The Louisiana Supreme Court building has a tumultuous past and has not always been a popular resident of Royal Street.

The site that the court now occupies has been in use by New Orleans residents and merchants since the 18th century and was occupied by many fine homes, shops, and cafes during the city's economic heyday in the mid 19th century.

However, the economic downturn of the early 20th century and the movement of many businesses out of the French Quarter left the area essentially abandoned and deteriorating.

The decision to demolish the block and construct the massive structure met with mixed feelings among residents. One of the greatest fears was that the large white Beaux Arts style building would starkly contrast the smaller, non painted urban dwellings and businesses within the French Quarter. To alleviate these fears, project architects from the firm Brown, Brown and Marya reduced the footprint of the building and added strategically placed landscaping to help it blend in better with existing buildings.

Construction progressed despite concerns and the Supreme Court occupied the building in 1910. For the next 50 years the courtrooms stayed busy with activity, but the Supreme Court moved into newer quarters again in 1958.

The building was subsequently used by the Louisiana Wildlife Museum and a series of smaller courts but continued to deteriorate. Despite calls for its demolition or sale to a private owner, the Courthouse underwent a multi-decade, 40 million dollar renovation, reopening as the official home of Louisiana Supreme Court in 2004.

The ground floor of the building now houses a museum exhibit describing the history of the court system in Louisiana as well as the building itself.