Information
Landmark: Louisiana Art & Science MuseumCity: Baton Rouge
Country: USA Louisiana
Continent: North America
Louisiana Art & Science Museum, Baton Rouge, USA Louisiana, North America
Overview
Right on the banks of the Mississippi at 100 South River Road, the Louisiana Art & Science Museum in Baton Rouge brings art, science, and history together under one roof.The museum sits inside the old Yazoo and Mississippi Valley Railroad Co.Depot, a grand Classical Revival building from 1925 with tall arched windows, now on the National Register of Historic Places, and invites visitors to explore both the history and life along the Mississippi River.LASM’s permanent collection holds over 4,000 pieces-from vivid oil paintings to ancient cultural artifacts and delicate scientific specimens.One standout is the Ancient Egypt Gallery, where a 2,300-year-old Ptolemaic-era mummy rests inside a meticulously recreated tomb, its walls lined with artifacts that reveal the rhythms of daily life, the pulse of religion, and the rituals of burial in ancient Egypt.Solar System Gallery invites you to explore the wonders of astronomy and planetary science, from the glow of Saturn’s rings to the dusty plains of Mars.Visitors can check out meteorites, meet Jason-the massive Triceratops skull-and try hands-on exhibits that bring to life celestial mechanics, the rocky textures of planetary geology, and the thrill of space exploration.Universe Gallery showcases the wonders of space through hands-on exhibits on stars, swirling galaxies, and the life cycle of celestial bodies, inviting visitors to dive straight into the science.Bert S. The Turner Family Atrium features both permanent and changing sculpture displays, from Ivan Meštrović’s smooth marble figures to bold modern pieces, highlighting the beauty of classical and contemporary art alike.At Emerging Spaces Gallery, the displays shift regularly, pulling pieces from the museum’s permanent collection and special exhibits to offer fresh perspectives-perhaps a vivid textile from West Africa one month, a quiet watercolor the next-while shining a light on overlooked treasures from many artistic traditions.Irene W., her scarf catching a bit of wind, stepped forward.At Pennington Planetarium, visitors sink into plush seats as the dome above bursts to life with brilliant stars, delivering a truly immersive journey through the cosmos.The programs feature Sky Shows-live projections of the night sky that guide visitors in spotting constellations, tracing planets, and catching sight of upcoming celestial events.Large-format films bring big stories to life, from the roar of a rocket lifting off into space to the shifting colors of Earth’s deep oceans and the raw power of a thunderstorm.Visual Music Shows blend soaring melodies with swirling cosmic imagery, sparking awe and a restless curiosity about the universe.These programs open the world of astronomy to everyone, from kids staring wide-eyed at the moon to adults chasing meteor showers, weaving learning and fun into one experience.At LASM, families and students dive into interactive learning, with hands-on galleries where kids and adults can touch, build, and experiment to explore science and art together.Workshops and camps give people a chance to dive into making art, exploring science experiments, and tackling tricky problems head-on.Live performances weave stories, art, and science into one lively mix, turning lessons into experiences you can feel-like the hush before a storyteller’s final line.The museum designs its programs to spark creativity, challenge curious minds, and get visitors of every age thinking in new ways-whether they’re sketching a sculpture or puzzling over an ancient map.From its spot on the Mississippi River, LASM offers sweeping water views and a sense of history you can almost feel in the air, making every visit richer.The historic depot, with its soaring ceilings, tall sunlit windows, and intricate trim, sets the stage for the exhibits, shaping a space where art meets science.You’ll find LASM at 100 South River Road in Baton Rouge, LA 70801.It’s open every day, though hours shift with the day and season.Admission is tiered, with discounts for students, seniors, and groups, plus special rates for planetarium shows and rotating exhibits.As a regional hub for culture and STEM, it invites you to wander through art galleries, gaze up at swirling galaxies in the planetarium, and step into history inside its landmark building.It mixes learning, fun, and history, drawing families, students, and lovers of art and science-picture kids marveling at a giant fossil-into one unforgettable stop.
