The Old Governor’s Mansion is located on a live oak-lined boulevard in downtown Baton Rouge, just four blocks from the Mississippi River.
Nine governors and their families lived in the Georgian-style home, but it was built by the most flamboyant and notorious of them. Huey Long dispatched prisoners in the middle of the night to raze the existing house on the site, then built a mansion befitting his aspiration - to become president of the United States of America.
Stroll over for a free visit. See how the governors and their families lived during the middle of the last century. Take the kids up the hidden staircase to the bedrooms. Glide down the American marble staircase. Look closely at the artisan chandeliers and hand-printed French wallpaper.
We offer self guided tours, Monday through Friday, and are available for weddings and other private events during the evenings and weekends.
Admission is Free
Museum Hours
Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Getting Here
Louisiana Old Governor’s Mansion
502 North Boulevard
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
A historic home full of song
Louisiana’s official song is evergreen. Sing “You Are My Sunshine” and people will rise up with their voices to meet yours, wherever you are in the world. This song of love and longing was made famous by Gov. Jimmie Davis, who recorded it four years before residing in the Old Governor’s Mansion.
Governor Davis was one of nine governors who lived a big life in the 15,000-square-foot home. He and his family ducked the press via secret stairs to private quarters on the second floor. They sipped cocktails on the veranda with movie stars Rosalind Russell and Bob Hope. They danced under French chandeliers in the main ballroom and struck bargains in the privacy of the Rose Garden. And when the moment struck, Jimmie would strum his guitar and his guests would sing along.
Weddings and Events
The Old Governor’s Mansion is the stage for the wedding of your dreams. The house museum and event venue is prominently located on Baton Rouge’s downtown promenade. The immense grand ballroom, with its custom French chandeliers, is the place for wedding waltzes and rollicking receptions. The manicured grounds offer a fragrant rose garden with space for outdoor seating. A veranda overlooks a greenway cooled by live oaks. Toss your bouquet from the steps of the grand marble staircase.
The mansion also opens its elegant wooden doors to celebrations and events of all kinds—professional meetings, intimate parties, and joyous rites of passage.