California State Capitol - Senate Chambers

At the State Capitol, the past, present, and future of California interact with equal force. The building serves as both a museum and the state’s working seat of government. Visitors to the Capitol can at once experience California’s rich history and witness the making of history through the modern lawmaking process.

Today, visitors can witness the Assembly and Senate proceedings from the balconies that overlook the restored chambers. The chambers are designed like a theatre with the floor as the "stage" and the public overseeing the workings of government from the gallery. The gallery is an architectural feature that symbolically reflects the democratic process, enabling the public to observe their elected officials in action.