Episode 159: The Artistry and History of Louisiana's Capitol

Louisiana Insider

When driving into Baton Rouge, one can be amazed by the object in the distance that looks like a rocket ship on a launch pad about to take off. The building, of course, is the state capitol, the tallest of all such buildings in the country and a monument to Huey Long, whose ambition always seemed to be reaching for the stars.

“A Tall Order: The Louisiana State Capitol,” a documentary produced by Louisiana Public Broadcasting, tells the story of the building’s history and architecture. Both are imposing. Dorothy Kendrick, the documentary’s producer, and Steve Losavio, an architect with the Louisiana Division of Administration, join Louisiana Life Executive Editor Errol Laborde to tell stories about the building and the artistic genius behind it.

But there has been tragedy, too. The building’s first floor is the site where Long was assassinated. (There is a memorial park across the street.)

On a happier note, listen closely and you will also hear a tip on why all visitors should take a trip to the 27th floor.