Always on View
Trace Louisiana's historical influence on the national stage with Capitol Park Museum's permanent exhibitions.
In between rotating exhibitions, there’s always something to see within the Capitol Park Museum’s permanent exhibits. Plus, admission is free on the third Thursday of every month, making these culturally enriching collections accessible to everyone.
Experiencing Louisiana: Discovering the Soul of America
Embark on a road trip through the Bayou State, exploring our diverse regional culture, foodways, and architecture through features highlighting the rich legacy of Louisiana music—jazz, rhythm and blues, country, zydeco, swamp pop, and Cajun music—and its global influence, as well as celebrations like Mardi Gras, from New Orleans Carnival to the Cajun Country Courir. Key artifacts include Clifton Chenier’s accordion, Buddy Guy’s polka-dot guitar and Webb Pierce’s stage costume.
Grounds for Greatness: Louisiana and the Nation
From the Louisiana Purchase in 1803 to the critical role the state played in our nation’s wars (including the Battle of New Orleans in the War of 1812, the Civil War and both World Wars), this exhibit walks visitors through the scope, influence, and importance of the historical contributions of Louisianans. Louisiana’s diverse wildlife, agricultural history, and fishing and hunting traditions comprise the Natural Abundance feature. A detailed segment on the Poverty Point World Heritage Site in northeast Louisiana investigates these exceptional prehistoric American Indian earthworks.
From displays that illustrate how colorful characters like Governor Huey P. Long, (or the “Kingfish,” as he was better known in the political sphere), and jazz pioneer Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong became two of Louisiana’s most notable natives to sections that examine the impact of the Mississippi River on commerce and culture. Lastly, slavery and civil rights are explored through the 1896 Louisiana case Plessy v. Ferguson that challenged the “separate but equal” doctrine, as well as the Baton Rouge Bus Boycott of 1953 that would pave the way for the Civil Rights Movement in the Capital City.
Sponsored by Capitol Park Museum