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.
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.
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Friday, April 26, 2024
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Sunday, April 28, 2024
Monday, April 29, 2024
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Thursday, May 2, 2024
Friday, May 3, 2024
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Sunday, May 5, 2024
Monday, May 6, 2024
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Thursday, May 9, 2024
Friday, May 10, 2024
Saturday, May 11, 2024
Sunday, May 12, 2024
Monday, May 13, 2024
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
Thursday, May 16, 2024
Friday, May 17, 2024
Saturday, May 18, 2024
Sunday, May 19, 2024
Monday, May 20, 2024
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
Thursday, May 23, 2024
Friday, May 24, 2024
Saturday, May 25, 2024
Sunday, May 26, 2024
Monday, May 27, 2024
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Thursday, May 30, 2024
Friday, May 31, 2024
Saturday, June 1, 2024
Sunday, June 2, 2024
Monday, June 3, 2024
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
Thursday, June 6, 2024
Friday, June 7, 2024
Saturday, June 8, 2024
Sunday, June 9, 2024
Monday, June 10, 2024
Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Thursday, June 13, 2024
Friday, June 14, 2024
Saturday, June 15, 2024
Sunday, June 16, 2024
Monday, June 17, 2024
Wednesday, June 19, 2024
Thursday, June 20, 2024
Friday, June 21, 2024
Saturday, June 22, 2024
Sunday, June 23, 2024
Monday, June 24, 2024
Wednesday, June 26, 2024
Thursday, June 27, 2024
Friday, June 28, 2024
Saturday, June 29, 2024
Sunday, June 30, 2024
Monday, July 1, 2024
Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Thursday, July 4, 2024
Friday, July 5, 2024
Saturday, July 6, 2024
Sunday, July 7, 2024
Monday, July 8, 2024
Wednesday, July 10, 2024
Thursday, July 11, 2024
Friday, July 12, 2024
Saturday, July 13, 2024
Sunday, July 14, 2024
Monday, July 15, 2024
Wednesday, July 17, 2024
Thursday, July 18, 2024
Friday, July 19, 2024
Saturday, July 20, 2024
Sunday, July 21, 2024
Monday, July 22, 2024