Louisiana’s Old State Capitol Museum in downtown Baton Rouge combines Louisiana political history with a landmark building constructed between 1847 and 1852. You can visit the museum for free, explore its exhibits and stained-glass interior, and add an optional multimedia presentation to your stop.
- Location: 100 North Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70801
- Regular hours: Open Tuesday to Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday
- Admission: General museum admission is free
- Visit length: Allow at least 1 hour
What to see at the Old State Capitol
The Old State Capitol pairs exhibits on Louisiana’s political history with distinctive details in the historic building. Set on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River, it was built between 1847 and 1852. Fire gutted the building during the Civil War; it was restored in the early 1880s, then restored again after citizens worked to save it in the 1970s.
Inside, look for marble, rich wood paneling and a cast-iron spiral staircase. Stained glass fills the main gallery and overhead skylight. The museum’s displays include an exhibit on Huey Long, while “The Ghost of the Castle” offers a multimedia presentation about the building.
To make room for the exhibits and the building itself, plan at least an hour. Complimentary audio guides are available if you want to explore at your own pace.
Hours, admission and tour details
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday on a regular weekly schedule, with free general admission and optional paid group tours and multimedia presentation. Hours vary by day, and the museum is closed Monday.
For the “Ghost of the Castle” presentation, individual tickets cost $3; the listed group rate is $2 per person. The presentation lasts 12 minutes. Large-group tours may be requested using the museum’s tour request form. Most scheduled weekday tours for groups are guided. Groups larger than 30 are split into groups of 30 or fewer.
Opening hours
- Tuesday to Friday: 10 AM–4 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM–3 PM
- Monday and Sunday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Hours, prices and tour availability can change, so check the official site before you go.
How do you get from American Inn to the Old State Capitol?
The Old State Capitol is about a 9-minute drive from American Inn. Its address is 100 North Blvd., in downtown Baton Rouge.
For a broader visit, the American Inn is about a 9-minute drive away.
The museum is a useful stop for anyone exploring the city’s history and cultural attractions.
This one-day Baton Rouge route can help you plan other stops.
Parking and accessibility
Parking options include a limited number of accessible spaces in the lot behind the museum, street parking and garages. The museum identifies a garage at the corner of Third and Convention streets, about two blocks from the museum.
The accessible entrance is near the rear of the building. A security guard admits visitors there, and an elevator serves each floor. Strollers are welcome; you can take one through the rear entrance and use the elevator to reach the first floor, where strollers may be left.
Food and drinks, including gum, are not allowed inside. The museum says picnicking is possible on the front lawn. Trained service dogs that are housebroken and leashed are welcome; pets and emotional-support animals are not allowed.
Nearby downtown stops
The Mississippi Riverfront provides a natural nearby pairing with the Old State Capitol, which stands on a bluff above the river. The museum also identifies the Old Governor’s Mansion as another downtown stop. Baton Rouge’s other museums are covered in this practical guide to Baton Rouge museums.
For dining guidance, the museum directs visitors to the Downtown Development District’s restaurant list.
FAQs
Is admission to the Old State Capitol free?
Yes. General museum admission is free. The “Ghost of the Castle” presentation has a separate ticket price.
How long should you plan for a visit?
The museum recommends allowing at least 1 hour. The optional “Ghost of the Castle” presentation lasts 12 minutes.
Can you bring a stroller inside?
Yes. Strollers are welcome, and visitors can use the rear entrance and elevator to reach the first floor, where strollers may be left.
Are pets allowed at the museum?
Pets and emotional-support animals are not allowed. The museum welcomes trained service dogs that are housebroken and leashed.