Louisiana's Old State Capitol

Constructed between 1847 and 1852, this imposing structure on a bluff looking out over the Mississippi River has the appearance from the outside of a medieval fortress. The interior, however, is decorated in marble and rich wood paneling, with a commanding cast-iron spiral staircase and an awesome display of stained glass in the main gallery and in an overhead skylight. Gutted by fire during the Civil War, it was restored in the early 1880s and then fell into disrepair after a new, modern capitol building was built in the early 1930s. Concerned citizens moved to save the structure in the 1970s, and the whole building subsequently has undergone a loving restoration. Today, the Old State Capitol interprets Louisiana’s often rowdy and certainly flamboyant political history, including a fascinating exhibit on the controversial state governor and U.S. senator, Huey Long. Even more impressive is the award-winning multimedia presentation, "The Ghost of the Castle." Explore different aspects of Louisiana’s history in new and exciting ways through the use of interactive technology. These are guaranteed to be attractive to children and adults alike.

Louisiana's Old State Capitol
100 North Blvd.
Baton Rouge, LA 70801

800.488.2968
225.342.0500
225.342.0316 fax

Hours of Operation
Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Saturday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Visit the Old State Capitol Foundation's website for more information.