20 Best Architectural Buildings in Louisiana: A Guide to Iconic Structures

Louisiana boasts a rich tapestry of architectural wonders, blending history, culture, and modernity.

From the stately mansions of the Garden District in New Orleans to the innovative designs in Shreveport, each building tells a story of the state’s diverse heritage.

What makes Louisiana’s architecture so captivating is its ability to merge historical influences with contemporary design seamlessly.

Whether you’re an architecture enthusiast or a curious traveler, exploring these structures offers a unique glimpse into the creativity and resilience of the communities that built them.

1. St. Louis Cathedral, New Orleans

St. Louis Cathedral, located in the heart of New Orleans, stands facing Jackson Square and the Mississippi River. It is one of the city’s most iconic symbols.

The current structure, completed in 1851, replaced two earlier buildings on the same site.

It is distinguished by its triple steeples.

This cathedral is the oldest continuously active Roman Catholic cathedral in the United States. Its rich history and striking architecture make it a must-see landmark. Learn more about the St. Louis Cathedral.

2. Longue Vue House and Gardens, New Orleans

Longue Vue House and Gardens is a historic estate located at 7 Bamboo Road in New Orleans.

Built in 1942 by architects William and Geoffrey Platt, the house was the home of philanthropists Edgar and Edith Stern.

The estate features beautifully landscaped gardens and a hands-on learning environment for children known as the Discovery Gardens.

It is now a public museum and garden, available for events and corporate meetings.

3. Old State Capitol, Baton Rouge

The Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge is a striking Gothic, castle-like building that adds a unique touch to the city.

Built between 1847 and 1852, it stands on a bluff overlooking the Mississippi River.

Designed by James Dakin, the structure features a six-foot-high iron fence with fleur-de-lis and magnolia pod finials.

The grounds were designed and planted by Thomas Affleck, a horticultural journalist.

Today, visitors can explore this historic building, which has survived war, fire, and political strife.

It offers guided tours and free audio tours in multiple languages, making it accessible to a wide audience.

4. Nottoway Plantation, White Castle

Nottoway Plantation, situated near White Castle, Louisiana, is a grand example of Greek Revival and Italianate styles.

Built in 1859 by John Hampden Randolph, it stands as the largest antebellum plantation house in the South. The mansion’s 53,000 square feet feature 64 rooms, 22 massive columns, and 200 windows, demonstrating its architectural significance.

The plantation was constructed primarily by enslaved African people and artisans.

Inside, visitors can find 15½-foot-high ceilings and detailed interiors that reflect the period’s opulence.

Despite its age, the house has modern amenities that were rare at the time, like indoor carpeting and running water.

5. The Cabildo, New Orleans

The Cabildo, located in the historic French Quarter, is one of Louisiana’s most important buildings.

Built between 1795 and 1799, it originally served as the seat of government during the Spanish colonial period.

This building played a pivotal role in American history when the Louisiana Purchase was signed here in 1803. It later became the headquarters of the Louisiana State Supreme Court.

Today, the Cabildo is part of the Louisiana State Museum and offers visitors insights into Louisiana’s rich history. The building is adjacent to St. Louis Cathedral along Jackson Square.

6. The Presbytere, New Orleans

The Presbytere is located in the French Quarter of New Orleans. It stands next to the St. Louis Cathedral, facing Jackson Square.

Built in 1813, it mirrors the Cabildo on the other side of the cathedral.

Designed with formal colonial Spanish architecture, it features many neo-Renaissance elements.

Initially intended to be a residence for clergy, it was eventually used for commercial purposes. Today, it serves as a museum.

To learn more about the history of The Presbytere, please visit the provided link.

7. Gallier House, New Orleans

Gallier House is a historic 19th-century home located on Royal Street in the French Quarter. The house was designed by James Gallier Jr., a prominent New Orleans architect.

The house, built in 1857, features Victorian-style architecture.

It includes a courtyard garden and elegant carriageway, as well as slave quarters.

Today, the Gallier House is a restored museum showcasing its original furnishings and architecture. This historic home is an important example of classic New Orleans history and design.

8. Oak Alley Plantation, Vacherie

Oak Alley Plantation is located in Vacherie, Louisiana, on the west bank of the Mississippi River. Known for its stunning antebellum architecture, the plantation was built between 1837 and 1839.

The most iconic feature of Oak Alley is its grand alley of 300-year-old southern live oak trees. These trees form a scenic path leading up to the main house.

The historic site also features exhibits on the lives of enslaved people who worked on the plantation.

For more detailed information, you can visit the Oak Alley Plantation website.

