Oklahoma State Capitol Docent Program

To apply for the Oklahoma State Capitol docent program, complete and submit the form below.

Capitol Tours and the Docent Program

The Oklahoma State Capitol offers an incredible, one-of-a-kind educational experience for Oklahoma school children, families, and visitors from around the world. Art, history, and government are together in one space, offering an extraordinary destination unlike any other in Oklahoma. At the center of the experience, managed by the Oklahoma Arts Council, collections of artworks located throughout six floors of rotundas, corridors, and galleries, make the Oklahoma State Capitol the largest public art museum in the state. Capitol tour programs are operated by the Oklahoma Arts Council, which leverages staff expertise in leading a museum-quality docent program.

Ambassadors for Oklahoma

When you join the Oklahoma State Capitol docent program, you become an ambassador for Oklahoma. You have an essential role in providing unforgettable experiences for students and visitors from around the world. Your commitment as a docent guiding tours through the historic building and bringing to life hundreds of works of art will inspire lifelong memories and enduring lessons based on the meaningful events, magnificent landscapes, and memorable Oklahomans enshrined in the artwork.

Who should apply?

Enthusiastic, dedicated individuals who proudly embody the spirit of Oklahoma make ideal candidates for the program. Docents should have a joy for learning, a passion for storytelling, and a love for their state. Retired Oklahomans, individuals who work part time, corporate volunteers, civic leaders, art and history enthusiasts, military veterans, former public officials, educators, graduate students, and others make ideal candidates.

Benefits of becoming an Oklahoma State Capitol Docent

Volunteering to serve as an Oklahoma State Capitol docent is a rewarding experience and a gratifying way to give back to the community. Benefits of becoming a docent at the Capitol include:

• Special VIP experiences

• Behind-the-scenes access to select events

• Meeting artists and seeing and learning about artworks before they are installed

• Opportunities to create meaningful, unforgettable experiences for school children

• Chances to inspire the next generation of Oklahomans

• And, more

What is required?

The program is flexible, and the Oklahoma Arts Council seeks to accommodate schedules. On average, docents volunteer approximately 4 hours per week. Docents lead groups of students and visitors on 45-minute tours through the Oklahoma State Capitol. Most tours take place weekdays between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. To empower docents to be successful ambassadors, the Oklahoma Arts Council provides regular training and tour scripts. Trainings ensure docents are equipped with up-to-date knowledge about touring techniques, group management, accessibility practices, and more.

Requirements include:
Lead 45-minute tours*
Be comfortable speaking in public to a wide variety of audiences
Ability to communicate via email and use online scheduling applications
Attend regular trainings held once a month
Be punctual and reliable
Represent the tour program in a nonpartisan capacity
Be at least 18 years of age
Pass a background check

Desired skills:
Passion for sharing about art, history, architecture, and civics with visitors of all ages
Comfortable speaking in public to a wide variety of audiences
Bilingual applicants are strongly encouraged to apply
Familiar with email communication and online scheduling applications

*The Oklahoma Arts Council is committed to providing an accessible experience for all, including docents. If you require an accommodation, please notify us at tours@arts.ok.gov.

Art, history, and government together in one place

Art, history, and government come together in a unique and dynamic way at the Oklahoma State Capitol. There is no other state capitol quite like it. The century-old building, brilliantly restored, is the epicenter for consequential decision-making impacting the everyday lives of the citizens of Oklahoma. It is also the state’s largest public art museum, home to hundreds of paintings, murals, sculptures, and cultural objects that tell the story of our state. A top tourism destination, the Oklahoma State Capitol is also an extraordinary educational venue. Docents are essential to making all of this possible.

Learn more about the Capitol Art Collection.
Learn more about the State Art Collection.

For more information

Our office is ready to answer your questions and provide you details about the responsibilities of Oklahoma State Capitol docents. For more information, email us at tours@arts.ok.gov.