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Louisiana's Old State Capitol

100 North Blvd · Baton Rouge, LA

Why you should go…

The Old Louisiana State Capitol is a Gothic Revival landmark built between 1847 and 1852 that served as the state's seat of government before becoming a museum. In 1990 the building was placed under the Louisiana Secretary of State, which restored it and reopened it in 1994 as a museum on the state's political history. It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976 and today offers exhibits and programming on Louisiana history and the democratic process.

  • #history
  • #museum
  • #free
  • #landmark
  • #government

Good to know

General museums guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Check the special exhibition separately

    Touring shows usually carry their own ticket and their own opening hours, listed apart from general admission.

  • Look for the free window

    Many museums run community days, member evenings, or discounted late openings. It is worth a look before you pay full price.

  • Travel light through the door

    Large bags and backpacks often have to go to a coat check, and lines for it move slowly at opening.

  • Weekday mornings beat weekend afternoons

    School groups clear out by early afternoon midweek, while weekends stay busy from late morning on.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Louisiana's Old State Capitol, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

  • Attractions
    Quirky Fun

    13th Gate Escape

    $25–$50

    Escape room venue in downtown Baton Rouge with themed puzzle games for groups of four to ten.

    0.4 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Sightseeing
    Free

    Louisiana State Capitol Welcome Center

    Free

    The state's official welcome center at the Louisiana Capitol in Baton Rouge, with free maps and travel guides.

    0.7 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Museums
    History Buff

    West Baton Rouge Museum

    Under $25

    A history museum and historic-building campus preserving West Baton Rouge Parish's sugar and Creole heritage.

    1.4 mi awayMore like this

  • Sightseeing
    Local Gem

    West Baton Rouge Tourist Information Center

    Free

    State-certified visitor center off I-10 offering travel info, maps and a resident alligator mascot.

    3.0 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Attractions
    Family Favorite

    Magnolia Wilds

    Under $25

    A family run wildlife safari park in Louisiana with wagon rides, ziplines and animal encounters.

    22 mi awaySwitch it up: Attractions

  • Museums
    Local Gem

    Acadiana Center for the Arts

    Free

    Downtown Lafayette arts center with museum-quality galleries and the James Devin Moncus Theater.

    52 mi awayMore like this