9. Rosedown Plantation, St. Francisville

Rosedown Plantation, located in St. Francisville, Louisiana, is an 8,000-square-foot historic home built in 1835 by Daniel and Martha Turnbull. This site is one of the most documented and intact plantation complexes in the Southern United States.

Visitors can explore the extensive formal gardens and original buildings, including a kitchen, doctor’s office, and tool shed.

Guided tours are available daily, providing a glimpse into the rich history of the area.

For more information, visit the Rosedown Plantation State Historic Site.

10. Magnolia Mound Plantation, Baton Rouge

Magnolia Mound Plantation is in Baton Rouge and dates back to 1791. It illustrates French Creole architecture and depicts early settler influences from France and the West Indies.

The estate spreads across 15 acres.

Notable for its age, the restored house and outbuildings showcase the lifestyle of the French Creoles.

Magnolia Mound offers educational programs, workshops, and lectures, providing historical insights to its annual visitors.

11. Chateau Curiosity Shoppe, New Orleans

Chateau Curiosity Shoppe is a unique attraction in New Orleans. Known for its eclectic mix of antiques and oddities, it draws visitors interested in quirky and rare finds.

Located in the French Quarter, the shoppe’s architecture features classic wrought-iron railings and traditional Creole townhouses.

Inside, the store blends historic charm with whimsical displays, creating a fascinating experience for tourists and locals alike.

Explore its narrow aisles to discover curiosities and historic memorabilia.

12. House of Broel, New Orleans

The House of Broel, an architectural gem, is located in New Orleans. Built in 1850 and elevated in 1884, this Victorian mansion stands out in the Garden District.

Visitors can explore the house through guided tours.

The tours include a look at the house’s history, a dollhouse museum, and a fashion museum. For more details, see House of Broel.

13. San Francisco Plantation House, Garyville

The San Francisco Plantation House, located in Garyville, Louisiana, is a prime example of Gothic architecture.

Built between 1853 and 1856, this historic home is known for its unique Steamboat Gothic style.

The plantation house is surrounded by stunning live oaks, adding to its picturesque setting.

This estate is a registered National Historic Landmark and is considered the most opulent plantation house in North America.

Visitors can explore the house and learn about its rich history and architectural significance. For more details, visit San Francisco Plantation in Garyville.

14. Sanctuary Cultural Arts Center, New Orleans

The Sanctuary Cultural Arts Center in New Orleans is an important venue for the arts community. Located in the heart of the city, the center supports local artists and hosts various events.

It features a modernist architectural design with sleek lines and open spaces. This creates an inviting atmosphere for visitors.

The center also includes gallery spaces and performance areas.

These spaces are used for exhibitions, theatrical performances, and community gatherings. The design promotes a sense of openness and creativity.

15. Venetian Isles, New Orleans

Venetian Isles is a unique neighborhood in New Orleans. It is located on the western shore of the Chef Menteur Pass, providing stunning waterfront views.

The area is known for custom-built homes and large lots. Many properties feature boat docks, making it ideal for water enthusiasts.

Though part of New Orleans, Venetian Isles offers a serene escape from urban life.

It’s about 25 miles from downtown, creating a peaceful yet connected community. More information can be found about Venetian Isles.

16. Ascension Parish Courthouse, Donaldsonville

The Ascension Parish Courthouse, designed by James Freret, was established in 1889. This Romanesque Revival building features finely detailed brick arches and elegant architectural design. Located on Houmas Street, it stands two blocks south of the Mississippi River.

The courthouse served as the state capital in the 19th century.

It is an essential landmark in Donaldsonville, reflecting the area’s rich cultural heritage. The building is a testament to historical architecture in Louisiana.

17. E.D. White Historic Site, Thibodaux

The E.D. White Historic Site is located in Thibodaux, Louisiana. This National Historic Landmark is the former residence of Gov. Edward Douglas White, Sr., and his son, Chief Justice Edward Douglass White, Jr.

Situated on the banks of Bayou Lafourche, the site features a Circa 1825 Acadian Plantation House.

The grounds are enriched with centuries-old oak trees and charming magnolia blossoms.

The museum includes exhibits on regional industry, culture, and the antebellum period.

The house and grounds are open for tours, offering insights into Louisiana history and heritage. More information can be found here.

18. Bourbon Orleans Hotel, New Orleans

Bourbon Orleans Hotel stands in the heart of the French Quarter. This hotel has a rich history. Once a ballroom and theater, it now offers a luxurious stay.

