Title: Old State Capitol in Historic Downtown Baton Rouge | Expedia.co.uk [Old State Capitol Hotels](https://expedia.co.uk/Old-State-Capitol-Hotels.0-l6077108-0.Travel-Guide-Filter-Hotels)[Old State Capitol Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Old-State-Capitol.d6077108.Car-Hire-Guide)[Historic Downtown Baton Rouge Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Historic-Downtown-Baton-Rouge.d6341124.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Old State Capitol ![Old State Capitol showing an administrative building and heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6077108/b49a035c-afbf-4bcb-af2a-8575863a0da8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Old State Capitol showing an administrative building and heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6077108/b49a035c-afbf-4bcb-af2a-8575863a0da8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Old State Capitol featuring an administrative building and heritage architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6077108/b26cd4f0-23d6-4dfd-b63a-a46f59b2e63a.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Old State Capitol which includes heritage architecture and an administrative building](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6077108/a5b69122-25be-41dd-92f3-3153e7141ff4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Old State Capitol featuring an administrative building, heritage architecture and night scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6077108/b00fd2c5-af48-428b-9c72-bc04685f595f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Old State Capitol Activities --- --- #### Once the site of important political meetings, today this castle-like monument is home to the Museum of Political History. Delve into centuries of Baton Rouge and Louisiana’s governmental past at the Old State Capitol. This handsome statehouse which dates back to the mid-1800s, stands proudly on a hill and looks out across the Mississippi River. Up until 1932, the Old State Capitol was the seat of the Louisiana State Legislative and also used as both a prison and garrison. It is now a designated National Historic Monument, which houses exhibitions about Louisiana’s fascinating political history. The building itself is designed in Gothic style and bears striking resemblances to a medieval castle. Its façade boasts typical Gothic architectural aspects, including crenellations, towers and turrets. The capitol caught fire twice during the Civil War. A fire in 1862 almost ruined the building, which prompted author Mark Twain to say that it would have been more “to let dynamite finish what a charitable fire began.” Inside, the distinguishing highlights are the regal spiral staircase, stained-glass windows and a stained-glass dome. The well-preserved chambers and function rooms now host the exhibits of the Museum of Political History. Find interactive exhibits and video presentations that explain the trials and tribulations of Louisiana’s biggest political events. Follow in the footsteps of notable state governors such as Huey P. Long. Learn about Long’s assassination at Louisiana State Capitol in 1935 and see the gun supposedly used to shoot him. Don’t miss the state-of-the-art Ghost of the Castle exhibit. It tells the story of the building’s chaotic history through the eyes of the ghost of Sarah Morgan. Morgan was a Baton Rouge resident in the second half of the 19th century and wrote a chronicle of her life during the American Civil War. The Old State Capitol sits in the southern section of downtown Baton Rouge. It’s a just a short walk from Baton Rouge River Centre and Shaw Centre for the Arts. Metered street parking is available on the encompassing streets. The landmark and museum are open from Tuesday to Saturday and admission is free. ### Popular places to visit ![Shaw Center for the Arts showing modern architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6077112/1ff3d1ec-da59-4a92-a81e-0fccf9c7465d.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Shaw Center for the Arts Discover a vibrant schedule of art, music and theater events at this contemporary performing arts center in downtown Baton Rouge. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Shaw-Center-For-The-Arts-Historic-Downtown-Baton-Rouge.d6077112.Attraction) ![Louisiana Art and Science Museum showing modern architecture](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6077110/7159ffeb-7b0e-462d-ab29-41b24991c1a8.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Louisiana Art and Science Museum With its mission of being universally interesting, this museum is popular for learning and being inspirational. Visit it in a building that has history itself. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Louisiana-Art-And-Science-Museum-Historic-Downtown-Baton-Rouge.d6077110.Attraction) ![Baton Rouge River Center showing a river or creek](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6091605/9eb4a68b-60a4-46c8-85da-4d5f3e35d3db.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Raising Cane's River Center Attend star-studded musical performances, family-friendly theater productions, stand-up comedy shows and symphony orchestras at this riverside entertainment complex. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Baton-Rouge-River-Center-Historic-Downtown-Baton-Rouge.d6091605.Attraction) ![USS Kidd Veterans Memorial](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6206717/8a5cab52-2fbc-4474-ad04-e55a43a8e9d3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### USS Kidd Veterans Memorial You can spend an afternoon studying the exhibits at USS Kidd Veterans Memorial during your travels in Baton Rouge. Amble around the area's riverfront or attend a football match. [](https://expedia.co.uk/USS-Kidd-Veterans-Memorial-Historic-Downtown-Baton-Rouge.d6206717.Attraction) ![The Old Governor\'s Mansion featuring heritage architecture and an administrative building](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6300746/2443fa7b-29c9-4bfd-afe1-52c16291ab80.