The Cabildo was the seat of Spanish colonial city hall of New Orleans, Louisiana, and is now the Louisiana State Museum Cabildo. It is located along Jackson Square, adjacent to St. Louis Cathedral.
The original Cabildo was destroyed in the Great New Orleans Fire (1788). The Cabildo was rebuilt between 1795–99 as the home of the Spanish municipal government in New Orleans, in 1821 Spanish coat of arms removed from the façade pediment and replaced with the extant American eagle with cannonballs by the Italian sculptor Pietro Cardelli and the third floor with mansard roof was later added in 1847, in French style. The building took its name from the governing body who met there—the "Illustrious Cabildo," or city council. The Cabildo was the site of the Louisiana Purchase transfer ceremonies late in 1803, and continued to be used by the New Orleans city council until the mid-1850s.
Great place to learn about the history of New Orleans. Many great exhibits and artifacts with plenty of written information. Well worth the $6. Napoleans death mask was a highlight for me.
Scott LantzFeb 9, 2018
The Louisiana State Museum in Baton Rouge gives a better picture of Louisiana Culture than this one --visit it instead.
Ann ZacadaFeb 26, 2018
Museum wasn't very good, and the lady at the front desk was an absolute jerk. Told us we couldn't stand in the lobby unless we we're buying a ticket (We'd just gone through) and she told an member of our group that they "didn't have a women's restroom" even though there was a men's right next to the front door. Absolutely terrible experience, I advise you to stay away, specially if that woman is working the front desk
Christian LittleJan 21, 2018
Some remodeling of the museum has the first floor and part of the second closed off, but the museum was great.
Kyle BordelonDec 31, 2017
I really like this museum. And seeing Napoleon's death mask.
Grant EastlandDec 28, 2017
It was the best Museum that I ever been to! I learned a lot!
Katlyn KimApr 4, 2018
Detail history of New Orleans in the 18th and 19th centuries. Very easy to overlook but a must see
Jocelyn D.Mar 7, 2018
Museum dedicated to the Spanish contribution to revolutionary war era America. Just renovated and with several high tech experiential exhibits. Worth the time.
Paul FosterMay 4, 2018
The Cabilldo was amazing and the staff were wonderful!! Definitely worth seeing.
Tiffiny ZanderMay 8, 2018
*At the time we went there, there was a promo where you can get a discounted price if you buy tickets for The Cabildo and The Presbytere at the same time. I didn't see many people taking advantage of seeing this place, which is a shame. Art and history of New Orleans is remembered here. The grand staircase together with the old paintings while you're climbing up are worth the entrance fee. It is a big place so don't be deceived by the facade especially if you're the type who likes to take your time.
Annah AJun 5, 2018
Wonderful museum located in the French quarter. Staff was courteous, bathrooms clean, air conditioning cool!
john longJun 21, 2018
This was, by far, my favorite site to see in New Orleans. The museum uses objects, documents, and recreations to tell several stories: the Spanish Enlightenment, Spain's role in the War of American Independence, and the Battle of New Orleans. While the latter is history also told elsewhere, the Cabildo emphasizes the importance of myth and commemoration to understanding the battle's importance. The exhibits on Spanish history are fantastic. I left with an understanding of eighteenth-century Spain, Spanish colonies, and Spain's contributions to American Independence. Bernardo de Galvez comes across as an important and little-known figure. Some exhibits, such as a diarama of a naval battle that includes flashes of light and cannon sounds are particularly creative. Should be mildly interesting for kids, great for history-minded adults. Fairly cheap, I spent 9$ with student and AAA discount. A great, inexpensive alternative to the WWII museum.
Steven ElliottJul 6, 2018
This museum had some really good displays... but also a LOT of Spain/USA propaganda that completely downplays the interactions between Spaniards and Native folks.... very frustrating.
Ren OliveJul 4, 2018
Great place!! I've lived here for a few years now and know quite a bit about the city. Well, today I learned even more!!
Lynne HardinJul 8, 2018
Great place to learn about the history of New Orleans. Many great exhibits and artifacts with plenty of written information. Well worth the $6. Napoleans death mask was a highlight for me.
Scott LantzFeb 9, 2018
The Louisiana State Museum in Baton Rouge gives a better picture of Louisiana Culture than this one --visit it instead.
Ann ZacadaFeb 26, 2018
Museum wasn't very good, and the lady at the front desk was an absolute jerk. Told us we couldn't stand in the lobby unless we we're buying a ticket (We'd just gone through) and she told an member of our group that they "didn't have a women's restroom" even though there was a men's right next to the front door. Absolutely terrible experience, I advise you to stay away, specially if that woman is working the front desk
Christian LittleJan 21, 2018
Some remodeling of the museum has the first floor and part of the second closed off, but the museum was great.
Kyle BordelonDec 31, 2017
I really like this museum. And seeing Napoleon's death mask.
Grant EastlandDec 28, 2017
It was the best Museum that I ever been to! I learned a lot!
Katlyn KimApr 4, 2018
Detail history of New Orleans in the 18th and 19th centuries. Very easy to overlook but a must see
Jocelyn D.Mar 7, 2018
Museum dedicated to the Spanish contribution to revolutionary war era America. Just renovated and with several high tech experiential exhibits. Worth the time.