The architecture features classic French details, blending old-world charm with modern comforts. Visitors often praise its grand design and welcoming hospitality.

The hotel is located at 717 Orleans St., making it central to many attractions in New Orleans. It provides an immersive experience of the city’s vibrant culture. For more information, visit the Bourbon Orleans Hotel.

19. Pitot House, New Orleans

The Pitot House in New Orleans is a historic 18th-century Creole colonial home. It was built in 1799 and is currently located at 1440 Moss Street.

James Pitot, the city’s first mayor after incorporation, lived here from 1810 to 1819. The house is named after him.

Today, the Pitot House is owned by the Louisiana Landmark Society and serves as their headquarters. The house was moved in 1964 to save it from demolition.

You can learn more about its history here.

20. Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, Natchitoches

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches combines modern design with historical context. It was designed by Trahan Architects and completed in 2013.

The building’s architecture is notably modern, creating a striking contrast with the historic surroundings.

Situated along the Cane River Lake, the museum features exhibits on both sports and local history. This merging of themes creates a unique experience for visitors.

The use of sustainable practices and bousillage techniques highlights its connection to the region’s heritage.

Learn more about the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame.

Historical Context

Louisiana’s unique architectural landscape is a blend of early indigenous styles and later European influences, particularly French and Spanish. These influences shaped the state’s iconic buildings and historic landmarks.

Early Influences on Louisiana Architecture

Before European colonization, indigenous tribes built homes from local materials like wood, clay, and palmetto leaves.

These early structures were designed to withstand subtropical climates and flooding. Indigenous groups like the Atakapa and Choctaw created dwellings that were both practical and suited to their environment.

The arrival of European settlers introduced new construction methods and materials.

The blend of indigenous traditions with European techniques led to distinct architectural styles, especially evident in rural areas where Creole cottages can still be found.

These early homes are noted for their raised foundations, broad roofs, and wide porches.

Impact of French and Spanish Colonization

The French established New Orleans in 1718, bringing with them their architectural styles, characterized by elegant townhouses and formal gardens.

The French Quarter, also known as Vieux Carré, remains a symbol of this influence.

Buildings in this area showcase features like wrought-iron balconies and courtyards, reflecting the French colonial aesthetics.

In contrast, much of New Orleans’ architectural legacy can be attributed to the Spanish colonization.

Spanish rule in the late 18th century left a lasting impact, influencing the development of iconic sites like Jackson Square.

Spanish contributions include the use of stucco, arches, and flat roofs. Famous landmarks, such as the Cabildo and the Presbytère, serve as excellent examples of this period’s Spanish colonial architecture.

Architectural Styles in Louisiana

Louisiana’s architecture is rich and diverse, showcasing influences from French, Spanish, and American cultures. This section explores three key architectural styles: Creole, Antebellum, and Modern.

Creole Architecture

Creole architecture in Louisiana blends French, Spanish, and Caribbean influences.

The Creole plantation house represents the peak of this style, often featuring raised foundations to avoid flooding. These houses have broad porches, steep gabled roofs, and intricate ironwork.

The Creole cottage is another variant, commonly found in New Orleans. It usually has a two-room layout with a central chimney and simple wooden construction. Decorative elements like shutters and vibrant colors are typical.

Acadian settlers, descendants of French workers from Nova Scotia, also left their mark. They built modest Acadian cottages with similar design elements but on a smaller scale, often using local materials like cypress wood.

Antebellum Architecture

Antebellum architecture refers to the style prevalent in the Southern United States from the late 18th century until the Civil War. These grand structures often symbolize the wealth and prosperity of the era.

Plantation mansions like Oak Alley and Nottoway feature massive columns, large balconies, and expansive estates. They often employ Greek Revival and Neoclassical elements, characterized by symmetry, white plaster facades, and decorative columns.

Another significant example is the Gothic Revival Old State Capitol in Baton Rouge, designed by James Dakin. Completed in 1852, this building stands out with its turrets, stained glass windows, and castle-like appearance.

Modern Influences

Modern architecture in Louisiana incorporates contemporary design while respecting the historical context.

Notable examples include the Shaw Center for the Arts, completed in 2006, showcasing sleek, minimalist lines and integration with the surrounding urban landscape.

The Louisiana State Museum and Sports Hall of Fame, completed in 2013 in Natchitoches, blends modern design with local materials.

Designed by Trahan Architects, its organic form and innovative use of wood and concrete make it stand out.

Residential modernism is also present.

Homes like the Riviere House in Pierre Part demonstrate how contemporary design can merge with natural settings and traditional elements, creating spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.