Cabildo, New Orleans

The Cabildo is a beautiful historic building in Jackson Square. It houses several museum exhibits in a spacious setting. The exhibits are good. There is modern photography and Napoleon’s death mask. There is an exhibit on the woman who created and funded the Jackson Square area. Just outside the building musicians gather and perform, people dine at restaurants, and artists sell their works. It’s a nice place to visit, but also allows you to see and enjoy the color of the surrounding area.

The Cabildo is part of the Louisiana State Museum system, and one of 4 sites in New Orleans. We got a combo ticket (discount) to also visit the Presbytere and the 1850 House, because they are all three right there in Jackson Square and made for a nice afternoon of history. We might have spent about 3.5-4 hours total amongst the three locations, and together they tell a good historic overview of the area. The Cabildo focuses mainly on very basic NOLA history, the War of 1812, and the history of the Jackson Square buildings. Most memorably, on the top floor there is also an exhibit of New Orleans mapping which includes a fascinating 3D topographical digital map that follows the changing demographics and geographic history of the area. I feel like a finished the afternoon as a much smarter person!