Louisiana's museums offer a deep look into the stories, history, creative talent and engineering that have all shaped Louisiana to be what she is today.
The Bayou State treasures its long history and values the ongoing artistic contributions of its many talented citizens and keeps them preserved and on display. The result is an abundance of museums in every corner of the state including–but not limited to–nine State Museums, galleries and historic structures that preserve and exhibit the state's most valued assets for anyone who chooses to see them.
Explore the expected and unexpected aspects of Louisiana's culture and heritage including cotton, trains, voodoo, Mardi Gras, lighthouses, dolls, boat building, military history, African American history, art and a whole lot more.
Featured Exhibitions
Take A Look Inside Louisiana's Museums
Welcome to one of the most historic buildings in the French Quarter. The Presbytère is located next to St. Louis Cathedral, overlooking Jackson Square. This Louisiana State Museum features revolving exhibitions along with permanent Mardi Gras artifacts. Add 751 Chartres Street in New Orleans as a must-visit on your itinerary!
Get a glimpse of the museum that tells the American story of WWII. The museum is located at 945 Magazine Street in New Orleans, Louisiana.
The old New Orleans Mint is now the New Orleans Jazz Museum. The Louisiana State Museum is located at 400 Esplanade Avenue in New Orleans.
Did you know Coca-Cola was first bottled in Monroe, Louisiana? Learn about that and more on a visit to the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens.
Curious about New Orleans' voodoo history and culture? The New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum will educate and entertain you in their location at 724 Dumaine Street.
Planning a trip to Baton Rouge, Louisiana's Capital City? Stop by one of the first "green" buildings in the Red Stick–The Shaw Center for the Arts–and experience the LSU Museum of Art! The museum is located in the heart of the city at 100 Lafayette Street.
Eddie G. Robinson is one of Louisiana's greats! Learn what made him a Louisiana legend with a visit to the Eddie G. Robinson Museum on the campus of Grambling State University in Grambling, Louisiana.
Visit Louisiana's only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Pioneer, Louisiana near Monroe and learn about our ancient civilization.
Learn all about Louisiana's sports legends at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches, Louisiana.
Did you know Bonnie and Clyde's interstate crime spree ended in Louisiana? Visit the Bonnie and Clyde Ambush Museum in Gibsland, Louisiana to see a replica of their car and other artifacts from the notorious criminals.
Learn about the history and culture of enslaved and free African Americans in rural South Louisiana.
The Lafayette Science Museum is a playful portal into a vast universe of discovery. Visitors can experience a hands-on and fun experience for curious minds of all ages. The museums feature rotating exhibits, installations and a planetarium.
Head to Ruston, Louisiana to experience the North Louisiana Military Museum where you'll see military uniforms, vehicles, weaponry and memorabilia.
Head to Morgan City, Louisiana and visit the only museum in the world where the public can walk aboard an authentic offshore oil drilling rig at the International Petroleum Museum & Exposition.
Head to Ferriday, Louisiana to learn about Louisiana music legend like the three cousins–Jimmy Swaggart, Jerry Lee Lewis and Mickey Gilley–and more!
This museum interprets Louisiana's storied history of its oil industry from past to present. Louisiana State Oil and Gas Museum is located in the aptly named Oil City, near Shreveport in North Caddo Parish, Louisiana.
One of nine Louisiana State Museums, the Capitol Park Museum is located across from the State Capitol and features interactive exhibits from across the Bayou State.
Learn about the down-the-bayou aquaculture at the Bayou Terrebonne Waterlife Museum in Houma, Louisiana.
Learn about the history and culture of the Native Americans, Acadians and Creoles in this living history museum.
Learn about the history of Webster Parish in this Minden, Louisiana museum.
Learn about Louisiana's rich political history and the democratic process through exhibits, programs and the arts. The beautiful Gothic building overlooks the Mississippi River in downtown Baton Rouge.
The USS Kidd is recognized as one of the most authentically restored vessels in the world by the Historic Naval Ships Association. Attached to the vessel is the Veterans Museum, which displays a variety of artifacts that celebrate veteran and naval military history, with displays and interesting artifacts for all generations.
This museum honors the pop princess who calls Kentwood home–Britney Spears, WWII veterans and the history of the famous Kentwood Spring Water. Experience this museum and more in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana.
