FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 16, 2021
Contact Info, Frances Lee
Director of Communications
flee@lasm.org, (225) 344-5272, ext. 112
BATON ROUGE, LA—The Louisiana Art & Science Museum (LASM) is pleased to announce the expansion of its operating hours to include Sundays. LASM is now open on Thursdays and Fridays from 10 AM – 2 PM, Saturdays from 10 AM – 5 PM, and Sundays from 10 AM – 5 PM. Museum doors open at 9:45 AM for seating in the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium; on Saturdays and Sundays, the last entry of the day is admitted at 4 PM.
“In response to community desires for LASM to expand its weekend access hours, we are excited to offer Sunday visitation to the public again,” states Serena Pandos, LASM President & Executive Director. “Prior to COVID-19, we were open six days a week, including Sundays. With community support, we hope to continue expanding our hours and programming as we continue to recover from the far-reaching impacts of the pandemic.”
At this time, the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium, the Solar System Gallery, and the Universe Gallery are open on Sundays. Admission, which includes unlimited access to all planetarium shows, is free for members and children 2 years old and under; $10 for children ages 3-12 and senior adults age 65 and up; and $12 for adults. Active duty military members, first responders, military veterans, and their families receive free admission with ID as part of the Blue Star Museums program, sponsored by Special Risk Insurance, Inc. VFIS of Mississippi/Louisiana. The hands-on children’s galleries Discovery Depot and Science Station remain closed at this time due to Phase III guidelines.
“The expansion of our public access hours would not be possible without our growing volunteer base,” continued Ms. Pandos. “We are lucky to have our current volunteers, and we welcome new volunteers and volunteer groups to help expand our capacity to serve our community.” To volunteer at LASM, email lasm@lasm.org.
Any changes to LASM’s operating hours will be posted to lasm.org and on the Museum’s social media platforms.
Image: LASM visitors enjoy the awe-inspiring Irene W. Pennington Planetarium.
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About the Louisiana Art & Science Museum
Housed on the banks of the Mississippi River in a historic railway station in downtown Baton Rouge, the Louisiana Art & Science Museum believes that art and science shape each other, our lives, and the world. LASM is now open on Thursdays and Fridays from 10 AM – 2 PM, Saturdays from 10 AM – 5 PM, and Sundays from 10 AM – 5 PM. Museum doors open at 9:45 AM for seating in the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium; on Saturdays and Sundays, the last entry of the day is admitted at 4 PM. Admission, which includes unlimited access to all planetarium shows, is free for members and children 2 years old and under; $10 for children ages 3-12 and senior adults age 65 and up; and $12 for adults. Active duty military members, first responders, military veterans, and their families receive free admission with ID as part of the Blue Star Museums program, sponsored by Special Risk Insurance, Inc. VFIS of Mississippi/Louisiana.
The Museum, founded in 1962, is home to the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium, the largest and most advanced planetarium in Louisiana and one of the largest in the southeastern United States; a permanent collection including over 4,000 objects; one of the only permanent ancient Egypt galleries in the southeastern United States, housing an authentic, Ptolemaic-era mummy; and displays changing art exhibitions of local and international acclaim.
Access to the Museum’s digital learning platform for at-home art and science experiences is available at virtual-lasm.org. A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, the Museum relies on the support of donations to operate; support the Museum’s COVID-19 relief fund at lasm.org. Stay in touch at lasm.org and on social media.