The Cabildo

Love the Cabildo. Visited to see the George Rodrigue exhibit of his works before the Blue Dog. Very interesting exhibit and interesting information about the Cajun culture. I will say the Aioli Dinner is not a traditional Cajun thing. But it was certainly a part of Rodrigue's Cajun experience(cuz we love food). It makes perfect sense, but my Cajuns came from Vacherie and Reserve and did not eat aioli or know what it was. 😁 My perpetual favorite is the information about the Baroness Pontalba. We owe so much of beautiful Jackson Square to her. A number of the local tours will paint her as a stingy nitpicky nutcase. I appreciate the Cabildo exhibit gives a fair and balanced view of her many contributions. We ran out of time to see the botanical exhibit about Louisiana native plants, but will be back soon to see that one.

Great little museum in a historic building dating back to the Spanish rule of the city. The exhibits they had were very interesting and covered both history and art. I enjoyed the information and artifacts they had on the Battle of New Orleans and that time period and I also enjoyed getting some nice views of the plaza even if the windows are a bit dirty and hard to look out of.

Great museum building with a lot of history. The staff was very friendly and the exhibits were great. Part of the state museum package I bought all 4 museums for the discount and I'm very happy with the outcome. For a museum junkie New Orleans is a wonderful experience. Highly recommended.

You cannot fully understand New Orleans without also understanding the War of 1812. This museum does an outstanding job of presenting the Battle of New Orleans in an entertaining, yet educational, display. Visit and learn why that statue of Andrew Jackson is so prominently displayed in Jackson Square.

I was rather disappointed by this museum. It seemed to lack successfully utilizing the historic space that they have. A lot of rooms were empty, and some are working on new displays, so maybe it will be better. The artifacts and displays they have currently weren’t bad, but I think they could tell so much more about one of the oldest cities in America. I found better information at the Vue Orleans, and even the national historic site somewhere near Jackson Square (I can’t remember where it was as I stumbled upon it). They really should take advantage of being in a historic building and at least have a room that shows what it was like to be in the Cabildo back “in the day”. why not a room that re-creates an important time in the history of that building, such as the transfer from French to Spanish rule or from French to American? I felt no sense of being in a building from the 18th century. And finally, having two admission prices between the Cabildo and the Presbytère (both $10) isn’t a good idea. Rather, they should have one admission for both buildings and maybe even include the 1850 house ($5 and contains a gift store). A reasonable price for those three would be around $12-$15.

All you need to know about the history of the city - this is a great resource. $10 entry tickets only! Pretty nice place to take pictures as well! I don't consider myself an art enthusiast, but Slonem's easel was neat! This place also offers cool views of the Jackson Square!

If you have the time and no impatient people with you this is a good place to learn much of the history of New Orleans. All of the displays are on the walls and require quite a lot of reading. I would not recommend this museum for children under the age of 12. If you purchase tickets to multiple of the state museums at the same time it's a cheaper price.

Really cool exhibits! There was an installation all about local flora which was fascinating. Especially liked the one about the war of 1812 and how Jean Lafitte and other groups of people banded together to defend the country.

I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to visit the Cabildo after closing for a private reception. The Louisiana Purchase was signed here. This museum is a great place for a large reception. There was music, hors d'oerves, and a view of Jackson Square. Guests were able to view the history and art on the second and third floors. It was a unique experience that I recommend for art lovers or if you're looking for a venue to host a reception in the French Quarter.

Nice staff. Amazing history. Very friendly volunteers. Loved the old photos. The timeline of events (2nd floor) was amazing. Didn't get to see the other sister museum, but hope to next time. Would recommend. Great to k ow more about the culture and history.

It's an ok museum for a very reasonable price. Doesn't take a long time to go through. Learn about New Orleans history.