Love a good roadside attraction? Then you'll love this quirky, eclectic gem tucked away in the quaint town of Abita Springs on the Louisiana Northshore! While you're there, be sure to stop at Abita Brewing Company for a tour!
Learn about North Caddo Parish's railroad history and other fun facts about the area when you visit Vivian, Louisiana. There's plenty to see and do along Louisiana's Boom or Bust Scenic Byway!
Originally the seat of the Spanish government in New Orleans, The Cabildo is one of the most historically significant buildings in the city. When you visit the Crescent City, head to Jackson Square and explore the museum.
The dual focus of this museum site highlights two very distinct— and compelling —aspects of Louisiana’s rich history: aviation and lumbering.
The Wedell-Williams Aviation Collection highlights the legacy of Louisiana aviation pioneers Jimmie Wedell and Harry P. Williams, who formed an air service together in 1928 in Patterson. The Cypress Sawmill Collection documents the history of the cypress lumber industry in Louisiana, the state’s first significant manufacturing industry.
The Lafayette Museum is dedicated to sharing and promoting the history and culture of Acadiana. The Museum, also known as the Alexandre Mouton House, is a historic house that served as the home of 11th Governor and first Democratic Governor of Louisiana Alexandre Mouton.
Learn the stories of General Claire Chennault and other historic military figures and events from WWII through Operation Iraqi Freedom at the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum in Monroe, Louisiana.
Step into the country in the heart of Baton Rouge and visit the LSU Rural Life Museum. The museum preserves the culture of 18th and 19th century Louisiana and features multi-faceted exhibits. Don't miss the opportunity to stroll through the 25-acre grounds including Windrush Gardens when you visit.
The Gueydan Museum & Cultural Arts Center houses a permanent collection of rare photographs and artifacts that tell the history of an area known for its rice farming and duck hunting. The museum also features changing art exhibits.
The Zigler Art Museum list is on the must-stop list for any aesthete visiting Louisiana. The newly renovated cultural center places an emphasis on art education and developing Louisiana artists. Located in Jennings, Louisiana, the museum is located between Lake Charles and Lafayette in Jeff Davis Parish, Louisiana.
Located in downtown Shreveport, Louisiana, SUMA features African-American art from the permanent collection of Southern University in Baton Rouge. The museum is dedicated to maintaining a standard of excellence in the care and collection of art and artifacts.
The Mansfield Female College Museum was the first women's institute of higher learning west of the Mississippi River. The museum, located about a half-hour's drive south of Shreveport, features much of the art, pottery and crafts produced by the students as well as a surprising array of memorabilia.
A food lover and avid gardener, TABASCO® founder Edmund McIlhenny sowed tabasco pepper seeds and the rest is history. Experience the history and production of TABASCO® on Avery Island, Louisiana. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the TABASCO® Museum, Pepper Greenhouse, Barrel Warehouse, Avery Island Conservation, Salt Mine diorama, TABASCO Country Store®, TABASCO® Restaurant 1868! and the 170-acre natural beauty of Jungle Gardens.
The Southern Forest Heritage Museum is a complex of historic buildings, all on the National Register of Historic Places, preserved from an old sawmill in the beautiful piney woods of Long Leaf, Louisiana. In addition to being one of the nation’s most complete historic sawmill complexes, the area is known for its significant contributions to World War II, and now houses an extensive collection of memorabilia from the timeframe.
Located in Monroe, the Northeast Louisiana Children's Museum provides a safe, educational place where children of all ages can plan and learn through a number of interactive exhibits. Exhibits include: "The White House," "Baby Bayou," "Discovery Hospital" and more.
The Martin Homeplace is a rural life museum that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Transport yourself to 17th century Louisiana and experience folklife customs and northern Louisiana lifestyles from the 1800s.
Housed in a historic railroad depot on the banks of the Mississippi River, the Louisiana Art & Science Museum offers educational entertainment for visitors of all ages. Located in Baton Rouge, the museum features fine art exhibits, interactive art and science galleries for children, an Ancient Egypt gallery and a planetarium with a rotating docket of shows.
Learn about the history and development of Louisiana! Most interestingly, a series of dioramas depict life and commerce in the region.