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### The Old Governor's Mansion Take a tour of this striking Georgian mansion, which has rooms dedicated to the life and work of historic Louisiana governors. [](https://expedia.co.uk/The-Old-Governors-Mansion-Baton-Rouge.d6300746.Attraction) ![Howard Wilkinson Bridge featuring a river or creek, a sunset and a bridge](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6077126/87b716ae-2cd2-4fd4-880e-07870308fdb9.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Howard Wilkinson Bridge In a state divided by a large river, bridges are common. Drive across this one and you’ve gone across the highest one in the state. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Howard-Wilkinson-Bridge-Historic-Downtown-Baton-Rouge.d6077126.Attraction) --- ## Top Hotel Deals ## Check availability on hotels close to Old State Capitol [Tonight ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6077108&startDate=2026-02-06&endDate=2026-02-07)[6 Feb - 7 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6077108&startDate=2026-02-06&endDate=2026-02-07) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6077108&startDate=2026-02-07&endDate=2026-02-08)[7 Feb - 8 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6077108&startDate=2026-02-07&endDate=2026-02-08) [This weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6077108&startDate=06%2F02%2F2026&endDate=08%2F02%2F2026)[6 Feb - 8 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.Package&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6077108&startDate=06%2F02%2F2026&endDate=08%2F02%2F2026) ![Bally's Baton Rouge Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/580000/578700/578637/w808h644x1y0-f71c081c_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Bally's Baton Rouge Hotel 102 France St Baton Rouge LA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Baton-Rouge-Hotels-Belle-Of-Baton-Rouge-Casino-Hotel.h578637.Hotel-Information) ![Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1540000/1532700/1532626/4a87d2a3_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center 201 Lafayette St Baton Rouge LA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Baton-Rouge-Hotels-Hilton-Baton-Rouge-Capitol-Center.h1532626.Hotel-Information) ![Hampton Inn & Suites Baton Rouge Downtown](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/6000000/5640000/5634000/5633914/693c08a0_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hampton Inn & Suites Baton Rouge Downtown 462 Lafayette St. Baton Rouge LA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Baton-Rouge-Hotels-Hampton-Inn-Suites-Baton-Rouge-Downtown.h5633914.Hotel-Information) ![WATERMARK Baton Rouge, Autograph Collection](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/15000000/14910000/14901100/14901014/717ead6e_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### WATERMARK Baton Rouge, Autograph Collection 150 3rd Street Baton Rouge LA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Baton-Rouge-Hotels-WATERMARK-Baton-Rouge.h14901014.Hotel-Information) ![Hotel Indigo Baton Rouge Downtown by IHG](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/4000000/3850000/3849400/3849348/53307fe1_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hotel Indigo Baton Rouge Downtown by IHG 200 Convention St Baton Rouge LA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Baton-Rouge-Hotels-Hotel-Indigo-Baton-Rouge-Downtown.h3849348.Hotel-Information) ![Origin Baton Rouge, a Wyndham Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/101000000/100420000/100419000/100418963/184d3609_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Origin Baton Rouge, a Wyndham Hotel 101 ST FERDINAND STREET Baton Rouge LA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Baton-Rouge-Hotels-Origin-Baton-Rouge.h100418963.Hotel-Information) ![Courtyard by Marriott Baton Rouge Downtown](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/24000000/23360000/23356900/23356809/1e962f1e_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Courtyard by Marriott Baton Rouge Downtown 260 Third Street Baton Rouge LA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Baton-Rouge-Hotels-Courtyard-By-Marriott-Baton-Rouge-Downtown.h23356809.Hotel-Information) ![StayAE - High Rise](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/106000000/105950000/105949100/105949083/5cf6c93b_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### StayAE - High Rise 440 on Third Baton Rouge LA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Baton-Rouge-Hotels-StayAE-Baton-Rouge.h105949083.Hotel-Information) ![Mardi Gras Central, 1 Block to River Center, Minutes to LSU](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/69000000/68930000/68920300/68920259/95f71763_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Mardi Gras Central, 1 Block to River Center, Minutes to LSU Baton Rouge LA [](https://expedia.co.uk/Baton-Rouge-Hotels-Attention-Bowlers-Were-1-Block-To-The-River-Center-Entrance.h68920259.Hotel-Information) [See all 644 properties in Old State Capitol](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.Package®ionId=6077108) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. 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