Frequently Asked Questions

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Museum Expectations

The Louisiana Old State Capitol is full of historical artifacts including the building itself. In order to continue to preserve the building and artifacts and for your safety we ask that you obey all signage and our general rules:

  • No running
  • No horse play
  • No food or drinks (including gum)
  • Stay to the wide side of the steps when walking up and down the stairs

Accessibility

The handicap entrance is located near the back of the building. Please follow the sidewalk to the rear side of the building where a security guard will let you in. An elevator is available to take guests to each floor. Strollers are welcome.

The Old State Capitol welcomes service dogs that are individually trained to perform a task or work for a person with a disability. All service dogs must be housebroken and on a leash. Dogs whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the American with Disabilities Act and therefore are not allowed in the museum. Please leave pets at home.

Photos

Photo sessions are allowed inside the museum and on the grounds during regular business hours, 10:00 a.m. — 4:00 p.m., Tuesday through Friday. We do not allow indoor photo sessions after hours or on the weekends. Sessions must be scheduled in advance and must be completed within a two-hour appointment. 

Appointment times are:

- 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

- 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

All indoor photo sessions will have a $200 fee and payment arrangements must be made in advance. Our office will send a credit card authorization form that must be completed and returned to us prior to the appointment day. 

Photographers and their clients will be required to work around visitors, exhibit items, and items set up for events such as tables and chairs. We ask that items set up for events or on display not be moved.

We do not allow flash photography in exhibit spaces, but flash is allowed in the House and Senate chambers as well as the Rotunda areas. 

Photos on Saturdays are allowed on the grounds only and must take place during the museum's regular business hours, 9:00 a.m. — 3:00 p.m. Sessions on the grounds must be scheduled in advance.

To schedule a photo session, please email Tatum at tatum.marchand@sos.la.gov or call the museum at (225) 342‑0500. 

Directions

View Directions, Routes and Parking information here.

We are a FREE museum. The ​“Ghost of the Castle” film is optional, and the admission charge is $2.

A limited number of handicap spaces are available in the lot behind our building. There is metered street parking as well as parking garages at the River Center and the corner of Convention and Third streets. Vist our Getting Here page for more information.

There are various ways you can support the museum!

We are also interested in continuing to build our collection. If you have items you are interested in donating please contact our curator, Anne Mahoney at 225 – 342-0500.

Absolutely. Visit the Downtown Development District for a list of restaurants within walking distance.

Yes! You can access the building with your stroller by following the sidewalk to the rear of the building. A security guard will let you in and you can take the elevator to the 1st floor where you may leave your stroller.

Restrooms are located on the ground floor. Please ask a staff member for assistance.

No food or drinks are allowed in the building. However, our front lawn makes for a great picnic spot!

Pictures are allowed inside and outside the building, but please no flash photography inside. Professional photos may be taken inside the building provided it does not interfere with tours. We ask that you please call and schedule an appointment for professional photos.

Yes! Our gift shop is open during normal business hours.

We are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers! Please visit the Volunteer page for more information.