The Masur Museum, the largest museum in Northeast Louisiana, presents temporary exhibitions ranging from Old Master prints to works by contemporary artists. The museum also offers educational programs for children and adults such as artist talks, academic lectures, summer art camps, winter workshops and more.
Since 1936, The Old Post Office Museum has been a staple of Franklin Parish life. The facility is largely in its original condition, down to gold post office boxes and hardwood floors.
All ages are encouraged to explore the world of math, science and technology at this interactive museum! Enjoy feature films in the IMAX Dome Theater, learn from hands-on exhibits and more.
Did you know Louisiana holds the last steam-powered municipal water plant in the country? This museum honors and preserves the first hydraulic equipment to provide the city with clean drinking water and fire-fighting water pressure.
Located in Bastrop, the Snyder Museum highlights local history through a genealogy exhibit, regional art displays, and more! Stroll through the Garden Room, where a grand terrace, fountain and lush landscaped grounds inspire.
The Louisiana Cotton Museum honors one of the state's major economic players. Visitors get an inside peek into the past and present operations of cotton harvesting.
The Krewe of Gemini Mardi Gras Museum features unforgettable glamor and glitz! Displays highlight elaborate costumes and parade floats that emphasize Louisiana's rich Mardi Gras history.
Located in the heart of Cajun Country, The Acadian Museum pays homage to the legacy and heritage of Cajun people. Exhibits feature personal memorabilia like photographs, letters and postcards, as well as a genealogy section.
Ready to fly? Run by the United States Air Force, this aviation museum explores the legacies of military service people in Louisiana, as well as Bossier City's complex Air Force base.
In downtown New Iberia is the Bayou Teche Museum, which showcases the diverse blend of cultures, artists and industries that have developed this peaceful Louisiana town.
Wish you could visit Italy? Learn about Independence, Louisiana's Italian residents and the important cultural nuances they've brought to a diverse state.
Located on Camp Beauregard in Pineville, this museum is housed in replica World War II barracks. The institution pays tribute to service members and civilians of Louisiana, particularly during the Second World War.
Enjoy 5,000 years of creations at New Orleans' premier fine arts institution! Exhibits range from world-class collectibles to modern and contemporary works and film screenings.
Explore the American South through a Jewish lens! Through exhibits, collections and programs focused on the unique cultural history of southern Jewish people, gain a new appreciation for identity and acceptance.
The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, located at the site of the state's first licensed apothecary, highlights past and present cures. Enjoy local oddities like voodoo potions, too.
Known for being a safe haven for enslaved African Americans (and later, for having the largest population of free people of color), Opelousas is a microcosm of the American South: Diverse communities shaped by the fight for freedom and equality.
Celebrate Roberts Cove's rich German heritage — one of Louisiana's many foundational Acadian cultures! In October, experience German food, beer and folklore demonstrations at Germanfest.
Deep-dive into Louisiana's Native American and European history! Exhibits also detail the industries that once made Louisiana the wealthiest southern state.
Explore Louisiana's political history and the events, beliefs and experiences that have shaped it. More than 10,000 artifacts highlight politicians and their campaigns — including Earl Long's 1951 Chevrolet Sedan and Huey Long's dining room set.
Glimpse into upper-class New Orleans life! Explore a mid-19th century home emblematic of the city's most prosperous period.
Housed in an antique train depot, this museum highlights exhibits and collections which explore the lifestyles of early settlers in Eunice.
The E.D. White Historic House, built with cypress that E.D. White hewed himself, details the lives of a father and son who became major political figures in the 19th century
Envision the lives of a small group of German settlers in Minden, Louisiana, who built a robust faith-based community together.
Located near the French Quarter, this museum is also a research and publishing center. Exhibitions chronicle the lives of Louisiana artists and their works.
Learn the history of early Kaplan life! Explore the Acadiana's rich French history, too.
Looking for a family-friendly museum? The Louisiana Children's Museum features immersive, interactive displays and fun programs designed to enrich little imaginations.
Honor past, present and future veterans at the Louisiana Military Museum, which explores the collective stories of Louisiana servicemen.
See an extensive faux Fabergé egg collection! Colorful displays inspire, while works like eggshell-based evening bags highlight Louisiana's creative community.
Visit an antique general store! Displays reimagine 19th century shopping experiences, while the store's contemporary section offers rare goods for purchase.
