Visit Your Capitol

A Guide to Plan Your Trip

Hours

The Capitol is open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for the following:

  • New Year’s Day
  • Martin Luther King Day
  • Memorial Day
  • Juneteenth
  • Independence Day
  • Labor Day
  • Veteran’s Day
  • Thanksgiving Day and the following day
  • Christmas Day ​

How to Get Here

The Capitol is located at 900 Court St. NE, in Salem, between Portland and Eugene, Oregon, just west of I-5.  Due to construction the main entrance on Court Street is closed.  Visitors accessing the building must use the entrance on the south side.

Parking meters are located around the Capitol. They take change and debit/credit cards for payment.

Parking

Metered parking is available around the Capitol and cost $1.50 per hour. Free parking can be found within the historic downtown area. The Capitol’s main entrance on Court Street is closed due to construction. Visitors must enter the Capitol on the south side of the building from State Street If parking on Court Street, visitors will need to follow the signs through the park to access the south entrance.

Public Transportation

Most Cherriots bus routes travel to the Downtown Transit Center, just three blocks from the Capitol. The Capitol also has a stop directly in front on Court Street. For more information, visit the Cherriots website.

Accessibility

The Capitol staff works with individuals to ensure universal access to public hearings. Find out more about these services on the ADA accessibility page.

Food

The Capitol Café is currently closed due to construction but don’t worry, restaurants are located within three blocks of the Capitol.

Capitol Store

The store is a perfect place to find unique items designed exclusively for the Capitol and features a wide variety of souvenirs. View the product collections online or visit the popup store located inside the Capitol, across from the south entrance. The store is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To place a remote order call 503-986-1391 or email capitol.store@oregonlegislature to place your order today.

Security

The safety of the Capitol and the people who use it is top priority. The goal is to ensure the highest public access while proactively securing all who enter to have a safe and positive experience. Strict security measures are being taken to ensure the protection of our elected officials, guests and private citizens when visiting the Capitol. Always allow time for possible delays for security processing when visiting the Capitol.

Condition of Entry

  • For security reasons, access to the Capitol is conditional upon consent to inspection.
  • All persons – no exceptions – must go through screening and must present purses, packages, and other objects for separate electronic inspection.
  • No weapons or other hazards allowed.
  • No sealed envelopes or packages allowed.
  • Items may not be delivered or left behind.
  • Once visitors have exited the Capitol, re-entry will require reprocessing.
  • You do have right to refuse any or all of these security screening procedures. However, entry to the building will be denied.

Things to Keep in Mind

  • The Legislature may be in session during your visit. The historical spaces in the Capitol are closed through 2024, due to construction. Observe closure signs, and remain quiet in chamber galleries.
  • No food, beverages, or flash photography in the chambers.
  • Space is capacity controlled, first come, first serve.
  • There is no space to rent for meetings or events until the historic portion of the building reopens in 2025.