The Cabildo Museum — Attraction in New Orleans

The Cabildo: A Treasure of Louisiana’s History! Standing proudly beside St. Louis Cathedral, The Cabildo is one of the most beautiful and historically significant buildings in Jackson Square. Its grand Spanish colonial architecture immediately catches the eye, but what lies inside is even more remarkable—a journey through the history of Louisiana, filled with stories of resilience, culture, and transformation.

Walking through its halls, I felt transported back in time. The museum’s exhibits cover everything from the Louisiana Purchase, which forever changed the course of American history, to the diverse cultures that have shaped New Orleans into the vibrant city it is today. The artifacts on display—paintings, documents, and personal belongings of historical figures—bring the past to life in a way that’s both engaging and deeply moving.

One of the highlights was seeing the death mask of Napoleon Bonaparte, an unexpected yet fascinating piece of history. But what struck me most was how the museum tells the story of Louisiana’s people—from the indigenous tribes to the Creole, African, and European influences that have blended together over centuries.

For anyone visiting Jackson Square, The Cabildo is a must-see. It’s not just a museum—it’s a gateway to understanding the heart and soul of New Orleans. The stories within its walls remind us that this city has always been a place of change, culture, and enduring spirit. And the ticket was just $10 for adults, $8 for kids. Make sure...

The Cabildo is a must-see historical building located right on Jackson Square, next to the iconic St. Louis Cathedral. Originally built between 1795 and 1799 as the Spanish colonial city hall, it's now part of the Louisiana State Museum and offers a fascinating look into the history of Louisiana. I was really impressed by the nice displays throughout The Cabildo. It's amazing to walk through the same halls where the Louisiana Purchase transfer ceremony took place in 1803, a pivotal moment that doubled the size of the United States! One of the highlights for me was seeing the incredible and dazzling costumes worn for the famous Mardi Gras parades, a truly unique aspect of New Orleans culture. It gives you a real sense of the excitement and artistry that goes into this annual event. The museum also features a moving room dedicated to the survivors of Hurricane Katrina, which provides an important reminder of the resilience and spirit of the people of New Orleans. It's worth noting that The Cabildo has served many important functions throughout its history, including as the New Orleans City Hall and the home of the Louisiana Supreme Court. There is an admission fee to enter, but it's a worthwhile investment for anyone interested in history and the cultural heritage of Louisiana. I would highly recommend spending a couple of hours here to fully appreciate all that The Cabildo...

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...