The Cabildo building was once the Spanish seat of local government, where the governing council, or Cabildo, met. The Louisiana Purchase documents were signed here in 1803. Today the building houses exhibits on the history of Louisiana, including mementos of the many people who contributed to the story. The tale is a fascinating one, and the museum explains it well. A combination ticket gives you access to the State Museum’s other buildings: the Mint, the Presbytere, the 1850 House, and Madame John’s Legacy. Most visitors spend an entire morning at either the Presbytere or the Cabildo.