New Orleans, Orleans Parish / Museums
The Cabildo
A cornerstone of Louisiana's early history, The Cabildo is a former Spanish colonial government building that now serves as a museum of the state's foundational ownings.
What is The Cabildo known for?
The Cabildo is a major symbol of Louisiana's early history and is perhaps the state's most historic site. It is notably the location where the Louisiana Purchase was signed in 1803, transferring territory from France to the United States.
What are the hours for The Cabildo?
The Cabildo is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with the last ticket sale occurring at 3:30 p.m.
How much does it cost to visit?
General admission is $11 for adults and $9 for seniors, military, and students with ID. Children 6 and under can enter for free.
Is The Cabildo wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the site is fully wheelchair accessible and provides elevator access to each floor.
Are there food options available at the museum?
Through May 31, 2026, guests can enjoy coffee, fresh calas, and light fare on Thursdays through Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
What should I check before going?
Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.
What to know
The Cabildo stands as a major symbol of Louisiana's early history, occupying a site associated with New Orleans' first official buildings. The present structure was completed in 1799 and served as the seat of Spanish rule in Louisiana. It functioned as the center of New Orleans government until 1853, after which it became the headquarters of the Louisiana State Supreme Court. One of the most historic sites in the state, the building is most famous for the 1803 signing of the Louisiana Purchase, which transferred the territory from France to the United States. This pivotal moment in North American history occurred right here on this site, marking a massive shift in geopolitical territory. Since 1911, the Cabildo has been part of the Louisiana State Museum system, which was founded in 1906 to preserve and interpret the state's diverse cultures. The museum is now a fully wheelchair accessible facility with elevator access to each floor, ensuring that the state's foundational history is available to all visitors. Visitors can also enjoy a culinary treat during their visit. From Thursdays through Sundays, the museum offers fresh calas, coffee, and light fare from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. through May 31, 2026.
Visitor tips
- Arrive before 3:30 p.m. as that is the last ticket sale time.
- If visiting between Thursday and Sunday, stop by for fresh calas and coffee between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
- Bring a photo ID if you are a senior, military member, or student to receive a discounted admission price of $9.
Nearby context
The Cabildo is located at 701 Chartres Street, facing Jackson Square, and is part of a complex of historic French Quarter buildings including the Presbytère.
Sources
Evidence and links
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Cabildo, Louisiana State Museum
Here in 1803, the Louisiana Purchase was signed transferring that huge territory from France to the United States.
explorelouisiana.com -
Louisiana State Museum
Founded in 1906 with a mission to collect, preserve, interpret and present the state's rich history and diverse cultures.
crt.state.la.us -
The Cabildo - Louisiana State Museums
The Cabildo served as the center of New Orleans government until 1853 when it became the headquarters of the Louisiana State Supreme Court
louisianastatemuseum.org -
The Cabildo - napoleon.org
Completed in 1799, the present structure occupies a site associated with New Orleans' first official buildings.
napoleon.org