Louisiana Art & Science Museum (LASM)

Places of Greater Baton Rouge
Years in Business: 63 years
President & Executive Director: Karen M. Soniat, Ph.D.

Housed in a beautifully restored historic train station along the Mississippi River in downtown Baton Rouge, the Louisiana Art & Science Museum (LASM) has been a cornerstone of creativity, learning, and exploration for over 60 years.

Blending art and science in an engaging and accessible way, LASM provides hands-on experiences that spark curiosity in visitors of all ages. At the heart of the museum is the Irene W. Pennington Planetarium, a 170-seat immersive theater that has remained the largest and most technologically advanced planetarium in the state since opening in 2003. The planetarium hosts a range of captivating shows about astronomy, Earth science, and space exploration, offering visitors a journey through the cosmos without leaving their seats.

In addition to its exhibitions and galleries, LASM offers family-friendly programs such as BASF’s Kids’ Lab—interactive chemistry workshops designed for children—and Family Hour Stargazing, where families can explore the night sky together in a relaxed and welcoming environment. LASM is deeply committed to accessibility and inclusivity. The museum offers several free admission programs, including Free First Sunday, which provides free museum entry and $5 unlimited planetarium shows.

Through the Blue Star Museums initiative, sponsored locally by Special Risk Insurance dba VFIS of Miss/Lou, active-duty military, first responders, and their families receive free admission year-round. LASM is also proud to be the first local museum certified by KultureCity as sensory-inclusive, offering resources and trained staff to better support guests with sensory needs. Its monthly Sensory Second Sundays provide a welcoming, calm environment for all to explore and enjoy.

As a cultural hub in the heart of Baton Rouge, LASM continues to bring people together through wonder, learning, and shared experiences—making it a place where curiosity comes to life.