This may not be a popular opinion, but I really did not enjoy New Orleans. I know, I know... Big party city, hundreds of years of history, voodoo, intrigue and mystique. But visiting the place with three children 14 and under at the end of June 2022, and parking six blocks North of Bourbon Street because I had a camper trailer on my truck made it less than pleasant overall. I'm not sure if it was the time we visited or not, but the place seem to be overrun with sketchy people wandering around aimlessly, smoking a lot of different things. Granted, there were some highlights, and I'm really glad I got to see the place after all these years, but compared to some other things we saw on our 9000 mile summer road trip, this wasn't even in the top 20. Among the things that helped us salvage our time here was this museum, the Cabildo. as a 20+ year educator, and a self-professed history nerd, I really enjoy dragging my family here. There are definitely some awesome pieces to this museum, with multiple floors dedicated to different parts of Louisiana and United States history. our visit here turned out to be doubly fortuitous as we arrived just as a heavy thunderstorm was hit in the area. Even the glass and the windows upstairs was historical and old, and my kids... Who under most circumstances don't exactly jump out of their shoes for joy at the thought of visiting a history Museum... found some interesting things to see and do here. Lots of photo opportunities, including a few cool shots from upstairs out the windows at New Orleans below. The price was a little expensive for a history museum, but I suppose it supports the preservation of these items, research, and they continued curation of new items that document our collective story.

This has been on my list of places I want to visit for quite some time now. Reasonable admission prices, located on the north side of Jackson Square, this is handicap accessible. This is just an amazing museum and I could spend hours here. It is all self guided. There is no dedicated parking here.

Worth the 1-year wait. I was in New Orleans in December 2022 and the Cabildo was on my list of museums to check out. Mother Nature wasn't working with me though. There was a storm warning so the museum closed early and I didn't get a chance to see it before I left. Fast forward a year and this was one of my first stops and it did not disappoint. The museum is the Goldilocks of size. It has three floors of exhibits but everything is well spaced out so you don't end up fatigued trying to get through everything. I spent about 1.5-2 hours here going through it at a leisurely pace and reading a lot but not everything. I really enjoyed learning about New Orleans culture and history. I would highly recommend visiting if you're in town. Admission is $10 and it's located in the French Quarter so there is plenty to do and see before or after your visit.

An interesting small museum. Fun to check out for history and art but I'd not make it a priority if you are in town for only a few days.

Always wanted to see this museum, so we stopped in. Full of history about the NO area from shipping on the old Miss to independence. Stop in! New Orleans has tons of history. Learn something about it!m

This is a great museum off Jackson Square (actually overlooking it - it's a great place to cool off inside and people watch from above). It takes you through the history of NOLA and the surrounding area, with special exhibits to artists in the area. When I last went, they had a display of a local furniture maker and one for a photographer who captured a lot of otherwise undocumented history. The gift shop inside is lacking, but the history and displays more than make up for it.

I love the arts ! There are several museums to see . This is walking distance from the Sheraton hotel . 10.00 admission fee and specials if you purchase tickets to two or more museums . Beautiful exhibits

My honest opinion it wasn't worth what we paid. One level wasn't finished(they are working on making the exhibits-which sounded good but they are in the beginner stages. Top level was abstract art that we had no interest in nor did we know was included. We thought it was a museum focusing in history not looking at a whole floor of rabbits.(which seemed weird the fascination with rabbits -that were drawn the same way over and over. The exhibits were spaced out like they wanted it to look like they had more. The directions were not clear really about where the certain exhibits were. You figured it out yourself. One long hallway/space was nothing but plaques (about the church, some swords,and old chandeliers) I generously will give the museum a 3 based on the rest of the museum about Andrew Jackson and the history of the Cabildo. I didnt care for the amount of exhibits for the movie Buccaneer. I came here for history about LA not a old movie. About historical figures/about the time period not a movie. I personally wouldnt waste my time on this museum. Others are well worth the money this one was a disappointment. By the way you get a piece of paper that one side tells you about the levels in a very vague way but one side is about another museum . If it says anything about mardi gras or katrina that is another museum . It's just not worth it as it is right now.** but it might b just so you can use the restroom. The restroom situation is pretty abominable with public restrooms hard to find. Its one of the things i really couldnt understand . It's one of the scams they use to make people buy stuff in this town. It's skippable. We did it to waste time waiting for things to open. This town doesnt open til at least 10 am for most things .

Very inexpensive yet very impressive! I was really happy with the exhibits and BEAUTIFUL paintings. Highly recommend if you enjoy history!

