Best Museums & Art Galleries in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States

Baton Rouge, United States, Baton Rouge, Culture & Entertainment, Best Museums & Art Galleries

Best Museums & Art Galleries in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States

1. Louisiana Art & Science Museum

A unique blend of art and science exhibits, including an interactive children's museum.
  • Interactive Exhibits: Offers hands-on activities for visitors of all ages.
  • Art and Science Combination: Connects art with scientific concepts in innovative ways.
  • Educational Programs: Provides educational programs for schools and groups.

2. Baton Rouge Gallery

A non-profit art gallery featuring works from local, regional, and national artists.
  • Changing Exhibits: Regularly rotates exhibitions to showcase a variety of artwork.
  • Community Involvement: Hosts workshops, classes, and events for the community.
  • Affordable Art Purchases: Provides an opportunity to purchase affordable original artwork.

3. Riverside Art Museum

A museum dedicated to showcasing art from the late 19th century to the present.
  • Permanent Collection: Maintains a significant permanent collection of Louisiana artists.
  • Temporary Exhibits: Features temporary exhibitions focusing on various themes and artists.
  • Community Engagement: Engages the community through educational programs and workshops.

4. Museum of Art - LSU

A university museum showcasing American and European art from the 18th century to the present.
  • University Affiliation: Serves as an educational resource for LSU students and faculty.
  • Rotating Exhibits: Regularly rotates exhibitions to keep the collection fresh and diverse.
  • Art Conservation: Has an on-site conservation lab for the preservation of artworks.

5. Old Louisiana State Capitol Art Museum

Features art and artifacts related to Louisiana's history and government.
  • Historical Building: Housed in a historic building that was the state capitol from 1847 to 1853.
  • State History Focus: Highlights Louisiana's rich cultural and political history through artworks.
  • Tours and Guides: Offers guided tours to help visitors understand the exhibits better.

6. BREC's Baton Rouge Gallery

A gallery located within a city park showcasing art from local and regional artists.
  • City Park Location: Situated in a beautiful city park, providing a serene setting for art appreciation.
  • Community Art Programs: Hosts workshops and classes for the community to learn and create art.
  • Changing Exhibits: Regularly rotates exhibitions to showcase various art genres and artists.

7. LSU Museum of Natural Science

A museum dedicated to the natural history of Louisiana and the Gulf Coast region.
  • Regional Focus: Specializes in the natural history of Louisiana and surrounding areas.
  • Educational Programs: Offers educational programs for schools and groups to learn about local ecosystems.
  • Interactive Exhibits: Provides hands-on exhibits that help visitors understand various ecosystems.

8. Essence Emporium Art Gallery & Museum

A museum dedicated to African American art and culture, with a focus on Louisiana artists.
  • Cultural Significance: Highlights the contributions of African American artists to Louisiana's cultural heritage.
  • Community Engagement: Engages the community through workshops, classes, and events.
  • Temporary Exhibits: Features temporary exhibitions focusing on various themes related to African American art and culture.

9. The Shaw Center for the Arts

A multi-disciplinary arts center featuring visual art exhibitions, theater performances, and music concerts.
  • Multi-Disciplinary Focus: Offers experiences in visual art, theater, and music under one roof.
  • Educational Programs: Provides educational programs for schools and groups to learn about various art forms.
  • Performance Space: Features a theater with performances by local, regional, and national artists.

10. LSU Rural Life Museum & Gardens

A museum showcasing the rural history and culture of Louisiana, with a focus on agriculture and lifestyles.
  • Rural Focus: Highlights the agricultural heritage and lifestyle of rural Louisiana.
  • Outdoor Exhibits: Includes outdoor exhibits, including historic buildings and gardens.
  • Educational Programs: Offers educational programs for schools and groups to learn about rural life in Louisiana.

11. The Knock Knock Children's Museum

An interactive children's museum designed to stimulate creativity and learning through play.
  • Interactive Exhibits: Offers hands-on exhibits focused on science, art, and culture.
  • Designed for Children: Designed specifically for children aged 0-12 to encourage exploration and learning.
  • Educational Programs: Provides educational programs for schools and groups, focusing on early childhood education.

12. The Louisiana State Penitentiary Museum

A museum dedicated to the history of the Louisiana State Penitentiary and its impact on society.
  • Criminal Justice History: Highlights the history of one of the largest maximum-security prisons in the world.
  • Guided Tours: Offers guided tours to help visitors understand the prison's history and impact.
  • Educational Programs: Provides educational programs for schools and groups to learn about criminal justice history.

13. The USS Kidd Veterans Museum

A museum dedicated to the history of naval warfare, with a focus on World War II and the Vietnam War.
  • Naval History Focus: Highlights the history of naval warfare, particularly during WWII and the Vietnam War.
  • Historic Ship Tours: Offers tours of a World War II-era destroyer, the USS Kidd.
  • Educational Programs: Provides educational programs for schools and groups to learn about naval history.

14. The Louisiana ArtWorks Gallery & Studios

A gallery featuring works by local artists, with on-site studios for artists to create and sell their work.
  • Local Art Focus: Showcases artwork created by local artists.
  • On-Site Studios: Includes studios where visitors can watch artists create their work.
  • Art Sales: Allows visitors to purchase artwork directly from the artists.

15. The Louisiana Political Museum & Hall of Fame

A museum dedicated to the history and politics of Louisiana, featuring a hall of fame for notable politicians.
  • Political History Focus: Highlights the history and politics of Louisiana.
  • Hall of Fame: Features a hall of fame for notable Louisiana politicians.
  • Educational Programs: Provides educational programs for schools and groups to learn about Louisiana's political history.