Louisiana's capital, Baton Rouge rests on the Mississippi River and is a busy port city supported by heavy industry and pharmaceuticals. As a result, it is a popular destination for business travelers, with several large corporations based in the city. A well-regarded seat of learning, Baton Rouge has four major institutions which attract students from across the world and many more from across the US.
The downtown arts scene in Baton Rouge is fuelled by the young population, with an expanding network of galleries and museums of art. The Shaw Center for the Arts is a complex of galleries, museums, theatres and restaurants, and a popular cultural center for the Baton Rouge community. The annual Mardi Gras celebrations in Baton Rouge are popular amongst visitors worldwide, with a number of festivals and events centered around the festival.
The Louisiana State Capitol building stands ominously over the city, and is a distinctive landmark on the Baton Rouge horizon, and is a popular attraction amongst visitors alongside the Louisiana State Museum, which houses a collection of interactive, hands-on science exhibits.