Spend an hour to visit the Cabildo and learn about New Orleans and Louisiana history--past and present. Initially built after a devastating fire by the Spanish from 1795-1799, the Louisiana Purchase transfer ceremonies occurred here in 1803. The purchase doubled the size of the United States after the transaction was completed. As New Orleans celebrates 300 years, the "Love You, New Orleans!" exhibit showcases an eclectic collection of items from Mardi Gras to the St. Charles streetcar to Café du Monde and jazz. From "Dirty Shirts" to Buccaneers: The Battle of New Orleans exhibit explores the battle's logistics. Interesting to see how this event changed the course of our nation's history, a future presidency and people's lives in this region. Make sure to also see Napoleon's death mask on the third floor. It is one of four in existence. Admission is $6, but was able to use my NARM reciprocal museum pass for discounted admission.

Opened in 1799, the Cabildo served as the seat of government during colonial rule by Spain. The Louisiana Purchase was signed here in 1803, an act that doubled the size of the United States. The building was then used by the territorial court and later served the New Orleans City Council until the 1850s. After the council moved to Gallier Hall, the Cabildo became home for the Louisiana Supreme Court. Today, the Cabildo serves as a state museum. When we visited in May, the Cabildo was hosting an exhibition featuring artwork, artifacts and documents exploring Spain's influence on the development of New Orleans, support for the American Revolution and the country's lasting influence on Louisiana. The exhibition included portraits of Spanish colonial Louisiana governors Antonio de Ulloa and Bernardo de Gálvez, paintings never before shown outside Spain. There was period clothing and Spanish weapons, among other artifacts. The museum had a wealth of exhibits that helped explain the background of New Orleans and Louisiana. It was fascinating. The upstairs also provided great outdoor views of Jackson Square. All in all, it was well worth the price of admission.

Beautiful museum ! Great information & lay out. Would recommend for anyone that is a museum nerd & would like to learn about New Orleans !

This Cabildo was built under Spanish rule between 1795 and 1799, after the previous structure burnt to the ground. It was designed by Gilberto Guillamard, who also designed St. Louis Cathedral and the Presbytére, both literally next door and all part of Jackson Square. The Cabildo was the site of the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, which doubled the size of the United States. Fr 1803 to 1853, it was the site of the Louisiana government. After that it became the location of the Louisiana Supreme Court, where the Plessy v. Ferguson case was decided. In 1988, the building suffered fire, but was then restored using 600 year old timber techniques.

About her great museum! We were able to buy combo tix with the Presbytere. This museum had a ton of New Orleans and Louisiana history. Super interesting and we learned a lot. Definitely a worthwhile visit while in NOLA!

The St. Louis cathedral towers over Jackson Square while flanked on the right and left by the State Museum, the Presbytere to the right while you face the cathedral and the Cabildo on the left. The Presbytere houses two exhibits (Katrina and Mardi Gras). Both are spectacular to see. The Cabildo at this time houses The Recovered Memories: Spain, New Orleans and the support for the Americans. Cost is reasonable and both offer a lot of history about New Orleans.

Really interesting museum that took us through many different facets of New Orleans and Louisiana. It was interesting to get both a cultural and military perspectives history and everything in between. Definitely worth the price of admission.

Located in front of Jackson Square in the French Quarter, next to the St Louis Cathedral. Open Tuesday through Sundays (not open Mondays), 10 am- 4:30 pm. Admission is only a mere $6 for adults, $5 for students (seniors and military too) and free for children 12 and under. You can also purchase museum tickets for 2 other Louisiana State Museums near by with an additional 20% discount here (might as well take advantage of the discount and culture yourself in NOLA history). This museum also provides discounts for AAA members (10% discount). Of the 3 state museums that we visited during our visit, I would have to say this one is my favorite. At this museum, (3 floors worth of history to read and look through), you will learn about the famous war of 1812 that former President Andrew Jackson led soldiers into battle. And of course the impact of the Louisiana Purchase. There is also a great deal of history regarding slavery. I was surprised to learn about the blending of Native Americians, Africans and of the French and how the culture (along with the food influence) was born in Louisiana. I also enjoyed reading about the healthcare practices used during that time (obvious with the medical technology and knowledge we have now, we no longer do such practices). I do want to mention that at this particular museum, you can also see Napoleon's death mask, only one of four in existence in the world. So with 3 stories worth of history, make sure to save a couple of hours for this museum when you are visiting the area.

