Arizona Capitol Museum

Up from the Ashes:  Phoenix Goes to Mars
Open February 14, 2008 through Fall 2008

The University of Arizona, one of Arizona’s publicly funded universities, is at the forefront of space exploration. Their Phoenix Mars Mission spacecraft and instruments were adapted from two unsuccessful attempts to explore Mars. It was therefore appropriate to name the mission for the Phoenix, a mythical bird that is reborn from the ashes of its own fiery death.
For more information on the mission visit: www.phoenix.lpl.arizona.edu/

Arizona's State Symbols 

Fifteen state symbols represent Arizona's environment, society and economy.  Since the Great Seal was chosen in 1911, the state legislature has recognized everything from a state flower to a state fossil.  The latest symbol to be added was the state butterfly in 2001.   

Historical Figures from Arizona's Past 

Diverse peoples forged this multi-faceted landscape we call Arizona.  Learn about contributions to the settlement and establishment of Arizona through six life-size historic figures that represent diverse people in Arizona's history.

The Gratitude Train 

The Gratitude Train was an expression of thanks from the people of France for American generosity after World War II. The personal items exhibited are from the boxcar filled with gifts delivered to Arizona in 1949.  

Flagship of the Fleet:  Life and Death of the USS Arizona

The most common image of the Arizona is of the ship in flames at Pearl Harbor.  This exhibit tells the rest of the story, its focus is personal.  Using rare artifacts and photographs, it tells the story of the men. The exhibit brings the history of the ship up to date with film footage documenting the research that has been conducted on the ship since the 1980s. 

Nature's Mirror:  Images & Artifacts from the Edward S. Curtis Collection

The exhibit focuses on items located in the Capitol Museum’s collection obtained by the State of Arizona from Edward Curtis in the early to mid 1900s. A sample of these priceless baskets, some of which are seen in Curtis’ photographs, are on display.