Louisiana has one of the most deep-rooted and intricate histories out of any state in the U.S. From being the birthplace of Mardi Gras and jazz music to its rich melting pot of cultures, The Bayou State’s history is nearly as long as it is complex, with plenty of historic buildings to show for it.
From a former State Capitol building to hidden speakeasies to a renovated former U.S. Mint, here are some historic properties in New Orleans and Baton Rouge that are perfect for hosting your next meeting or event in Louisiana.
Baton Rouge
Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center
The storied history of the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center began in 1927 when the hotel was constructed as the Heidelberg Hotel, a favorite venue of then Louisiana Gov. Huey P. Long, who had a fourth-floor suite in the building. The hotel also served briefly as the Louisiana Capitol during a dispute between Long and Lieutenant Gov. Paul Cyr in 1931.
Since then, the AAA Four-Diamond hotel has undergone over $70 million in renovations and is now home to over 34,000 square feet of event space and 291 guest rooms. The property oftentimes serves as a headquarter hotel for conventions, as it is located close to prominent convention venues such as the Raising Cane’s River Convention Center.
The Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol Center also houses an underground speakeasy venue called The Tunnel, which is a renovated passageway that was often used by Gov. Long while traveling between the property and what is today known as Hotel Indigo in order to conduct business meetings and avoid the press. The venue can be rented out for private events and can accommodate between 25 and 30 attendees.
[Related: Culturally Immersive Group Experiences in Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Shreveport-Bossier]
Old State Capitol
Known as the “Castle on the River,” the Old Louisiana State Capitol is located on the banks of the Mississippi River and is another one of the city’s venues that can offer a glimpse into Louisiana’s rich history. The property serves as both a museum as well as an event venue that can accommodate groups of up to 350.
The 165-year-old state house is known for its iconic stained-glass ceilings, and the property has been renovated multiple times over the years and serves as one of the most popular attractions in downtown Baton Rouge. The Old State Capitol contains multiple historic spaces that can accommodate meetings or events, including the two-floor renovated senate chambers that can accommodate up to 300 attendees.
Other Historic Venues
Other notable historic venues and attractions in Baton Rouge include the former electric-depot-turned entertainment-venue Red Stick Social along with Capitol Park Mu, the Louisiana Art & Science Museum, LSU Rural Life Museum & Windrush Gardens, Magnolia Mound & Gardens, USS KIDD Veterans Museum and the Louisiana Old Governor’s Mansion.
[Related: Explore 5 Historic Event Venues in Baton Rouge, Louisiana]
New Orleans
Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans
The Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans is a 34-story hotel tower on Canal Street that was built in 1968 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of New Orleans.
The property has undergone major changes since its construction, having once been known as the World Trade Center New Orleans and headquarters for the Port of New Orleans, but later being converted into a Four Seasons hotel in 2018 after a $450 million renovation. Each floor of the five-star hotel contains a glass case with artifacts from when the property was the World Trade Center.
Located just a short walk away from New Orleans’ iconic French Quarter, the 341-room hotel is also home to 29,000 square feet of event space and can accommodate up to 850 attendees in its Plimsoll Ballroom.
[Related: How New Orleans Celebrates Sustainably, From Culture to Coastline]
Old U.S. Mint
Originally built in 1834 as a branch mint of the United States Mint, the Old U.S. Mint has undergone multiple changes since its construction. At one point, it was the only Mint in the South to reopen following the Civil War but was decommissioned in 1909 and used as a federal prison and Coast Guard facility before reopening in 1981 as a state museum site.
Today, the Mint contains a number of displays and exhibits on making coins, including a Morgan & Orr coin press, a Troemner bullion scale and displays of coins minted onsite. The building also contains the New Orleans Jazz Museum and a $4 million, state-of-the-art performance venue that can accommodate up to 500 attendees.
The Roosevelt Hotel
The history of the Roosevelt Hotel dates back to 1893 when it first opened as the Grunewald Hotel before being renamed in 1923 in honor of President Theodore Roosevelt. Over the decades, the hotel has served as a cultural and entertainment hub and has hosted a number of celebrities, politicians and dignitaries.
The hotel is perhaps most well-known for the Blue Room, a performance venue that played a crucial role in New Orleans’ music scene throughout the mid-20th century.
The Blue Room featured performances from music legends like Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra and remains a symbol of the city’s deep ties to jazz and live entertainment. The Blue Room serves as an event venue to this day, able to accommodate up to 300 attendees between the room’s two levels and featuring crystal chandeliers along with its iconic stage.
[Related: Creativity, Innovation and Roots in Hospitality Anchor Meetings in New Orleans]
Other Historic Venues
Other notable historic venues in New Orleans include The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans; Latrobes; New Orleans City Park; the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA); The Saenger Theater and lots more.
Step Into a Second Line!
Those visiting New Orleans shouldn’t be surprised if they encounter a brass band blasting jazz music down the city’s streets. These parades are not just random bouts of music, but rather a deep-seated New Orleans tradition. The practice originated in African American communities and was initially reserved for funeral processions, where a brass band would lead mourners to a burial site whilst playing solemn jazz tunes. The family of the deceased and the band formed the “first line” while other members of the funeral joined in as the “second line.”
Today, second line parades are a vibrant expression of Louisiana culture, with the modern practices expanded to mark a variety of celebrations. Groups planning events in either New Orleans or Baton Rouge can experience the joy and magic of a second line parade by working with local destination groups. In both destinations, groups have hired second line bands to lead attendees from one venue to another. DMCs in New Orleans or Baton Rouge can help organize second line parades, and the celebrations can be a unique way for planners to inject excitement, fun and culture into the sometimes-tedious task of moving groups between venues.
Connections
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