Great museum with a lot of history and artifacts to see this whole museum will literally blow you away the is more than one museum and they are all great at teaching and telling the history of the big easy

A worthy pitstop in NOLA...see where the original Louisiana Purchase was signed~ * YES - Museum full of interesting artifacts, displays, costumes, and facts * YES - Perfect for tourists, locals, and fieldtrips for kids * YES - Well-vented and several stories high * WOA: - Small entry fee, self-tour - Located right next door to the St. Louis Cathedral

One of the most popular museums of five Louisiana State Museums in New Orleans' historic French Quarter and hot spot in Jackson Square. Early history of French, Spanish, English influences, Native American cultures, influence of River Mississippi etc. The flagship of the French Quarter museums, this 1799 structure was the site of the Louisiana Purchase Transfer Ceremony in 1803. They features Napoleon's death mask and an extensive exhibit on Louisiana's early history. Must see.

A Louisiana State Museum. Very interesting stuff. Historical facts of the state from its indigenous beginnings, French influence, Spanish influence, war info, significant people in Louisiana's past. Too much to mention. If you like history and facts, this is a great place to go. They have displays that are cool.. It'll take a couple 2-3 hours to go through... Well worth it. Close to other museums and sights.

Personally I'm not much of museum goer but while in NOLA why not try something new? New Orleans defiantly has a lot of rich culture and history; and checking out some tours and museums was a MUST. After reviewing a few different museums I found this spot. I originally choose it because it was in the French quarter and next to the Catholic Cathedral. Lastly what drew me in was Napoleons Death Mask! My group strolled in two hours before closing, which was perfect timing. There wasn't a huge crowd or line to get it and the price to get in was $6 plus tax. After checking in and paying we began our adventure. There are three floors and they have a ton of artifacts, videos, audio recording, and beautiful artwork. I personally enjoyed the audio recordings that were available to learn more. I don't want to say anymore about it because it might spoil the fun for you but I defiantly recommend checking out this place. The only bummer was that the building was under construction on the outside and we weren't able to take pictures from the second or third floor.

I expected more from a state museum. The timeline was a bit all over the shop. I like a linear timeline. The first floor was very contemporary and I expected more about the state further back in time, say prior to 19th century. One item on display is a restaurant menu from the 50s. Ehh? I think I have more historic pieces than that at home. Don't get me wrong, there are some interesting tidbits here and there. The second floor is the battlefield exhibition. Musketeers, sabers, bucchaneers and what not. You don't need more than one hour here. If you just need the restroom you can also do your business here. Not really a must do attraction, just something if you have plenty of time.

While I didn't think this place wa sgonna be interesting, my partner convinced me to check it out. I'm glad he did! This place is filled with history and cool artifacts! Not a bad price for tickets also! You will come out having learned more history of Louisiana and be even more appreciative of what this state and New Orleans has to offer!

This was a cool museum because it dealt a lot with the history of New Orleans and how it came to be. We were there for two hours and got to see everything on all three floors. Admission is $10 and they are opened until 4:30pm.

I lived here for 5 years and never visited. I have visited NO many times during my life and never visited. Last week I finally made it a point to come here and am very glad I did. This is a 3 story museum located next to the St. Louis Cathedral at Jackson Square. The museum provides you with a history of New Orleans and the area from the beginning up to the Civil War. If you really want to understand New Orleans history come here. You will learn a lot and enjoy your visit. Allow at least 30 minutes to go through it and one hour if you will slow down and read some of the placards. The adult ticket price is just $6 but go ahead and buy the combo to also see the Presbytere on the other side of the Cathedral (which you will). The combo ticket only costs $9.60 which is a very good deal. I now consider this place a must visit if you are visiting New Orleans and are in the French Quarter.

Beautiful museum full of history. They have a great history on Voodoo and it's culture and origins. They have a great section on Madri Gra and beautiful Victorian era.

