Louisiana State Museums

As a VENUE: Host an event…

Host Your Event with Us. Your special event deserves a venue that’s an equal partner. A birthday party among a Mardi Gras exhibit? A baby shower overlooking Jackson Square? A groomsmen’s lunch among Saints and LSU memorabilia? We have the dramatic locations and incomparable atmospheres that will elevate your day (or night).  In New Orleans invite your guests to the Cabildo or Presbytère in iconic Jackson Square, or the New Orleans Jazz Museum on the edge of the French Market at the Old U.S. Mint. Brides who book the Cabildo receive a special wedding gift; we’ll take you to the cupola atop this beautiful building for the most extraordinary photo location in the city.  The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame & Northwest Louisiana History Museum, winner of international architectural awards, is in charming and historic Natchitoches. Capitol Park Museum lies at the foot of our unique state capitol and the striking grave of Huey P. Long.  All our locations offer so much more than just another space. Our venues are like your most entertaining guest, offering historic collections and interesting exhibits to enhance your event experience. So, think outside the ballroom! We’re here to help you realize your vision.

• The Cabildo: Built in 1799 as the seat of the Spanish Colonial rule in New Orleans. The Cabildo is perfect for larger receptions or events.  The second floor houses the room where the Louisiana Purchase transfer ceremonies took place in 1803.  The second floor also features a window-filled gallery with spectacular views of Jackson Square, making it a one-of-a-kind backdrop for your event.
  • Capacity: Cocktail reception: 500; Seated dinner: 100.
• The Presbytère: Nearly identical in design to The Cabildo, this 16,000 square foot venue hosts our must-see Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond exhibit.  The second floor comes alive with an interactive permanent exhibit of all things Mardi Gras.  Like The Cabildo, this building also showcases a window-filled gallery that overlooks Jackson Square, providing the perfect space for your ceremony, reception, or dinner.
  • Capacity: Cocktail reception: 500; Seated dinner: 100.
• The Old U.S. Mint:  Built in 1834 as a working mint, this massive landmark boasts a square block of fenced-in grounds and is located on the French Quarter tour bus route.  The newly renovated $4.7 million performance hall on the third floor features a stunning room equipped with the latest light and sound technology – perfect for musical performances.  The versatility of the spaces makes it the ideal venue for large corporate events, fundraisers, and festivals.
  • Capacity: Cocktail reception: 500+ (all floors and grounds); Seated: 150 (performance hall).
• The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame & Northwest Louisiana History Museum: The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum is an exquisite and impressive contemporary venue set among Louisiana’s sporting legends and the rich history of the Cane River region. The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame gallery on the ground floor honors the achievements of the state’s greatest athletes while the second floor gallery explores the dynamic history of sports in Louisiana and the unique history of Northwest Louisiana. From the stunning staircase and beautifully curved, cast stone walls to our vibrant exhibits the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum is the perfect place for your event gatherings.
• Capitol Park Museum: A Louisiana State Museum rich with history and culture, in the shadows of the art deco style of the State Capitol, a nationally registered historic landmark.  The museum, complete with modern use of glass, marble, and metal, has hosted successful and memorable private events for years.  Let our experienced, professional staff help you make your event truly special.
  • Plaza: Set against green lawns and a quiet reflecting pool, this fully sheltered outdoor space offers magnificent views of the State Capitol.  Rain or shine, the Plaza is picture-perfect for your celebration.  Capacity: Seated: 300; Reception: 500.
  • Reception Room: This multipurpose room is ideal for larger gatherings, dinners, receptions, and conferences.  It features a rare and historic mosaic by Conrad Albrizio, created from thousands of small tiles and Italian marble.  Entitled Health and Happinesss, the 245 square foot piece is the largest Albrizio mosaic in Louisiana.  Capacity: Seated: 200; Reception: 400.
  • Museum Lobby: With its shimmering hanging sculpture that evokes the Mississippi River and polished stone surfaces, the Museum Lobby makes a dazzling and delightful party spot, great for food and beverage service, cake or dessert displays, and photo booths.  Here guests are welcome to walk through the museum’s permanent first floor exhibit, “Grounds for Greatness, Louisiana and the Nation.”  Capacity: Reception: 350.
  • The Board Room: Under a panoramic historical painting of the founding of New Orleans, the Board Room provides table seating for up to 20 guests, or private space for bride, bridal parties, or other VIPs.  Capacity: 20.

Support the Louisiana State Museums… by simply booking your next special occasion here:

https://www.louisianastatemuseum.org/host-your-private-event

As a SHOP: Discover unique gifts…

Support the Louisiana State Museums… by simply purchasing your specialty merchandise here:

https://www.1850housestore.com/

Be a DONOR: Show that you care…

Membership & Donations:

Since the Louisiana State Museum is based on a public-private partnership, we need the financial support of members. State funds make our platform solid, but private funds support the programming that populate the galleries, fill the seats, nourish the minds and create unique museum moments of learning and wonder. If our museums have inspired you to give, please visit the site of your choice and become a part of the LSM family through one of our support organizations. Your support helps us keep our history alive! We want to ensure that generations of visitors can experience our museums when they are looking for an afternoon out, an escape, a fun family excursion or just looking to learn more about Louisiana’s remarkable past.

• Leasing at the Lower Pontalba Building: Please consider renting the * Pontalba Apartments ( offering seventy-one of them positioned on one of the most iconic and inspirational pieces of real estate in America—Jackson Square). * The Shops at the Lower Pontalba (offering thirteen commercial premium spaces to select commercial interests on the desirable St. Ann Street).

Volunteer: You can also explore our volunteer opportunities if you’re interested in giving your time to Louisiana State Museum and helping enrich our visitors’ experiences. The volunteers who work with the Louisiana State Museum help provide visitors with an inspiring, engaging and unforgettable experience.

We offer opportunities to help with one-time projects or shifts per week. Whether helping with Visitor Services, Guiding Tours, Collections Management, Event Promotion, and Organization, your contribution is greatly appreciated. We invite you to look into the many volunteer opportunities available within our organization if you’re interested in bringing your passion and curiosity to the Louisiana State Museum team. Contact our individual museums for more information to find the right volunteer program for you: The Cabildo * The Presbytère * 1850 House * New Orleans Jazz Museum * Madame John’s Legacy * Capitol Park Museum  * E.D. White Historic Site * Wedell-Williams Aviation & Cypress Sawmill Museum, and * Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, and * Northwest Louisiana History Museum.

Support Louisiana State Museums… by simply joining, donating, and volunteering here:

https://www.louisianastatemuseum.org/donate