The Cabildo was built between 1795 and 1799 as the home of Spanish municipal government in New Orleans. Gilberto Guillemard is listed as its architect. Spanish officials used its courtroom from 1799 to 1803.
Ceremonies marking the transfer of Louisiana took place at the Cabildo in late 1803. A third floor with a French-style mansard roof was added in 1847.
A fire on May 11, 1988 destroyed the cupola and the entire third floor. The building reopened in 1994 after restoration. Since 1911 it has housed the Louisiana State Museum.