Current Exhibits

Evangeline: Evolution of an Icon Website Banner

Evangeline: Evolution of an Icon (May 15 - October 31, 2021)

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow never stepped foot in the lands of the Acadians, yet the heroine of his epic poem titled Evangeline, A Tale of Acadie became embedded in the history and culture of Louisiana and Nova Scotia. Longfellow’s poem received international acclaim when published in 1847. The public was fascinated with the story of a young Acadian maiden separated from her fiancé on her wedding day during the brutal deportation of the French-speaking people from Acadia, and her epic journey to find him. The success of Longfellow’s poem launched Evangeline into literary stardom and into the hearts of the Acadian people themselves. Uniting the Acadian people of Nova Scotia and Louisiana, Evangeline’s name and image became a symbol of Acadian and Cajun cultural identity. 

This exhibition, organized by the West Baton Rouge Museum, provides a glimpse into Evangeline’s evolving status from her inception through today as a legend and heroine, to a brand image and celebrity, and ultimately into a cultural icon. Inspiring writers, artists, musicians, and entrepreneurs, Evangeline has appeared in many guises. Along the way, her image morphed from that of a demure Victorian-era maiden into a confident modern woman. This exhibition includes artworks by Canadian and Louisiana artists, including François Gaudet, Rémi Belliveau, Melissa Bonin, and George Rodrigue, as well as artifacts and paraphernalia to demonstrate Evangeline’s transformation and her timeless appeal. The exhibit opens Saturday, May 15 and runs through October 31st.

Louisiana Birds Exhibit Banner

Louisiana Birds (September 2021 - January 2022)

Louisiana Birds by Katherine Klimitas opens September 4th and runs through January 2nd. The exhibit provides an intimate look at the beautiful array of birds that reside in our pass through our state. New Orleans based artist and author Katherine Klimitas, known for her watercolors of animals and insects, writes of this series: “With studies of pelicans, egrets, herons, and a few in between, I hope each painting in the collection captures the same elegance and grace that I see when I look at these magnificent creatures.”

Music Behind the Gates Banner

Music Behind the Gates (September 2021 - January 2022)

Goodnight Irene, Hello Angola! Music Behind the Gates explores the life of prison inmates and their escape through music. Bands, iconic songs, and touching stories are all birthed from this infamous prison and other prisons across the state. This exhibit opens on September 18th and will run through January 2nd.

Places People Remember: Selected Drawings by Stan Routh (September - December)

Places People Remember: Selected Drawings By Stan Routh opens on September 11, 2021 in the Perkins Gallery. The exhibit will feature watercolors and drawings of architectural landmarks and historical structures in towns throughout Louisiana. Local artist and architect Stan Routh is known for his loose and artful drawings and watercolors of places people feel a bit of nostalgia for.

Traveling Exhibits

Past exhibits are available to community organizations such as schools, churches, and libraries upon availability. Contact the museum at 225-336-2422 for more information.