Lafayette is rich in arts and culture. Numerous historical landmarks tell the story of Acadiana's diverse people, art galleries show the unique talents of local artists, and museums and performing arts venues for theater, music, and dance.

Historical Landmarks

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Vermilionville

History & Heritage - Vermilionville

Lafayette is fortunate to have two living history museums that teach Lafayette's origins and the people native to the area and settlers. Vermilionville Living History Museum & Folklife Park has assembled several historic buildings along the Vermilion River, including one that houses a restaurant and another that serves as a dance hall and performance space.

Acadian Village

Acadian Village

LARC's Acadian Village has done the same on 32 acres on the west side of town, offering a glimpse into the homes, businesses, and churches of early Cajuns in South Louisiana. The 19th-century buildings collected on the property are owned by the Lafayette Association for Retarded Citizens and serve to provide a revenue stream for the association.

Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve

Exhibits At The Jean Lafitte Acadian Cultural Center In Lafayette, LA

This national park operates five locations throughout South Louisiana, including one in Lafayette, the Acadian Cultural Center. The Lafayette park focuses on the migration of Acadians from the Maritimes of Canada into Louisiana with a film, ranger talks, and permanent and rotating exhibits. It highlights the culture and traditions leading up to today's Acadians (Cajuns).

La Maison Creole De Freetown

Maison Freetown

Freetown is a historic Lafayette neighborhood named for the free people of color who settled there. Maison Freetown is both a museum highlighting the historical, cultural, and linguistic contributions of the community and beyond and a physical space for special events and community engagement.

Civil Rights Trail

Lafayette Civil Rights Marker by Doug Dugas for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Lafayette and the surrounding area have several markers that are part of the U.S. Civil Rights Trail. These markers signify places where activists challenged segregation in churches, courthouses, schools, and other sites in the 1950s and 1960s.

Lafayette Museum

Front Exterior Of The Alexandre Mouton House In Lafayette, LA

The Lafayette Museum displays Lafayette's history inside the home of Louisiana's 11th governor, Alexandre Mouton. Inside are artifacts, clothing, furniture, articles, and more about the history and culture of Acadiana.

 

Cultural Attractions

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Basin Arts

Basin Arts

Located in downtown Lafayette, Basin Arts offers many opportunities for artists, including studio space, art galleries, classes and workshops, art residencies, and special events.

Acadiana Center for the Arts

Louisiana Crossroads

Started in 1975, the Acadiana Center for the Arts (AcA) features a theater with a vibrant performance schedule, a café, and several art galleries. The nonprofit also works to educate and support teachers and artists and hosts special events such as Louisiana Crossroads.

Wonderland Center for the Performing Arts

Wonderland Center for the Performing Arts

Wonderland offers classes in the performing arts for teens and adults, after-school programs, summer camps, and an ongoing performance schedule.

Hillard Art Museum

Hilliard Museum

The Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum on the University of Louisiana at Lafayette campus features 11,000 square feet of gallery space for rotating and permanent exhibits. It also has an awesome gift shop!

Heritage Parc

This local nonprofit supports the arts and arts education and provides opportunities for performing artists. Past productions include "The Creole Nutcracker," celebrating Louisiana's rich culture with a mix of dance styles, including jazz, zydeco, hip hop, and classical ballet.

Cité des Arts

Cite des Arts

Cité des Arts is an arts center and art incubator in downtown Lafayette. Its main theater hosts musical, comedic, and theatrical performances, and its Black Box Theatre hosts smaller productions. Cité also offers classes and special events.

Acadiana Symphony Orchestra & Conservatory of Music

Acadiana Symphony Orchestra

Started in 1985, the ASO entertains Acadiana with orchestral performances, music education, and special events. Concerts range from masterworks and pops to unique performances with guest artists. Venues include the Acadiana Center for the Arts, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette's Angelle Hall, and the Heymann Center.

Lafayette Concert Band

Lafayette Concert Band

The Lafayette Concert Band provides unique concerts all year, from its patriotic Memorial Day Concert to "Sounds of the Season" during the holidays. The John Philip Sousa Foundation awarded the band the Sudler Silver Scroll, one of the most prestigious awards for community concert bands. 

Second Saturday ArtWalk

Downtown - Artwalk

Downtown comes alive every second Saturday when galleries, art centers, and even restaurants celebrate Second Saturday ArtWalk. Many of these venues debut art exhibits, and restaurants host live music.

NuNu Arts and Culture Collective

NuNU Art Collective

In nearby Arnaudville, NuNu is a community arts organization that offers art programs, gallery exhibits, classes, and workshops. The nonprofit works to develop a conversation between cultural ambassadors from Louisiana and around the world.