A new documentary, “A Tall Order: The Louisiana State Capitol” exploring the art and architecture will air for the first time on Louisiana Public Broadcasting tonight at 7:00 pm. Senior Producer of LPB Dorothy Kendrick says the film allows viewers to see the iconic building from a new perspective.
“There are drone shots taken up close and personal from the tip top of the building from the ground to the top.”
The documentary explores the story of Huey P. Long’s efforts to build the tallest capitol building in the country which was designed after Nebraska’s state capitol.
In 1930, Kendrick says Long first proposed a measure to fund the construction of the 27-story structure but it failed in the regular session. She says after Long was elected to U-S Senate after being impeached, later that year…
“He’d done so much for the state until no one could tell him no. The voters overwhelmingly approved the building. The people of New Orleans negotiated with the governor to get what he wanted because we were doing a depression.”
The film also provides a glimpse at the blueprints of the great memorial hall and the friezes depicting the Bayou State history on the 450-foot structure.
Kendrick says viewers can see the architects who designed the soaring tower. They will also view commissioned artists who provided the adornments and craftsmanship.
“They have what they call relief in the world of art all around the building. They’re the stories of the first explorers. There’s even relief of Huey Long with architects drawing out the plans for the state capitol.”
After 14 months of construction, the Louisiana State Capitol opened in May 1932. The building cost $5 million to complete.
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