Baton Rouge's Art Scene

Paintbrushes, canvases, cameras and clay… these media all help illustrate the Capital City’s creative culture. Whether you’re an art enthusiast looking for a unique gallery experience or a novice simply wanting to enjoy art without the fuss, Baton Rouge has a venue and a program to suite your tastes. Download the printer-friendly arts itinerary.

Baton Rouge offers several world-class and local art exhibits. Downtown, the Shaw Center for the Arts features the LSU Museum of Art, the Manship Theatre and multiple dining options. The LSU Museum of Art sprawls the entire length of the fifth floor, showcasing more than 17,000 square feet of exhibition space. The museum presents rotating historical and contemporary exhibitions, with selections from the permanent collection always on display. The LSU School of Art Gallery also resides in the Center, featuring contemporary works from the faculty and students of Louisiana State University. The Manship Theatre offers old world intimacy combined with the state-of-the-art technology for a truly unique performance theater experience.

Visit around sunset and enjoy dinner and a breathtaking view of the Mississippi River from the terrace at Tsunami sushi restaurant on the sixth floor, dine at Capital City Grill overlooking Lafayette Park, or head over to Stroube’s Chophouse on historical Third Street.

Nearby, the Louisiana Art and Science Museum showcases changing fine art exhibitions and selections from the permanent collection. Children will enjoy the interactive art and science museum and the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium, featuring sky shows, large-format films and visual music shows.
Just up the road is the Baton Rouge Gallery in City Park, featuring contemporary art exhibits and special performances. In the fall, join the gallery for the Movies & Music on the Lawn series and snack under the stars as local musicians provide a fresh take on a classic, silent film with live music.

Pieces at the Louisiana Mud Painting exhibit never fail to surprise visitors with their warmth and vibrance, with colors derived completely from the earth. Classes at the Louisiana Pottery Museum in Sorrento allow visitors to build their own pottery and truly appreciate the skills of the featured artists.
Submerge yourself in the arts at one of Baton Rouge’s great family-friendly art festivals - FestforAll in April or Houmas House Art Festival and Oak Alley Art Festival, both held in October.  FestForAll presents both fine arts and crafts, along with artist demonstrations, kid’s art activities, live music ranging from blues to classical, performing arts, and a variety of Louisiana cuisines. Started in 1974 to celebrate our community’s cultural diversity through the arts, this festival attracts thousands of attendees each year.
Baton Rouge loves to have a good time, and several organizations have found ways to mix art and a night out. Corks n Canvas offers a fun way to enjoy the arts. The concept pairs instructional art with friends, wine and a lively instructor, letting you produce your own masterpiece. Mid City Merchants hosts White Light Night in November and Hot Art, Cool Nights in May, an extravaganza of art, shopping, live music, food and drinks. Leave the kids at home and hop on the complimentary shuttles to take you along all the fabulous stops in the Mid City art district.

Browse for art to bring home along Government Street any day. Circa 1857, Rou Cou Cou, Elizabethan Gallery and many others offer one-of-a-kind pieces created by local and internationally renowned artists. If you’re looking for contemporary art, visit Ann Connelly Fine Art Gallery in Southdowns Village, an enclave for the modern and sophisticated. Finish your day at Enoteca Marcellos Wine Bar for great wine and excellent Italian or the Bulldog, where you’ll find more than 80 beers on tap and a simple “grub” menu in a relaxed atmosphere.