Throughout 2018, the Museum commemorates 40 Years of a New Vision for Florida’s Capitol. Exhibitions and programs explore the architectural, artistic, and legislative decisions that led to a new vision for Florida’s capital city. Visitors will reflect on historic plans that literally changed Florida’s political landscape and then imagine the civic space of the future. Join us as we study how the built environment, democracy, and design interact and intersect to CREATE a home for government.
August 2 - October 14, 2018
Demo by Design shows visitors how Florida’s Historic Capitol transformed from the working seat of state government to the state’s museum of political history. Join the Restoration Crew and look within the walls for clues about the evolution of Florida’s Capitol. After studying the objects and photos on display, consider what you would save as you vote for your favorite artifact. Demo by Design is the final 2018 exhibition celebrating the anniversary of the decision to save the Historic Capitol.
January 19 to June 3, 2018
Capitol Creations Investigate & Create allows visitors an opportunity to investigate the architectural principles and designs that influenced the development of the Capitol Complex from 1845 through the present day, as well as the ideas behind grand public architecture. Expect a hands-on learning experience in the architecture lab, where visitors are encouraged to create their own Capitol Creation. Special pop-up demonstrations of architectural drafting and use of 3-D printing occur regularly and can be reserved in advance for groups.
January 19 to May 1, 2018
Historic Capitol Gallery
Capitol Visions: 2058 showcases the artistic response to the question “What do you think Florida’s Capitol will look like in 2058?” Fifth grade art teachers from schools across the state responded to the call to young artists and selected the top three works from their students for display in the gallery.
The student artwork is available for viewing in an online gallery.
January 19, 2018 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.
Double Opening - Capitol Creations and Capitol Visions: 2058
Join us for the opening of two new unique temporary exhibits recognizing 40 years of a new vision for Florida’s Capitol. View Capitol Creations: Investigate & Create, where visitors are invited to design their own Capitol Creation in an Architecture Lab. Then, visit Capitol Visions: 2058 and see how Florida fifth graders imagine the Capitol in 40 years. Meet and greet with architects, play monumental games, and make your own mosaic to take home. Guests will enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres while experiencing the Historic Capitol after hours. RSVP at https://capitolcreateandvisions.eventbrite.com/.
February 2, 2018 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch and Learn with J.J. Scott, AIA
Box Lunches are $5 members; $10 non-members.
Free program begins at noon.
Participate in an interactive session with MLD architect J.J. Scott. Learn about historic architecture, styles, and trends. Then test your knowledge with a fun interactive game to wrap up – prizes will be awarded. Bring your own lunch or purchase a box lunch. Please reserve your spot and order lunch at https://feb2018lunchandlearn.eventbrite.com/.
February 13, 2018
Curator’s Wine and Cheese Tour
During this after-hours tour led by Museum staff, guests will enjoy three different stations of wine and cheese while discovering interesting architectural elements that one may not find at first glance. There will also be a special stop in our new temporary exhibits, Capitol Creations: Investigate & Create and Capitol Visions: 2058. Reservations are required and space is limited. $20 for Members / $ 25 for non-Members. Place your reservation by calling (850) 487-1902 or at https://fhcmvalentinetour.eventbrite.com/.
March 1, 2018
Trivia Night: Superheroes Edition
Honoring the heroes and heroines of Florida who saved the Historic Capitol from destruction 40 years ago in March 1978, topics will recognize actual and fictional heroic characters in this fun trivia experience. Guests will enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres, and prizes will be awarded at the end of the night. Register your team by calling (850) 487-1902 or sign up through Eventbrite. Registration fee is $20 per team, maximum members per team is 4. Advance registration is required at https://superheroestrivia.eventbrite.com/. Don’t have a team or just want to watch the action? Individual entry is $5.
March 29, 2018
Celebration of the 40 Year Anniversary of the Save the Old Capitol Night
Relive the drama that unfolded on March 30, 1978, as then Secretary of State Bruce Smathers and loyal historic preservation advocates raised awareness of the amazing Historic Capitol building. The Save the Old Capitol night went down in history forty years ago. Now we invite you to join us for an historic night of music, orange juice, behind the scenes tours and an unforgettable way to show your support of Florida’s Grand ‘ol Lady on the Hill. Guests will enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres while experiencing the Capitol after hours. Please RSVP at https://savetheoldcapitol2018.eventbrite.com/.
April 26, 2018
Curator’s Wine and Cheese Tour
During this after-hours tour led by Museum staff guests will enjoy three different stations of wine and cheese while discovering interesting architectural elements that one may not find at first glance. There will also be a special stop in our new temporary exhibit, Capitol Creations: Investigate & Create and Capitol Visions: 2058. Reservations are required and space is limited. $20 for Members / $ 25 for non-Members. Place your reservation by calling (850) 487-1902 or at https://april2018curatorstour.eventbrite.com/.
May 11, 2018 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Lunch and Learn with Robert Buccelato: Florida’s Lasting Legacies
Box Lunches are $5 members; $10 non-members.
Free program begins at noon.
As part of the 40-year commemoration of the 1978 decision to save the Historic Capitol, and the inaugural legislative session in the current Capitol, author Robert Buccellato will discuss the lasting legacies of this interesting time in Florida politics. Bring your own lunch or purchase a box lunch. Please reserve your spot and order lunch at https://may2018lunchandlearn.eventbrite.com/.
June 1, 2018
Movie Night on the Plaza — Superman (1978)
Celebrating another well-aged forty-year-old moment in history, the Historic Capitol Museum invites you to watch the original feature picture, Superman. For this popular movie night on the plaza, attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, and picnics are welcome. The movie will begin at approximately 8:30 p.m., but attendees should come early to secure their seat. The temporary exhibit Capitol Creations: Investigate & Create will be open from 6:30 to 8 p.m.
