection are more than 100 permanent sculptures, murals and paintings located throughout the building and its grounds. In addition to enriching a historic civic space, the collection provides visitors and students a unique and engaging way to learn about Oklahoma’s history through the events, people and land displayed in the art fixtures. Recent renovations added a new state-of- the-art museum inside the State Capitol where you can learn how the building has evolved over time, while also noting impressive artifacts like the quill pen used
by President Theodore Roosevelt when he signed the Oklahoma Statehood Proclamation. The Oklahoma Veterans Memorial is located outside on the southeast side of the capitol complex. Four walls depict scenes of World War I, World War II, the Korea and Vietnam wars, along with a bronze statue of “The Big Guy” who stands eight and a half feet tall on a three- and-a-half-foot pedestal. His bronze face has the features of a Native American and he wears the gear of a Vietnam soldier. Capitol Building is open Monday through Friday: 7 a.m.-7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The Info Center and Gift Store is open 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday through Friday and offers a brochure for self-guided tours. Admission is free.
ALSO NEARBY OKLAHOMA HISTORY CENTER 800 Nazih Zuhdi Drive HARN HOMESTEAD 1721 N. Lincoln Blvd OKLAHOMA BLACK MUSEUM & PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 4701 N. Lincoln Blvd
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