Honestly, if you haven't been to Salem lately, the Oregon State Capitol probably looks like a giant construction site to you. Or maybe just a giant marble box with a gold guy on top. But there is a massive transformation finishing up right now that most people are completely missing.
It’s 2026. After a decade of dust, noise, and nearly $600 million spent, the heart of Oregon’s government is finally shedding its scaffolding. This wasn't just a fresh coat of paint. We’re talking about a building that was literally jacked up on "airbags" while crews dug a massive hole beneath it.
The Oregon State Capitol is basically a brand-new building in a 1938 shell
If you walked into the Capitol five years ago, it felt a bit like a time capsule—and not necessarily a cool one. The plumbing was ancient. The wiring was sketchy. And, most importantly, if a major earthquake hit, the whole Art Deco masterpiece was likely to crumble.
That’s why the CAPitol Accessibility, Maintenance and Safety (CAMS) project happened. It’s one of the most expensive and complex restoration jobs in Oregon’s history.
Why the basement is now the coolest part
Most people think of basements as dark, creepy places where they keep the boilers. Not here. The renovation excavated 36,000 cubic yards of dirt—that’s about 2,400 dump truck loads—to create a massive new lower level.
- Natural Light: They added skylights. In a basement. It actually feels airy now.
- Public Space: There’s a new café and five modern hearing rooms.
- Accessibility: Before this, navigating the building in a wheelchair was a nightmare. Now, it’s actually built for everyone.
The real magic, though, is invisible. Workers installed 160 base isolators. Basically, the building sits on giant shock absorbers now. If the "Big One" hits, the ground can shake like crazy, but the Capitol should just glide.
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That "Gold Man" on top? He's got a name and a story
You can't talk about the Oregon State Capitol without mentioning the shiny guy on the roof. Locals just call him the Gold Man. His official name is the Oregon Pioneer, and he’s been through a lot lately.
Created by sculptor Ulric Ellerhusen in 1938, the statue is 22 feet of hollow bronze covered in 23-karat gold leaf. He’s not just standing there looking pretty; he’s carrying an axe and a tarp. Why a tarp? Because according to Ellerhusen, he was about to build a shelter. He's facing west, looking toward the future, which is very "on brand" for Oregon.
The 2025 regilding drama
For a few months in late 2024 and 2025, the Gold Man disappeared behind a tarp. People were worried. Was he being moved? Nope. He was just getting his fifth "facelift" since 1938.
Turns out, birds are jerks.
Pigeons and other birds love to roost on his head and shoulders. Their claws scratch the gold leaf, and their... well, their droppings are acidic. By 2025, the gold on his head was completely gone. The state spent over $234,000 recently just to fix the horizontal surfaces where birds hang out.
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Quick Fact: In 1984, the regilding was actually paid for by Oregon school kids who did a massive penny drive. They raised $37,000 in change!
A history of literal fire and ash
Oregon has a weird track record with State Capitols. We’re on our third one because the first two decided to burn down.
- The 1855 Disaster: This one was a Greek Revival style building. It burned under "suspicious circumstances" just after it was finished. Arson? Probably.
- The 1935 Inferno: The second Capitol was a grand, domed building. On April 25, 1935, a fire started in the basement and raced up the elevator shafts. It was a total loss.
The current building, finished in 1938, is one of only five Art Deco capitols in the U.S. It doesn't have a traditional dome. Instead, it has that cylindrical "lantern" tower. Architects back then wanted something modern, not a copy of the U.S. Capitol in D.C.
Planning your 2026 visit: What you need to know
The full reopening is set for early 2026, coinciding with the legislative session. If you’re planning a trip to Salem, here’s the ground truth on how to actually see the place.
The Tower Tour is the ultimate workout
If you aren't afraid of heights, you have to do the tower tour. It’s 121 steps up a spiral staircase. It’s narrow. It’s a bit claustrophobic. But when you get to the observation deck at the base of the Gold Man, the view is insane. On a clear day, you can see Mt. Hood, Mt. Jefferson, and sometimes even Mt. Rainier.
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Cherry Blossom season is peak Capitol
The grounds are a 21-acre state park. In March and April, the cherry blossoms in the North Plaza are world-class. It’s basically the Oregon version of D.C.’s tidal basin. Pro tip: The North Plaza is expected to be fully reopened by mid-March 2026, just in time for the blooms.
Security is no joke
Treat it like the airport. You’re going through a metal detector. Don't bring anything that looks even remotely like a weapon. They even ban sealed envelopes sometimes. Just travel light.
Why this building actually matters in 2026
It’s easy to look at a $600 million price tag and roll your eyes. But the Oregon State Capitol is the only place where the public can actually sit in a room and tell a lawmaker to their face that a bill is a bad idea.
During the renovation, a lot of that happened over Zoom. Now that the building is fully open again, that "people's house" energy is back. Whether you’re there for the Art Deco murals (which are stunning, by the way) or to protest a tax hike, the building belongs to you.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the Schedule: If you want to see the legislature in action, February is usually the "short session" in even years.
- Book the Tower: Tours fill up fast. Call the visitor kiosk at (503) 986-1388 at least a week before you head to Salem.
- Park Smart: Use the metered street parking on Court or State Street, but honestly, the Cherriots bus system drops you right at the front door and saves you the headache.
- Check the Basement: Don't skip the new concourse level. It’s the best place to grab a coffee and see the seismic exhibits that explain how those 160 giant "airbags" actually work.