There isn't much I can add to the fantastic reviews that describe the Cabildo. It is a beautiful building which houses some amazing historical artifacts. The fact that the Louisiana Purchase happened in this very building only adds to the charm of the facility. When we visited recently, I asked the guards at the entrance how long it took the average visitor to tour the facility. The response was "An hour and a half, if you read everything." Well, I gotta tell ya, I didn't read EVERYthing and I was in there for more than 2 hours. So plan your day accordingly. We were so engaged with the exhibits that we completely missed our opportunity to eat lunch at a pre-decided location. Currently there is a special exhibit all about Louisiana Rock n' Roll, featuring Cosimo Matassa and his recording studio which produced some of the great R&B of the 1950s and 1960s. The exhibit is hidden, but well worth finding! P.S. if you were thinking of using your cell phone to hear the additional information available as per the posted cards throughout the exhibit, don't be an ass and use your speaker phone, nobody wants to hear that noise. Common sense ain't so common. I have always thought that museums and libraries are places to NOT talk out loud and NOT use your speakerphones. Am I right?

The Cabildo is part of the Louisiana State Museum and features exhibits about the history and heritage of Louisiana. The building features Spanish and French architecture and has served many functions during its history with most of them being governmental. This building was the site of the Louisiana Purchase transfer ceremonies in 1803. If you're looking at the front of St. Louis Cathedral the Cabildo is to the left of the church. Admission price: Adults $6 Students, Senior Citizens, Active Military $5 Children 12 and under Free Groups of 15 or more w/ reservations 20% discount School groups w/ reservations Free Purchase tickets for two or more museums 20% discount AAA membership discount, with card 10% discount

Some interesting artifacts, great paintings and good history. Napolean's death mask was neat as was the Battle of New Orleans history. Rated a 3 because the exhibits were limited and artifacts were similar to what you'd find at any american history museum. The museum next to the Cabildo has Katrina and Mandi Gras stuff...might be better

This is a great little museum. It is nicely curated, so that you can take virtually all of it in, in an hour to an hour and a half, fairly comprehensively. The second floor provides a coherent, chronological depiction of the War of 1812, and a small Napoleon room. The 3rd floor is Civil War era social, cultural, and economic history. Neat artifacts throughout.

Prefer to read a lot! There is a plethora of information available here. Soooo much history is contained within hear hallowed walls. There's also a lot of noise and obnoxious music from the outside of the museum. I love the way that each level and wall panel of the museum takes you on a journey through the history or New Orleans and the Mississippi Delta region. It reminded me of history class in school and I just loved it! Be respectful and turn your phones off, don't make calls while in the museum (yes, this actually happened) and leave enough time for the museum (about 2 hours minimum) to respect the work that went into the museum and try to make an understanding of this history. Oh and the guy out front that drunkenly stumbles towards you begging for a quarter is harmless...I turned him down because I honestly didn't have one and then he called me all sorts of names and in his drunken stupor, tripped over some uneven ground.... Just another day in NOLA!

FOR THE DIE HARDS Way too much information to digest. And does the Battle of New Orleans really merit an entire wing? I mean the entire conflict was moot, occurring after the war-ending treaty with Britain was consummated (albeit not signed). My favorite section was on New Orleans immigration. Who knew the Germans were the greatest inflow to our port. And the migration of German Jews (even my Katz family) made New Orleans the single largest congregation of that religion in the South! NO DOCENTS 3 stories packed with the 300 year history of our Louisiana, you'd think someone would be there to answer questions. But then the state is bankrupt. COLDER THAN ADLER'S SUMMER FUR STORAGE I had to wear my jacket and I'm hot blooded. I saw one woman shivering in fleece. PRO-TIP 20% off if you buy a same day Presbytere tandem ticket: $9.00. The US Mint, Madame John's Legacy and 1850 House are free. Two hour FQ walking tours are $20.00. PRO-TIP 2 Do the Presbytere's Katrina and Mardi Gras exhibits first. They are way more relevant.

Awesome museum. Was expecting a small collection, but surprised to see so many different artifacts and tidbits of information regarding the history of New Orleans and Louisiana. Can't beat the $6 admission fee, either. Highly recommended for any history buffs wanting a thoroughly detailed account of history.

Great value for the wide variety of exhibits. If you are on a short trip, this is a perfect spot as you can take in a piece of all of the major parts of New Orleans. The history and flair are a blast to go through!

