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Architectural floor plan showing labeled rooms including residence and offices, rotunda, state drawing room, foyer, entrance, state dining room, state butlery, garden terrace, and verandas.
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Portrait Wall

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Roses

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Statue

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Mansion

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Ogden Art 3

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Flora & Fauna of LA with Ribbon

Featured on the mural are various native Louisiana flora and fauna including, creole tomatoes, cotton, sweet potatoes, peaches, magnolias, etc. The artist included a ribbon above the doors that is shaped into two intertwined Ms, representing the Roman numeral MM for 2000, signifying the year the mural was painted.

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Military Beret

A military beret on the mural honors Governor John Bel Edwards’ service as a U.S. Army Ranger. Edwards served as an infantry officer and was deployed to Iraq, where he earned the Bronze Star Medal. The beret symbolizes his military experience, leadership, and commitment to public service.

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Guitar & Sunflower

The guitar reflects Governor Jimmie Davis' career as a country singer, while the sunflower represents his signature song, “You Are My Sunshine,” which became an enduring symbol of joy and optimism in Louisiana.

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Stack of Books

A stack of books in the mural honors Roemer, a Harvard graduate, and Jindal, a Rhodes Scholar, highlighting their focus on education reform.

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Cards & Candy

The cards reflect Governor Edwin Edwards' larger-than-life public persona and love of entertaining, while the candy honors his second wife, Candy Edwards.

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Louisiana Superdome & Turtle

Governor McKeithen launched the Superdome project, but delays made it a symbol of slow bureaucracy, so much so a turtle was pictured beside it.

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Elephant on Pirogue

What's more out of place than an elephant on a pirogue? A Republican, Dave Treen, being elected Governor after Reconstruction.

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Couple Walking on the Beach

Governor Mike Foster & Alice Foster are seen walking hand-in-hand along the Grand Isle beach, where they maintained a family hunting camp on the island.

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Warning Flags & Rainbow

The flags on this wall represent two maritime warning flags giving urgent notice of Katrina & Rita for vessels in the Gulf. The rainbow represented the rebuilding of our state after the devastation of the storms that struck in 2005.

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Capitol Lake

The Louisiana Governor’s Mansion sits gracefully overlooking the Capitol Lakes, offering a serene view that reflects the natural beauty of Baton Rouge.

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Military Memorial Wall

Added in 2018, under the direction of Governor John Bel Edwards, U.S. veteran inmates of Angola constructed a semicircular wall to honor the five military branches.

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Blanco Patio & Jindal Patio

First Families often leave a lasting contribution to the Mansion, as seen with Governor Jindal and Governor Blanco, who each added distinct patios to the main residence.

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Honeybee Hives

On the grounds of the Mansion, there are two beehives consisting of a Brood Box and Honey Super that produce about 7-9 gallons of Louisiana honey a year. In the summer months, there is an estimated 60,000 bees present.

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Dripping Oak Fountain

Created by Brenda Wiederkehr, this garden fountain is made of copper and remains the centerpiece of the Rose Garden.

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Vegetable Garden

The Louisiana Governor’s Mansion boasts a vibrant vegetable and herb garden, bursting with homegrown okra, colorful peppers, and sweet muscadines, reflecting the rich flavors and agricultural heritage of the state.

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Rose Long Rose Garden

Located directly behind the Mansion, the Rose Garden features beautiful rose bushes planted representing the various parishes of Louisiana.

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Tennis Court

Added in 1973 by former Governor Edwin and First Lady Elaine Edwards, provided a recreational outlet for the First Family.

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Rocking Chairs Seal

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Rocking Chairs

Cyprus rocking chairs with the name of each governor and the years they served are displayed on the front porch of the Mansion.

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Doors

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Grand Entrance

The inspiration for the exterior design and door of the Mansion was Oak Alley Plantation in Vacherie, Louisiana.

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Ceiling Mural

The unique wallpaper border surrounding the ceiling of the rotunda was hand-painted by Saskis Ozols, daughter of foyer muralist, Auseklis Ozols.

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Official Portraits

Commissioned by the Foundation, these oil-over portraits depict the governors who once resided in the home and now line the walls of the suspended staircase.

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LA Seal

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"The Foster Stipe" Wallpaper

Created by Robert Crowder, this custom grey-green striped pattern is affectionately known as "The Foster Stipe" in honor of Governor Mike Foster & First Lady Alice Foster.

