Museums, Galleries & Art in Lafayette

Hilliard Art Museum

Visitors won’t miss Hilliard Art Museum on the University of Louisiana at Lafayette campus, with its sea-green glass walls that glow at night, complemented by the original Greek Revival museum building by Louisiana architect A. Hays Town. These two buildings feature 11,000 square feet of gallery space for rotating and permanent exhibits.

Basin Arts

Founded in 2016 by Creative Director Clare Cook, the non-profit Basin Arts provides space for artists to exhibit their visual arts. The large space in the city’s warehouse district offers artists gallery space in addition to artist residencies, public art projects, adult movement classes, unique performance events, special events, and more.

Acadiana Center for the Arts

There’s so much to love at the Acadiana Center for the Arts (AcA), from its ongoing theater and musical performances to several art galleries that range from its Main Gallery, which allows for a variety of exhibitions, to its side galleries and the vault in back, the remnant of the building’s former bank incarnation. The AcA began in 1975 as a community artistic hub, and today the nonprofit educates teachers and artists through workshops and grants.

Cité des Arts

Another downtown community gathering spot is the multidisciplinary, multiuse facility of Cité des Arts, which regularly hosts musical, comedic, and theatrical performances in its main theater space and its smaller Black Box Theatre, along with gallery space for artwork. The arts incubator produces original works by local writers and offers classes and special events—even serves up craft cocktails in its bar.

Lafayette Art Association

The nonprofit art gallery and community space, comprised of local artists exhibiting members’ works, offers curated competitions and provides space for classes and events.

Francis Pavy

Dubbed the “Picasso of Zydeco” by Rolling Stone magazine, Francis Pavy is a world-famous artist whose unique artwork reflects Louisiana culture and people. Pavy released a book chronicling his work titled Francis X. Pavy: 40 Years, and is the featured 2026 poster artist of Lafayette’s Festival International de Louisiane.

George Rodrigue

New Iberia native George Rodrigue became famous for his Blue Dog series of artwork, but his body of work includes dreamy Louisiana landscapes and portraits depicting his home and Cajun culture. Rodrigue passed away in 2013 after a battle with cancer, but his Lafayette gallery continues his legacy.

Floyd Sonnier Cajun Art Gallery

Floyd Sonnier, of nearby Scott, was known for pen-and-ink drawings showcasing Acadian (Cajun) life at the turn of the 20th century. His prints and other associated artwork may be found at the gallery in the heart of downtown Scott.

Nunu Arts and Culture Collective

In nearby Arnaudville, NuNu is a community arts organization that offers art programs, classes, and gallery exhibit space to sell art, crafts, and culturally-themed products by local artists.

Lafayette is fortunate for its culturally unique murals that bring downtown streets to life. The city is also home to renowned muralist Robert Dafford, who has spread his artistic genius both here and in cities across America. Look for Lafayette history, a nod to the city’s indigenous musical heritage, and environmental activism as you stroll through the city.

Other public art includes statues, a 9/11 memorial, incredibly creative artwork adorning street drainage, and the Lafayette sign, where visitors may be the Y in Lafayette.

Second Saturday ArtWalk

A great way to be introduced to Lafayette’s vibrant art scene is the monthly Second Saturday ArtWalk, which takes place throughout downtown’s galleries, art centers, and even restaurants. View new exhibits, speak with local and national artists, enjoy live music, and bring home a unique piece of Acadiana.

The Big Easel 

The Big Easel brings Lafayette’s art scene outdoors with a plein air painting event that invites artists to capture the landscapes, culture, and everyday moments of Acadiana in real time. Throughout the event, visitors can watch artists at work across the region, from moss-draped oaks to downtown streets, before it all culminates in a public exhibition and sale. It’s a unique chance to experience Lafayette’s creative community up close and take home a piece inspired by the place itself.

Student Arts Expo

The Student Arts Expo showcases the creativity of young artists across Acadiana, with events taking place in Lafayette, St. Landry, and Vermilion Parishes in the Spring. Organized by Acadiana Center for the Arts, the expo highlights student work through exhibitions, performances, and community events that celebrate the next generation of artists.