Capitol Modern in Honolulu is dedicated to presenting the largest and finest collection of works by Hawai‘i artists from across the state representing a comprehensive portrait of our Islands. Exhibitions are curated from the Art in Public Places Collection and student exhibitions.
Located adjacent to the State Capitol, Iolani Palace, and the State Library, find Capitol Modern in the No. 1 Capitol District Building in downtown Honolulu.
History of Capitol Modern (formerly Hawaii State Art Museum aka HiSAM)
In 1872, the Hawaiian Hotel was built on the site during the reign of King Lot Kamehameha V. The hotel entertained many guests until 1917, when it was relocated to Waikīkī and renamed the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. The original wooden building was then used by the Army and Navy before being demolished in 1926 and replaced in 1928.
The museum’s current Spanish-Mission style concrete and stucco building was designed by local architects Walker Emory and Marshall Webb, with San Diego architect Lincoln Rogers. The structure features many stunning details, including cast stone detailing, iron grill work, ornamental light fixtures, Italian scrollwork and tile, and other architectural details. It was modeled after the Davanzati Palace in Florence, Italy.
After World War II began, it was renamed the Armed Services YMCA to serve the needs of United States military personnel throughout the war years.
In 1967, Hawai‘i became the first state in the nation to adopt a “Percent for Art Law.” This visionary legislation, called the Art in State Buildings Law, sets aside one percent of state building construction costs for the commission and acquisition of visual artwork with the goal of beautifying and humanizing the environment and increasing public access to art. In 1989, these provisions were expanded to include making works of art available to display in all state public places
In 1978, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Properties, and in 1989, after extensive renovations, it was renamed No. 1 Capitol District Building. In 2000, the State of Hawai‘i purchased the building, which houses various State Departments, including the Hawai‘i State Foundation on Culture and the Arts.
The Hawai‘i State Art Museum opened to the public in November 2002 and was renamed Capitol Modern in 2023.
Hawaii State Art Museum, No. 1 Capitol District Building 2022 photo by Carole Cancler
Visiting Capitol Modern
Capitol Modern has four galleries totaling around 19,500 square feet. It also features other exhibition and live event areas including the Front Lawn, the Second Floor Courtyard, The POD, and the Sculpture Garden. Capitol Modern exhibits offer insight into current themes and diverse expressions in the local art world through some of the best contemporary art from across Hawai‘i.
- Location: No. 1 Capitol District Building, 250 S Hotel St, 2nd floor, Honolulu, HI
- Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Closed on Sundays and most federal holidays.
- Parking: No parking on site. Find metered street parking in the area. Paid parking lots nearby include Ali‘i Place (1099 Alakea Street), Iolani Palace, the Kalanimoku Building, Kinaʻu Hale/Department of Health, and Honolulu City Municipal Parking.
- Admission: FREE
- Website: Capitol Modern
Capitol Modern events
In addition to rotating exhibits, Capitol Modern regularly hosts the following events.
- 1st Friday at Capitol Modern: Free, family-friendly evening of art and music. The Lēʻahi Gallery and Sculpture Garden will be open. Come visit and enjoy performances in the garden. Admission is free and all ages are welcome.
- 3rd Friday Tempo: Free, all-ages, family-friendly evening of live music at Capitol Modern. The galleries will be open. Enjoy performances in the Sculpture Garden.
More info: Event calendar | Capitol Modern.
Upcoming museum and related events on our calendar
Listed below are events at museums, galleries, and other attractions across the Hawaiian Islands.
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