LSU Museum of Art

LSU Museum of Art
Name	LSU Museum of Art
Established	1959
Location	Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States
Type	Art museum

LSU Museum of Art is a prominent cultural institution located in Downtown Baton Rouge, dedicated to the collection, preservation, and exhibition of visual art. Founded in 1959, it is an integral part of the Louisiana State University system and is housed within the Shaw Center for the Arts, a major performing and visual arts complex. The museum's mission focuses on connecting people to art, fostering critical dialogue, and serving as a vital educational resource for the Gulf South region and beyond.

History

The institution was established in 1959 as the "Museum of Art, Louisiana State University" following a significant gift of works from the collection of Winthrop Rockefeller. Its early years were spent in the Memorial Tower on the main LSU campus, where it began building its reputation. A pivotal moment came in 2005 with its relocation to a purpose-built space within the newly opened Shaw Center for the Arts, a move that greatly expanded its public footprint and programming capabilities. This transition coincided with a rebranding to its current name and solidified its role as a cornerstone of the Baton Rouge arts district.

Collections

The permanent holdings comprise over 6,500 objects, with particular strengths in American art from the 18th century to the present. Notable areas include a significant collection of Louisiana and Southern art, featuring works by artists such as George Rodrigue, Will Henry Stevens, and Alvin Batiste. The museum also holds important works from the Kress Collection, a group of Renaissance and Baroque paintings and sculptures, alongside a growing collection of contemporary art. Other highlights include extensive holdings of studio glass, decorative arts, and works on paper, including a notable collection of WPA-era prints.

Exhibitions

The exhibition program is dynamic, featuring both traveling shows and original curatorial projects developed in-house. It balances scholarly presentations, such as retrospectives of figures like John James Audubon or surveys of Cubism, with culturally relevant contemporary exhibitions. Recent shows have explored themes of social justice, Southern identity, and the intersection of art and science. The museum frequently collaborates with other institutions, including the Smithsonian American Art Museum and the New Orleans Museum of Art, to bring significant works to the region.

Building and location

The museum occupies the fifth and sixth floors of the Shaw Center for the Arts, a modern architectural landmark designed by Schwartz/Silver Architects. The facility offers panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the Louisiana State Capitol. Key features include spacious, naturally lit galleries, a dedicated education center, and the "Art in the Atrium" installation space. Its downtown location places it at the heart of Baton Rouge's cultural corridor, adjacent to venues like the Manship Theatre and near the Old State Capitol.

Governance and organization

The museum operates as part of Louisiana State University, under the auspices of the LSU College of Art & Design. It is governed by an advisory board comprised of community leaders, collectors, and arts professionals. Day-to-day operations are managed by a director, supported by curatorial, education, and administrative staff. The institution maintains key partnerships with the LSU Foundation for development and the Louisiana Division of the Arts for public funding, while also relying on support from organizations like the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Public programs and outreach

A robust schedule of public programs includes lectures by artists and scholars, such as Kara Walker or Richard Misrach, hands-on art-making workshops, and family-friendly activities. The museum's education department serves thousands of students annually through school tours aligned with Louisiana Believes academic standards. Community outreach initiatives, often in partnership with groups like the Baton Rouge Symphony Orchestra or the Knock Knock Children's Museum, extend its reach. Signature events, including annual fundraisers and seasonal festivals like Fête Rouge, engage broad audiences and provide vital operational support.

Category:Art museums in Louisiana Category:Louisiana State University Category:Museums in Baton Rouge, Louisiana Category:1959 establishments in Louisiana