Visit the Wisconsin State Assembly
About the Assembly Chamber
The Assembly Chamber has the largest skylight in the State Capitol. The mural in the front of the Assembly Chambers titled "Wisconsin" depicts the past, present, and future of Wisconsin. The mural was painted by Edwin Blashfield. Upon seeing Blashfield's initial rendition of the painting, it was felt that the painting was missing a Wisconsin identifier, so the artist was asked to add the state animal, a Badger. To do this successfully the artist felt something would need to be removed, so a civil war soldier was painted out. As time has passed, the soldier has become more visible and visitors sometimes identify him as the Ghost of the Assembly.
In front of the mural on the ledge sits Old Abe (junior), named after President Abraham Lincoln. Old Abe was a mascot to the 8th Infantry Regiment from Eau Claire during the civil war. Abe survived the war and was given to the Governor, he then lived in the basement of the second Madison Capitol. He died in 1881 of smoke inhalation from a small Capitol fire. His body was mounted and displayed in the Civil War Museum but was destroyed in the 1904 Capitol fire. This real eagle was donated by a farmer to pay homage to Old Abe.
The Wisconsin State Assembly is often called the People's House. Each of the 99 Wisconsin State Representatives represent roughly 58,000 Wisconsin residents. Representatives are elected in even numbered years and serve two year terms.
The Wisconsin State Assembly was the first Legislative body in the world to have an electronic voting system, installed in 1917. The system has been updated several times since then. In addition to the green aye and red nay voting buttons on members desks, there are page buttons to request assistance and a button to request to speak.
The Wisconsin State Assembly Session day operations are considered paperless. Representatives receive bills, voting, and legislative action updates on laptop computers. The Assembly Calendar outlines the business each session day and the In Session site provides informational updates as actions are taken. Whatever action is before the body is also displayed on screens within the Chambers. In addition, Assembly Session proceedings and many Legislative committees are broadcast live on WisconsinEye for public viewing
Signage on in the hallway outlines the observation gallery expectations.
Session Day Visit
When the Assembly is in Session the gallery is available for visitor observation of the Assembly's proceedings. On days the Assembly is not in Session (or use) visitors can view the Assembly Chambers on one of the free Capitol tours offered throughout the day. The Capitol is open Monday - Friday 8 am - 6 pm and 8 am - 4 pm on weekends and holidays.
The State Assembly has rules that govern operations and conduct in the Chamber, including conduct in the Assembly observation galleries (outlined in Assembly Rule 26). Visitors are expected to remain quiet, act in an orderly manner, and respect the decorum of the Chamber. Please note that the following are not allowed in the galleries when the Assembly is in Session:
- Photography, videography or recording of any kind
- Electronics usage (i.e.phone, laptop, tablet usage, etc.)
- Standing, leaning or putting objects over the railing
- Showing support or opposition (including clapping, verbalization, public demonstration, etc.)
- Displaying signs or placards
- Reading newspapers or other printed materials
- Wearing of hat*
- Eating or drinking
- Possessing bags**
*Unless donned by law enforcement or military personnel at their discretion. Exceptions may be made by the presiding officer with advance notice. **There are a limited number of lockers available for visitors with bags visiting the Assembly. Please see the Assembly Sergeant staff in the gallery for access.
General Gallery Directions
The Assembly opens the West Visitors Gallery on the third floor of the West Wing in the State Capitol when the Assembly is in Session. The South gallery can be made available for visitors unable to climb stairs upon request. Handicap accessible entrances to the Capitol are Wisconsin Ave., MLK Blvd., and East and West Washington Ave. (see map). Directional information follows.
Take the West wing (State Street) elevator to the third floor.
Exit the West elevator and turn right.
Enter the arched leather doors. Turn right for the West gallery. Turn left for the South (handicapped accessible) gallery.
South (Accessible) Gallery Directions
After turning left at the leather doors go down the hallway turn right.
The lift is on the right side just down this hallway.
The lift is operated by push buttons. Please ensure door is completely closed for operation.
West Gallery Directions
After turning right at the leather doors there will be another hallway turn left. At the end of this hallway turn left again to access the West gallery.
Here are the stairs that lead to the Assembly locker room on the right and the West gallery entrance on the right.
Individuals with bags can place them in the Assembly Locker Room. Located outside the West Gallery. Tokens can be obtained from the Sergeant staff in the West gallery.
On non-ceremonial days seats are first come, first serve. When there is large attendance it is appreciated when people do not leave empty seats in the rows.