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Magnolia

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Chandelier

Installed in 2018, the Baccarat crystal chandelier was donated to the Foundation by Tom & Gayle Benson.

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Ogden Art 2

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Ogden Art

Since the Foster Administration, renowned art collector Roger Ogden and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art have loaned works by Louisiana artists for display at the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion.

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Crystal Chandeliers

The European chandeliers in this room and State Dining Room date to 1830 and underwent refurbishment in a New Orleans antique lighting shop.

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Marble Top Serving Consoles

Originally from the Old Governor’s Mansion, the tables were subsequently refitted with marble tops in keeping with the Drawing Room’s historic décor.

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Piano

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Drawer Knob

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Handmade Area Rug

The handmade wool rug embodies Louisiana’s heritage, incorporating magnolias, oak leaves, fleur-de-lis, and traditional state crops as lasting symbols of the state's culture and history.

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Tiger knob

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Scalamandré’s Silk Covered Walls

The walls of the dining room are covered in Scalamandré’s Georgian Damask in golden tones, serving a dual purpose: enhancing both the room’s aesthetics and its acoustics.

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China Cabinet

Each shelf within the cabinet is home to a different set of China, designed by Governors and First Ladies throughout the years.

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First Family Reserved Chairs

At the center of the State Dining Room table are two distinguished chairs, each featuring the Louisiana state seal on the back. These seats are reserved for the current sitting Governor and First Spouse during formal dinners and official events.

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Mahogany Dining Table

The dining room table was made by master craftsman, Glen Armand, of Alexandria, Louisiana.

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Bronze Doorknobs

The bronze doorknobs are original fixtures from the Old Governor’s Mansion, which served as the official residence of Louisiana governors from 1930 until the new Mansion was completed in 1963.

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Portrait Wall

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Roses

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Statue

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Mansion

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Ogden Art 3

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Flora & Fauna of LA with Ribbon

Featured on the mural are various native Louisiana flora and fauna including, creole tomatoes, cotton, sweet potatoes, peaches, magnolias, etc. The artist included a ribbon above the doors that is shaped into two intertwined Ms, representing the Roman numeral MM for 2000, signifying the year the mural was painted.

Close

Military Beret

A military beret on the mural honors Governor John Bel Edwards’ service as a U.S. Army Ranger. Edwards served as an infantry officer and was deployed to Iraq, where he earned the Bronze Star Medal. The beret symbolizes his military experience, leadership, and commitment to public service.

Close

Guitar & Sunflower

The guitar reflects Governor Jimmie Davis' career as a country singer, while the sunflower represents his signature song, “You Are My Sunshine,” which became an enduring symbol of joy and optimism in Louisiana.

Close

Stack of Books

A stack of books in the mural honors Roemer, a Harvard graduate, and Jindal, a Rhodes Scholar, highlighting their focus on education reform.

Close

Cards & Candy

The cards reflect Governor Edwin Edwards' larger-than-life public persona and love of entertaining, while the candy honors his second wife, Candy Edwards.

Close

Louisiana Superdome & Turtle

Governor McKeithen launched the Superdome project, but delays made it a symbol of slow bureaucracy, so much so a turtle was pictured beside it.

Governor John J. McKeithen was instrumental in launching the Louisiana Superdome project, seeing it as a way to modernize New Orleans and strengthen the state’s economy. He pushed through legislation to create the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District and secured the funding to begin construction. Yet, the project became a symbol of Louisiana’s slow-moving bureaucracy—the delays and setbacks were so notorious that a turtle was once placed beside a photo of the Dome to illustrate just how long the process was taking.

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Elephant on Pirogue

What's more out of place than an elephant on a pirogue? A Republican, Dave Treen, being elected Governor after Reconstruction.

Dave Treen’s election as governor in 1979 was highly unusual because he became the first Republican to hold the office in Louisiana since Reconstruction, ending nearly a century of Democratic control. His victory was made possible by the new jungle primary system and the support of several defeated Democratic candidates in the runoff, creating a rare political shift in a state long considered part of the Democratic “Solid South.”

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Couple Walking on the Beach

Governor Mike Foster & Alice Foster are seen walking hand-in-hand along the Grand Isle beach, where they maintained a family hunting camp on the island.

