Welcome to the Art of the Oklahoma State Capitol

The Oklahoma State Capitol is rich with more than 100 works of art, each with its unique story of diversity and tradition. From monumental bronze sculptures that adorn its plaza, to magnificent murals, portraits and paintings that bring vibrancy to its interior, the art housed in the State Capitol has created beauty and interest for the thousands of tourists and school children who come to the Capitol each year.

The portrait of Sequoyah, statesman and diplomat for the Cherokee people, reminds all of us of the power of the written word. Sequoyah, credited with inventing the Cherokee syllabary, had a profound influence on the tribe as a substantial number of people in the Cherokee Nation were then able to read and write in their own language.

The impact of the African American community on Oklahoma history can best be represented by civic leaders. One such individual is Benjamin Harrison Hill, a pastor, teacher and journalist elected to the Oklahoma House of Representatives in 1968.

These works of art are an invaluable reference and research tool for students, educators, scholars and anyone interested in the study of Oklahoma history. This provides educators with an opportunity to use an interdisciplinary approach to Oklahoma history and art. Here you can find images of each of the pieces of art in the public areas of the Capitol as well as biographies of each artist and historical and cultural context of the subject matter.

The permanent collection contains murals and paintings by prestigious artists including Wilson Hurley, Charles Banks Wilson, Thomas Gilbert White, Mike Larsen, Jeff Dodd, Mike Wimmer and many more.

In addition, numerous bronzes by world class sculptors including Allan Houser (Haozous), Constance Whitney Warren, Enoch Kelly Haney, Leonard McMurray, Jo Saylors, Harold T. Holden and Sandra Van Zandt are in the permanent collection.

The collections illustrate our rich history from statehood such as President Roosevelt signing the document making Oklahoma our 46th state to World War I. Besides learning about the political process, educators can point to the sculpture of Kate Barnard and the impact she had as a forerunner for women in government. Allan Houser’s sculpture As Long As the Waters Flow is a statement about the tumultuous relationship between Native Americans and the United States government based on a 19th-century treaty that stated tribes would own their lands “as long as the grass grows and the rivers run.”

This web site and many of the commissions for art work in the public areas of the State Capitol are managed by the Oklahoma Arts Council. The Capitol Preservation Commission, the Oklahoma Arts Council, the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc. and the Department of Central Services contribute to the magnificent art at the Oklahoma State Capitol.