Paul FosterMay 4, 2018
The Cabilldo was amazing and the staff were wonderful!! Definitely worth seeing.
Tiffiny ZanderMay 8, 2018
*At the time we went there, there was a promo where you can get a discounted price if you buy tickets for The Cabildo and The Presbytere at the same time. I didn't see many people taking advantage of seeing this place, which is a shame. Art and history of New Orleans is remembered here. The grand staircase together with the old paintings while you're climbing up are worth the entrance fee. It is a big place so don't be deceived by the facade especially if you're the type who likes to take your time.
Annah AJun 5, 2018
Wonderful museum located in the French quarter. Staff was courteous, bathrooms clean, air conditioning cool!
john longJun 21, 2018
This was, by far, my favorite site to see in New Orleans. The museum uses objects, documents, and recreations to tell several stories: the Spanish Enlightenment, Spain's role in the War of American Independence, and the Battle of New Orleans. While the latter is history also told elsewhere, the Cabildo emphasizes the importance of myth and commemoration to understanding the battle's importance. The exhibits on Spanish history are fantastic. I left with an understanding of eighteenth-century Spain, Spanish colonies, and Spain's contributions to American Independence. Bernardo de Galvez comes across as an important and little-known figure. Some exhibits, such as a diarama of a naval battle that includes flashes of light and cannon sounds are particularly creative. Should be mildly interesting for kids, great for history-minded adults. Fairly cheap, I spent 9$ with student and AAA discount. A great, inexpensive alternative to the WWII museum.
Steven ElliottJul 6, 2018
This museum had some really good displays... but also a LOT of Spain/USA propaganda that completely downplays the interactions between Spaniards and Native folks.... very frustrating.
Ren OliveJul 4, 2018
Great place!! I've lived here for a few years now and know quite a bit about the city. Well, today I learned even more!!
Lynne HardinJul 8, 2018
Great place to learn about the history of New Orleans. Many great exhibits and artifacts with plenty of written information. Well worth the $6. Napoleans death mask was a highlight for me.
Scott LantzFeb 9, 2018
The Louisiana State Museum in Baton Rouge gives a better picture of Louisiana Culture than this one --visit it instead.
Ann ZacadaFeb 26, 2018
Museum wasn't very good, and the lady at the front desk was an absolute jerk. Told us we couldn't stand in the lobby unless we we're buying a ticket (We'd just gone through) and she told an member of our group that they "didn't have a women's restroom" even though there was a men's right next to the front door. Absolutely terrible experience, I advise you to stay away, specially if that woman is working the front desk
Christian LittleJan 21, 2018
Some remodeling of the museum has the first floor and part of the second closed off, but the museum was great.
Kyle BordelonDec 31, 2017
I really like this museum. And seeing Napoleon's death mask.
Grant EastlandDec 28, 2017
It was the best Museum that I ever been to! I learned a lot!
Katlyn KimApr 4, 2018
Detail history of New Orleans in the 18th and 19th centuries. Very easy to overlook but a must see
Jocelyn D.Mar 7, 2018
Museum dedicated to the Spanish contribution to revolutionary war era America. Just renovated and with several high tech experiential exhibits. Worth the time.
Paul FosterMay 4, 2018
The Cabilldo was amazing and the staff were wonderful!! Definitely worth seeing.
Tiffiny ZanderMay 8, 2018
*At the time we went there, there was a promo where you can get a discounted price if you buy tickets for The Cabildo and The Presbytere at the same time. I didn't see many people taking advantage of seeing this place, which is a shame. Art and history of New Orleans is remembered here. The grand staircase together with the old paintings while you're climbing up are worth the entrance fee. It is a big place so don't be deceived by the facade especially if you're the type who likes to take your time.
Annah AJun 5, 2018
Wonderful museum located in the French quarter. Staff was courteous, bathrooms clean, air conditioning cool!
john longJun 21, 2018
This was, by far, my favorite site to see in New Orleans. The museum uses objects, documents, and recreations to tell several stories: the Spanish Enlightenment, Spain's role in the War of American Independence, and the Battle of New Orleans. While the latter is history also told elsewhere, the Cabildo emphasizes the importance of myth and commemoration to understanding the battle's importance. The exhibits on Spanish history are fantastic. I left with an understanding of eighteenth-century Spain, Spanish colonies, and Spain's contributions to American Independence. Bernardo de Galvez comes across as an important and little-known figure. Some exhibits, such as a diarama of a naval battle that includes flashes of light and cannon sounds are particularly creative. Should be mildly interesting for kids, great for history-minded adults. Fairly cheap, I spent 9$ with student and AAA discount. A great, inexpensive alternative to the WWII museum.
Steven ElliottJul 6, 2018
This museum had some really good displays... but also a LOT of Spain/USA propaganda that completely downplays the interactions between Spaniards and Native folks.... very frustrating.
Ren OliveJul 4, 2018
Great place!! I've lived here for a few years now and know quite a bit about the city. Well, today I learned even more!!
Lynne HardinJul 8, 2018
Monday | Closed |
Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
Thursday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
Friday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
Sunday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
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