Close

Warning Flags & Rainbow

The flags on this wall represent two maritime warning flags giving urgent notice of Katrina & Rita for vessels in the Gulf. The rainbow represented the rebuilding of our state after the devastation of the storms that struck in 2005.

The inclusion of both the hurricane warning flags and the rainbow in the Governor’s Mansion mural serves as a powerful symbol of Louisiana’s experience during the 2005 hurricane season, marked by the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The red and black warning flags recall the alerts raised across the Gulf Coast, signaling danger and the unprecedented storms that would change the course of Louisiana’s history. In contrast, the rainbow represents renewal and the promise of hope after destruction, emerging as a sign of perseverance and recovery. Together, these symbols capture the dual reality of loss and resilience: the hardship endured by countless families and communities, and the unyielding spirit that guided Louisiana through rebuilding.

Close

Capitol Lake

The Louisiana Governor’s Mansion sits gracefully overlooking the Capitol Lakes, offering a serene view that reflects the natural beauty of Baton Rouge.

Close

Military Memorial Wall

Added in 2018, under the direction of Governor John Bel Edwards, U.S. veteran inmates of Angola constructed a semicircular wall to honor the five military branches.

Close

Blanco Patio & Jindal Patio

First Families often leave a lasting contribution to the Mansion, as seen with Governor Jindal and Governor Blanco, who each added distinct patios to the main residence.

Close

Honeybee Hives

On the grounds of the Mansion, there are two beehives consisting of a Brood Box and Honey Super that produce about 7-9 gallons of Louisiana honey a year. In the summer months, there is an estimated 60,000 bees present.

This hive was specifically constructed for the Mansion, with a plexiglass backing so visitors can watch the bees work.

Close

Dripping Oak Fountain

Created by Brenda Wiederkehr, this garden fountain is made of copper and remains the centerpiece of the Rose Garden.

Close

Vegetable Garden

The Louisiana Governor’s Mansion boasts a vibrant vegetable and herb garden, bursting with homegrown okra, colorful peppers, and sweet muscadines, reflecting the rich flavors and agricultural heritage of the state.

Close

Rose Long Rose Garden

Located directly behind the Mansion, the Rose Garden features beautiful rose bushes planted representing the various parishes of Louisiana.

Among the Roses, the trellis arch features the "Katrina Survivor Rose," or Peggy Martin Rose, a symbol of resilience named for the only rose to withstand the devastating floods of Hurricane Katrina.

Close

Tennis Court

Added in 1973 by former Governor Edwin and First Lady Elaine Edwards, provided a recreational outlet for the First Family.

Close

Rocking Chairs Seal

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Rocking Chairs

Cyprus rocking chairs with the name of each governor and the years they served are displayed on the front porch of the Mansion.

Close

Doors

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Grand Entrance

The inspiration for the exterior design and door of the Mansion was Oak Alley Plantation in Vacherie, Louisiana.

Several distinctively Georgian features are incorporated into the exterior of the home, including the fanlight over the doorway in the front entrance .

Close

Ceiling Mural

The unique wallpaper border surrounding the ceiling of the rotunda was hand-painted by Saskis Ozols, daughter of foyer muralist, Auseklis Ozols.

The border features the 64 parishes of Louisiana surrounding 18 mounted stars, representing Louisiana as the 18th state to join the Union.

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Official Portraits

Commissioned by the Foundation, these oil-over portraits depict the governors who once resided in the home and now line the walls of the suspended staircase.

Although the tradition of commissioning oil portraits of each governor began in the early 2000s, it continues to be upheld by every governor to this day.

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LA Seal

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"The Foster Stipe" Wallpaper

Created by Robert Crowder, this custom grey-green striped pattern is affectionately known as "The Foster Stipe" in honor of Governor Mike Foster & First Lady Alice Foster.

The fleur-de-lis motifs repeated in the design were customed created to mirror the drapery holdbacks throughout the home.

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Magnolia

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Chandelier

Installed in 2018, the Baccarat crystal chandelier was donated to the Foundation by Tom & Gayle Benson.

The single ruby-red crystal on the eastern side of the chandelier is the signature mark of France’s Baccarat Corporation.

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Ogden Art 2

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Ogden Art

Since the Foster Administration, renowned art collector Roger Ogden and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art have loaned works by Louisiana artists for display at the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion.