Meh. I enjoyed the Cabildo tour best. If you could choose only one, skip this. It literally all Hurricane Katrina and Madis Gras.

This museum was okay, for only $6 a person it works if you don't have much to do and you're in Jackson Square. It's three levels right to the left of the cathedral. It's a beautiful old building that walks you through the history of Louisiana. There are tons of artifacts but A LOT of reading. It could definitely could be updated and modernized. If you read every plaque and wall it would take hours - good or bad? You decide. Overall, it was interesting but not something you have to do in New Orleans.

Learn more about antebellum Louisiana, and after the Civil War. The building itself is significant as this was where France turned Louisiana over to the United States after the Treaty was signed in Paris. Want to know the difference between Creole and Cajun? Obtain a better understanding of the early settlers and Louisiana before and after Reconstruction? It's this building. If you plan to go to the Presbytere two doors down, you can save 20% on both admission tickets. The day we were there, the security alarm went off a number of times. We had to vacate the building initially. When it went off again and again, we ignored it. We took the stairs up three flights but there's an elevator. Go into the courtyard to locate it.

In my research of things to do in Nola, this museum didn't come up, even though I researched history museums, but I'm thrilled we came upon this gem! More than reasonable pricing, do both this one and the Katrina/Mardi Gras exhibits. It provides a rich history of Louisiana and its inhabitants. My only gripe is that some of the language on the story boards is very subjective and might be deemed as racist or xenophobic. It may be time to re analyze some of the verbiage. Over all, a must see!

I would highly recommend a visit should you happen to find yourself in New Orleans. Located centrally in Jackson Square the museum offers exhibits on the history of New Orleans and Mardi Gras. I was particularly moved by the Katrina Exhibit which tells the story of the hurricane through interactive displays (audio, video) and first hand accounts of the disaster. The stories of loss, despair and acts of heroism left me in tears more than once. Although I followed along with the recovery efforts back in 2004 I had no idea the true impact of Katrina on the people of New Orleans. Situated right in the center of Jackson Square makes this museum an easy stopping off point for your visit to NOLA.

This was a treat. A collection of art & history starting with Louisiana settlement. We really enjoyed taking a trip down this path. The paintings were truly a work of art & the lovely attendants are knowledgeable & help make the experience even better. You should definitely make this stop. It's a quick stroll in the French Quarter.

Enjoyed our visit. Learned a lot more about Mardi Gras than I knew before. Lots of drawings and memorabilia. Also learned about the early history of LA. French New Orleans was taken over by Spanish but the people didn't know it until 3 years later!!!! Also period clothing carnival jewelry etc

Small museum but not a bad price at 6$ depending on your discount. Interesting exhibits but overall museum needs to be updated. Small, faded print and small exhibits often made it difficult to see and get full value.

Great for some local history and color. Worth a look if you like history and are interested in how the area was established. I would take an hour or two and make sure you stop in.

If an atrium busting with old white guy lawyers doesn't tickle your fancy, the Louisiana State Museum can help. We held our kick-off reception here for a conference, and The Cabildo kept the entertainment lively when the lawyers couldn't. We sipped on wines and bourbon, snacked on hors d'oeuvres consisting of pancake-sized silver dollars with jam and steak; tuna; and salad cups, and had the run of the place while lawyers babbled in the background. The Cabildo has a fantastic spread of Louisiana history that is easy to read and often tangible. Dining room sets from our founding fathers, paintings of the Purchase, letters to and from good ol' Napoleon, and... DEATH MASKS. In the immortal words of Kanye West, "That sh!t kray." I can guarantee no matter how bored your kids are when you drag them here, or how little your boyfriend or husband cares about history, they will find the death masks cool as hell. BTW, Old Nappy had a ginormous head for being a midge. Me thinks the plaque adjacent to the bust explaining a bamboozle involving the mask actually being formed from the head of Napoleon's doctor may just be the final answer. History is cool, Southerner history is way cooler and the Louisiana State Museum does it right.

Stopped by here for about an hour or so on a rainy afternoon. It was well worth the $6 entrance fee. There are three floors of NOLA history, which in my opinion is some of the most fascinating U.S. history there is. Especially intriguing are Napoleon's death mask (one of many anyway) and the various oil paintings of famous New Orleans residents.