Louisiana's Old State Capitol
The Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is a 160-year-old Gothic architectural treasure which stands high on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River. Visitors can attend special events and see pictures of past governors in the Governors' Portrait Gallery.
By Baton Rouge Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
In 1990, the Louisiana Legislature placed the former statehouse under the jurisdiction of the secretary of state and appropriated funds for a major restoration project. The building reopened as the Center for Political and Governmental History in 1994. Today, the building stands as a testament to bold, inspired leadership and active citizenship. Now referred to as the Museum of Political History, the Old State Capitol has received awards for its architecture, exhibits and preservation.
One of its newest attractions is the Governors’ Portrait Gallery which features portraits of each governor of Louisiana hanging in the four corners surrounding the second floor level of the rotunda. You can access interactive kiosks to learn about these governors — who they were, what they did and how their incumbency influenced the history of Louisiana. The exhibit will spark your curiosity and leave you wanting to learn more about the colorful history of Louisiana’s state government.
Secretary of State Jay Dardenne and the staff of the Old State Capitol welcome visitors for special events, including cocktail parties under the stained-glass dome’s splendor, seminars, weddings and receptions in the House and Senate chambers. In addition to these special events, Secretary Dardenne and staff also welcome speakers, performers and presenters from the social, political and cultural worlds.
The building is currently undergoing changes to its exhibits. The new guest experience at Louisiana’s Old State Capitol will be a celebration of the Louisiana spirit. It will feature a story that consolidates many narratives and provides guests with a dramatic, memorable experience.
- 100 North Blvd.
- Baton Rouge, LA 70801
800.488.2968 or 225.342.0500
Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 4:30 p.m.
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