Each First Spouse has the privilege of selecting the artwork displayed during their administration and is often updated every few years.

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Crystal Chandeliers

The European chandeliers in this room and State Dining Room date to 1830 and underwent refurbishment in a New Orleans antique lighting shop.

Older or missing crystals were replaced by nineteenth-century hand-cut crystals obtained from various dealers in Paris.

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Marble Top Serving Consoles

Originally from the Old Governor’s Mansion, the tables were subsequently refitted with marble tops in keeping with the Drawing Room’s historic décor.

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Piano

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Drawer Knob

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Handmade Area Rug

The handmade wool rug embodies Louisiana’s heritage, incorporating magnolias, oak leaves, fleur-de-lis, and traditional state crops as lasting symbols of the state's culture and history.

Woven by Edward Fields, a designer renowned for his carpet creations in the White House and aboard Air Force One.

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Tiger knob

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Scalamandré’s Silk Covered Walls

The walls of the dining room are covered in Scalamandré’s Georgian Damask in golden tones, serving a dual purpose: enhancing both the room’s aesthetics and its acoustics.

Close

China Cabinet

Each shelf within the cabinet is home to a different set of China, designed by Governors and First Ladies throughout the years.

The official State China, designed in 2018, was crafted in the United States by Lenox, the set is richly accented in lapis blue and gold, with sixty-four fleur-de-lis around the edge of each dinner plate representing Louisiana’s sixty-four parishes, and eighteen stars on the cups honoring Louisiana as the eighteenth state to join the United States. In addition, in 1998, the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion Preservation Foundation purchased the First Lady’s China to be used during luncheons hosted by the First Lady, continuing the tradition of elegance and hospitality within the Mansion.

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First Family Reserved Chairs

At the center of the State Dining Room table are two distinguished chairs, each featuring the Louisiana state seal on the back. These seats are reserved for the current sitting Governor and First Spouse during formal dinners and official events.

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Mahogany Dining Table

The dining room table was made by master craftsman, Glen Armand, of Alexandria, Louisiana.

A 23-foot mahogany, six-pedestal banquet table serves as the centerpiece of the State Dining Room and can be used as a single grand table or arranged into six separate tables, providing versatility for formal dinners, official meetings, and special state occasions.

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Bronze Doorknobs

The bronze doorknobs are original fixtures from the Old Governor’s Mansion, which served as the official residence of Louisiana governors from 1930 until the new Mansion was completed in 1963.

Close-up of a textured rug with a white flower and green leaves inside a red circular border.

The State Drawing Room

Art & Elegance

The Drawing Room of the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion welcomes guests with historic furnishings, artwork, and décor that reflect the state’s heritage and elegance.

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Drawing Room
Black handwritten cursive text on white background, styled in an antique calligraphy script.
Black handwritten cursive text on white background, styled in an antique calligraphy script.
Handmade Area Rug
Close-up of brown tufted velvet upholstery with visible creases and buttoned indentations.
Close-up of piano keys showing alternating black and white keys.

The State Drawing Room

Music for Generations

In the corner of the room, a 1920s Steinway grand piano is often used for parties, gatherings, and musical performances, adding both charm and a touch of tradition to the space.

Black grand piano with vinyl records displayed on its music stand in a spacious, elegant living room with chandelier and classic furniture.
Drawing Room
Black handwritten cursive text on white background, styled in an antique calligraphy script.
Black handwritten cursive text on white background, styled in an antique calligraphy script.
Marble Top Serving Consoles
Close-up of dark green and black marble surface with white and light green veining.
Crystal Chandeliers
Ogden Art
Ogden Art 3

The State Drawing Room

Ogden Art

Since the Foster Administration, renowned art collector Roger Ogden and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art have loaned works by Louisiana artists for display at the Louisiana Governor’s Mansion.

Learn More About the Ogden Museum of Southern Art

The Mansion’s bakery is renowned for its chocolate chip cookies, a longstanding tradition shared with visitors as they depart.

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Interior of an art gallery with four framed paintings hanging on a gray wall above wooden flooring.

Explore the

Rotunda

Marvel at the hand-painted mural of the Foyer and find all the signature pieces.

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Interior view of the Louisiana State Capitol rotunda with a curved staircase, American and Louisiana flags, and framed portraits on the walls.
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