A FRESH LOOK AT THE STATE CAPITOL

– A new documentary from Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) shows viewers the Louisiana State Capitol building in a way likely never seen before. From the architects that designed the soaring tower, to the commissioned artists who provided the sculptures, reliefs, and other adornments, A TALL ORDER: THE LOUISIANA STATE CAPITOL, premiering Monday, December 4 at 7:00 PM, will reveal this iconic building from a new perspective.
The documentary explores the story of Huey P. Long’s efforts to erect the tallest capitol building in the United States, right here in Louisiana. From inspiring blueprints to the great memorial hall, to the friezes soaring high above Baton Rouge and the Mississippi River, A TALL ORDER: THE LOUISIANA STATE CAPITOL shares the stories behind the art as well as the stories told by the art.
“Governor Long wanted the capitol building to tell the history of Louisiana through its art. In essence, he got exactly that,” says LPB’s Senior Producer Dorothy Kendrick. “Around 25,000 people tour the capitol every month, so visitors see some of the craftsmanship, like the steps, up close. But as you travel higher up the 450-foot-tall building, you’ll discover beauty that’s rarely seen or even noticed by anyone beyond the birds.”
LPB’s Director of Programming Jason Viso adds that the program will offer Louisianians an appreciation of a building that many have seen in the skyline, but perhaps have never learned more about. “The capitol towers over the city. Thousands of people drive past it every day, and often just take in the beauty from afar. We hope this documentary will offer those who thought they knew it and those who yet don’t, a fresh perspective of this historic landmark, and how it came to be.”
Along with the premiere, LPB will encore the program on Thursday, December 7 at 8:00 PM. Viewers can also stream the program live at www.lpb.org or on mobile devices with the LPB App. On demand streaming will be available at www.lpb.org/tallorder and on the LPB YouTube channel on the night of the broadcast premiere. To watch a trailer and discover more, go to www.lpb.org/tallorder.
Major production funding for A TALL ORDER: THE LOUISIANA STATE CAPITOL was provided by the East Baton Rouge Parish Library.
For more information, contact Colleen Spillane, Public Information Officer, Louisiana Public Broadcasting at (225)-767-4453 or 1-800-272-8161 ext. 4453 or by email at cspillane@lpb.org.
About Louisiana Public Broadcasting
Since 1975, Louisiana Public Broadcasting has been the public television network for the state of Louisiana with stations in Alexandria, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Lake Charles, Monroe and Shreveport. LPB is also affiliated with WLAE-TV in New Orleans. In addition to its award-winning documentaries about the history and people of Louisiana, LPB is dedicated to helping children throughout the state develop their literacy, math, and science skills through its numerous educational outreach programs.