Louisiana's Old State Capitol has a long and winding history that is nothing short of dramatic. The fortress-like structure stood strong and impressive until it was gutted by fire in the Civil War. After recovering and returning to its original purpose, the building fell into disrepair in the early 1930s following the installation of a newer, less-storied building as the state's capitol. A concerned group of citizens worked hard to rebuild it and the old capitol now houses a wide variety of interactive exhibits that tell the state's sometimes controversial but never uninteresting story. The Old State Capitol is a must-see attraction for history buffs visiting Baton Rouge.
Louisiana's Old Governor's Mansion has, in a sense, gotten a second chance. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is a breathtakingly beautiful structure that also serves as the headquarters for the Foundation for Historical Louisiana. The home has a dramatic history all its own. The structure was built in 1929 by Huey P. Long and served as the governor's residence until 1963 when a new structure was built. The house museum now houses rare artifacts, documents, and other relics of Louisiana's history and features regular tours headed by highly knowledgeable guides. The venue is also available for private parties, family gatherings and weddings.
The Swine Palace is one of the newest venues on Baton Rouge's ever-growing entertainment and cultural scene. Fitted with state-of-the-art lighting and an incredible sound system that's complemented by some impressive acoustics, you'll enjoy the many varieties of stage productions all the more thanks to the technically stunning aspects of the building. What's on the stage is equally impressive, as everything from Shakespeare to Neil Simon plays are staged, as well as classical recitals and ballet programs. The variety of performances presented are all part of the Swine Palace's ever-deepening tradition of excellence.