It is possbile to schedule an educational display in the first floor rotunda of the Nebraska State Capitol following guidelines established by the Office of the Capitol Commision. Displays are held on first floor because it gets the most traffic from visitors and staff and is least disruptive to the operation of state government. Requests for display space are made via a Facility Use Permit available from the Tourism Supervisor by calling (402)471-0449 or emailing roxanne.smith@nebraska.gov.
Non-profit, not-for-profit and governmental groups of statewide or larger scope are eligible to display educational materials; commercial displays are not allowed. All groups must follow the guidelines and may reserve space for one week and up to two weeks at certain times of year.
Guidelines for displays in the Nebraska State Capitol
The Nebraska State Capitol is the seat of state government. All three branches of government are located in the building and over 500 people work in the building every day. Citizens of Nebraska come to the Capitol to conduct business; visitors from all over the United States and the world come to view the magnificent building. In the spring thousands of students arrive at the building to learn about Nebraska and their government. The Capitol is a place where groups can provide educational information to a diverse audience. Functions of state government shall have priority for use of the Capitol.
- Displays are allowed only in the First Floor Rotunda, to be viewed during regular public hours:
- Monday – Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday and Holidays: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Sunday: 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Displays may only be sponsored by government agencies, non-profit or not-for-profit groups of state-wide or larger membership and mission. Depending on demand and time of year, displays may be shown for up to one week and possibly two with specific approval. Displays may be staffed or unstaffed.
- Displays may not block public access to any area of the Capitol. Displays must not restrict traffic flow in and around the Capitol and should not pose a hazard for disabled users of the building.
- The Office of the Capitol Commission will supply up to 12 tables, 20 easels, and a limited number of chairs, as requested. No other equipment will be provided nor may be brought into the Capitol without permission in advance.
- Groups may bring in free-standing displays with advance approval, if they meet safety criteria. All equipment shall have proper padding to insure there is no damage to floors, walls, or other building finishes. Special care must be taken in the set-up and take down of all display materials.
- Nothing may be affixed to or hung from any surface or fixture of the Capitol. Depending upon availability, up to 20 easels may be provided for displaying two dimensional materials.
- Since the Capitol is a public building with open access, the State will not be responsible for theft or damage to display materials.
- Food and drink or the distribution of same are not permitted as part of a display.
All displays and special events in the Capitol are scheduled as the Facility Use Permit is received. Please plan in advance: we require at least two weeks’ notice and cannot guarantee the availability of a date or space until the Facility Use Permit is received and approved.
