Lafayette Museum Loop

No matter how you define culture, you'll find an abundance of it here in Acadiana, home to the culturally unique Cajuns and Creoles of South Louisiana. You'll hear it in our distinct music and see it in the work of our acclaimed artists. From dance halls to museums, from Cajun and Creole heritage to worldly art exhibitions, you'll enjoy a cultural experience like no other.


Acadian Cultural Center
Discover the story of the Acadian (Cajun) people who settled the prairies, bayous, and marshes of southeast Louisiana at the Acadian Cultural Center in Lafayette. Displays and exhibits explain the origins, migration, settlement, and contemporary culture of the Acadians and other groups who live in the Lafayette area. A film shown hourly chronicles the acadian deportation from Nova Scotia. National Park Ranger lead ecoptourism boat tours are available September through November and March through May.

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Acadian Cultural Center
501 Fisher Rd.
(337) 232-0789
www.nps.gov/jela
Admission is free
Daily, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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Acadian Village
Acadian Village serves as a monument to the proud culture of the Acadian people. As a folklife museum, it offers an authentic vision of Acadian society in South Louisiana during the 19th century. The collection of authentic Acadian structures is furnished with native Louisiana antiques. A replica of a village store and a chapel enhance the atmosphere of this quaint village setting.

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Acadian Village
200 Greenleaf Dr.
(337) 981-2364, (800) 962-9133
www.acadianvillage.org
Adults $7, Seniors $6, Children 12 and under free
Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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Acadiana Center for the Arts
The Acadiana Center for the Arts is a unique cultural facility serving the 8-parish Acadiana region of Southwest Louisiana. The facility is the focal point of the burgeoning downtown cultural center and tourism entertainment destination.

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Acadiana Center for the Arts
101 W. Vermilion St.
(337) 233-7060
www.AcadianaCenterfortheArts.org 
Adults $5, Students & Seniors $3, 5-17 $2, 4 and under free, free to AcA Members
Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
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Alexandre Mouton House / Lafayette Museum
This is one of Lafayette's finest historical treasures. Located in the heart of downtown Lafayette, this early 19th century home site was established by the founder of Vermilionville (Lafayette), Jean Mouton. It later became the residence of his son, Alexandre, who was a prominent statesman and served as Louisiana's first Democratic governor. The home has been restored to its mid-19th century grandeur and features period furniture and portraits. It also houses many items of local historic and cultural interest with artifacts from the Civil War, Native Indian baskets, religious items and Mardi Gras costumes on permanent display.

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Alexandre Mouton House / Lafayette Museum
1122 Lafayette St.
(337) 234-2208
Adults $3, Seniors $2, Students $1
Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
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Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist Museum
The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, completed in 1916, is listed on the National Registry of Historic Properties. Located near the Dutch Romanesque church is the third oldest oak tree recognized by the Live Oak Society. The above ground cemetery dates back to 1820. The museum chronicles the parish history through artifacts, documents and memorabilia. It also houses a notable Italian Nativity.

Permanent Exhibit:
Hanley-Gueno Neapolitan Presepio
Housed in The Cathedral Museum is an outstanding collection of Baroque Neapolitan crèche, or presepio, perhaps one of the finest and most extensive in the country.  It was written in the Smithsonian (December 1991) that "the cache is the passion and pride of partners Jeffrey Gueno and Frank Hanley (now deceased), whose talents and shared interests in miniatures, antiques, art, design and collecting enabled them to assemble this remarkable display".  Hanley and Gueno purchased the 18th century figures over a 30-year period. The collectors built sets to display the authentically dressed puppet-type characters fashioned by Neapolitan craftsmen.  Enshrined in the place of honor is the Holy Family surrounded by angels singing tidings of great joy to shepherds while the elaborate procession of Magi makes its way through typical street scenes of daily life characteristic of 18th century Naples.

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Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist
515 Cathedral St.
(337) 232-1322, ext. 1
www.saintjohncathedral.org
Adults $3, Seniors $2, Children $1
Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m. - noon & 1 - 4 p.m.
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Children's Museum of Acadiana
A hands-on children's museum dedicated to the mission of "Leanring By Doing," the Children's Museum features exhibits and programs designed for children ages toddler to ten. Family visits and school group visits are always encourated. Exhibits include: Kid Care, Le Petit Magazin, Cafe des Enfants, Kid's Cash, the Reuseum, Les TV des Enfants, the Bubble Factory, Wee Acres, Cypress Gallery, Amphitheatre, Dental Office and Ambulance.

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Children's Museum of Acadiana
201 E. Congress St.
(337) 232-8500
www.childrensmuseumofacadiana.com
Admission $5, under 12 months free
Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
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Lafayette Science Museum
The Lafayette Science Museum is the only natural history museum between Houston, New Orleans, and Shreveport.
As a regional facility, it provides educational enrichment in science, technology, and math to area schools, and fun for families and tourists.

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Lafayette Science Museum
433 Jefferson St.
(337) 291-5544
www.lafayettesciencemuseum.org
Members free  |  Non-members: Adults $5, Seniors $3, Children $2
Tues.-Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m, Sun. 1 - 6 p.m., closed Monday
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Paul & Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum
The Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum is a cultural beacon for Acadiana, with its exhibitions and public programs integrated into the life of the community as inextricably as its schools, churches, recreational facilities and theaters. The building enables the Museum to present compelling exhibitions that offer audiences a dramatic look at the timeless influence of art.

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Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum
701 E. St. Mary Blvd.
(337) 482-2ART
www.louisiana.edu/uam
Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Adults $5, Senios 4, Students (5 - 17) $3
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Vermilionville
Vermilionville, a heritage and folklife museum, portrays the rich cultures of the Cajuns and Creoles, Eighteen structures, including six original homes, are filled with artifacts reflecting life in the Acadiana area between 1765 and 1890. A detailed interpretive walking brochure guides visitors through the village. In many of the structures, costumed historical interpreters authentically demonstrate traditional crafts of musical styles. The experience is enhanced by a full-service restaurant and regularly scheduled music and event programming.

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Vermilionville
300 Fisher Rd.
(337) 233-4077, (866) 99-BAYOU
www.vermilionville.org
Adults $8, Seniors $6.50, Children $5, ages 1-6 free
Tues.-Sun. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.