The Louisiana Art & Science Museum in downtown Baton Rouge combines art and science exhibitions, hands-on experiences and planetarium shows in a former railroad depot on the Mississippi River. Its permanent galleries and Irene W. Pennington Planetarium make it a practical stop to pair with other downtown sights.
- Location: 100 S. River Road, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70802
- Regular hours: Open Wednesday to Sunday; closed Monday and Tuesday
- Admission: $16 for adults and $13 for children ages 3–12 and seniors ages 65 and older, plus applicable taxes
What the museum offers
The Louisiana Art & Science Museum (LASM) brings together permanent and changing exhibitions, interactive experiences and a planetarium. Its permanent offerings include art and science exhibits, an Ancient Egypt Gallery and interactive galleries for children.
The building adds a piece of Baton Rouge history to the visit: the museum occupies a former railroad depot dating to 1925, beside the Mississippi River. The Irene W. Pennington Planetarium’s 60-foot domed theater gives the museum a distinct astronomy component alongside its galleries.
To compare the museum with other cultural stops around the city, see this museums in Baton Rouge guide.
Tickets and regular opening hours
General admission covers the permanent and changing exhibits, plus unlimited access to regularly scheduled Irene W. Pennington Planetarium shows. You can buy admission online or at the door; members receive free admission.
On weekends, last entry is at 4:00 PM, when the final planetarium show begins. The museum also lists closures for major holidays, including Mardi Gras, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Opening hours
- Wednesday to Friday: 10 AM–3 PM
- Saturday: 10 AM–5 PM
- Sunday: 1 PM–5 PM
- Monday and Tuesday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Admission is free on the first Sunday of each month, though that offer does not cover special events, programming or activities beyond standard admission. Before you go, check the official site for current hours, admission details and closure information.
Planning time for exhibits and planetarium visits
Build your visit around the planetarium schedule if you want to include a show. Shows begin on the hour, and late entry to the theater is not allowed once a show has started. Check the show calendar when planning your arrival so you can make it to the theater on time.
With exhibits and a show included in general admission, you can organize the visit in either order: start in the galleries before a scheduled show, or see a show first and continue through the exhibits afterward. On Saturdays and Sundays, keep the 4:00 PM final-entry time in mind.
LASM holds Sensory Second Sunday on the second Sunday of each month from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. During the program, lighting is dimmed, background music is kept low and designated quiet areas are available.
How do you get to the museum and where can you park?
The museum is at 100 S. River Road, and Capital Transportation Corporation buses on the Florida Boulevard route stop on River Road directly across from it. If you are driving, LASM identifies garages at 201 North 3rd Street, 499 St. Louis Street and 362 St. Ferdinand Street as convenient visitor options.
Downtown street parking is free on weekends and on weekdays after 6:00 PM. Before 6:00 PM on weekdays, you can pay by credit card at parking kiosks. Parking arrangements and availability can change, so factor in time to park before a scheduled planetarium show.
For a broader Baton Rouge itinerary, use this one-day Baton Rouge route.
What can you combine with a downtown visit?
The Old State Capitol is across the street from LASM, making it an easy nearby addition to a downtown outing. You can plan the museum and the Capitol as consecutive stops, leaving the planetarium show time and the museum’s last-entry rules to shape the order.
If you are choosing a base for this outing, the king room for a downtown museum outing at American Inn is about an 8-minute drive from LASM.
FAQs
Is the museum accessible to wheelchair users?
LASM lists ramps and elevators, and wheelchairs are available upon request. The planetarium has five wheelchair-seating spaces; accessible parking in the employee lot can also be made available upon request.
Can school groups visit on Tuesdays?
Although the museum is normally closed on Tuesdays, school groups may reserve visits from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Who is eligible for free general admission through museum programs?
Active-duty military, first responders, veterans and their families are eligible through LASM’s stated Free First Sunday and Blue Star Museums arrangements.