All ethnology museums to visit in Louisiana

Explore the cultural diversity and heritage at 25 ethnology museums in Louisiana. These museums offer insights into the traditions, customs, and ways of life of various communities.

Are you interested in learning about different cultures and their histories? Here are the ethnology museums to visit in Louisiana:

  1. 1

    New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum

     New Orleans, LA
    The New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum is a unique cultural institution located in the heart of the historic French Quarter. It is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history and practices of Louisiana's voodoo religion. This small museum offers a fascinating insight into a significant aspect of the region's cultural heritage.
  2. The Cabildo2

    The Cabildo

     New Orleans, LA
    The Cabildo, once the seat of the Spanish colonial city hall in New Orleans, Louisiana, now serves as the Louisiana State Museum Cabildo. This historic building has transitioned from a place of governance to a space dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of Louisiana.
  3. Southern Food and Beverage Museum3

    Southern Food and Beverage Museum

     New Orleans, LA
    The Southern Food and Beverage Museum, located in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a non-profit institution dedicated to exploring and showcasing the culinary history of the American Southern states. The museum's exhibits cover a wide range of topics related to food in the South, from cultural traditions to basic recipes and the communities formed around food.
  4. Whitney Plantation4

    Whitney Plantation

     Wallace, LA
    The Whitney Plantation Historic District is a significant site that is maintained by the Whitney Institute. This non-profit organization is dedicated to educating the public about the history and legacies of slavery in the Southern United States. Visitors to the plantation can gain a deeper understanding of this important aspect of American history.
  5. Poverty Point World Heritage Site5

    Poverty Point World Heritage Site

     Pioneer, LA
    Poverty Point is a significant historical monument and World Heritage Site located in the southern United States. It is a prehistoric earthwork of the Poverty Point culture, which is a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the region. Visitors can explore the site and gain insights into the lives and practices of the Poverty Point culture.
  6. Laura Plantation6

    Laura Plantation

     North Vacherie, LA
    Laura Plantation is a historic Louisiana Creole plantation located on the west bank of the Mississippi River near Vacherie, Louisiana. This restored plantation is open for guided tours, offering visitors a chance to explore a significant part of Louisiana's history. The plantation was formerly known as Duparc Plantation and is known for its early 19th-century Créole-style raised big house and several surviving outbuildings, including two slave cabins.
  7. Backstreet Cultural Museum7

    Backstreet Cultural Museum

     New Orleans, LA
    The Backstreet Cultural Museum is a unique institution situated in the Tremé neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana. It was established by Sylvester Francis, a dedicated individual who aimed to preserve and showcase the rich African American culture of the city. The museum serves as a testament to the vibrant cultural heritage of New Orleans and offers visitors a chance to delve into the city's history and traditions.
  8. Melrose on the Cane8

    Melrose on the Cane

     Melrose, LA
    Melrose Plantation, also known as Yucca Plantation, is a National Historic Landmark situated in the unincorporated community of Melrose in Natchitoches Parish, in north central Louisiana. This plantation is one of the largest in the United States that was built by and for free blacks. It offers a unique glimpse into the history of free people of color in the United States, making it a significant site for those interested in history and culture.
  9. 9

    Mckenna Museum of African American Art

     New Orleans, LA
    Intriguing museum that promotes the cultural history of African American in its rich context. Check the opening times in advance.
  10. The Historic New Orleans Collection - Williams Research Center10

    The Historic New Orleans Collection - Williams Research Center

     New Orleans, LA
    The Historic New Orleans Collection (THNOC) is a multifaceted institution that serves as a museum, research center, and publisher. Its primary focus is on the study and preservation of the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South region of the United States. This makes it a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about this unique part of the country.
  11. The Historic New Orleans Collection11

    The Historic New Orleans Collection

     New Orleans, LA
    The Historic New Orleans Collection (THNOC) is a multifaceted institution that serves as a museum, research center, and publisher. Its primary focus is on the study and preservation of the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South region of the United States. This makes it a valuable resource for anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the region's rich history and diverse culture.
  12. Louisiana State Museum12

    Louisiana State Museum

     New Orleans, LA
    The Louisiana State Museum, established in 1906, is a comprehensive system of National Historic Landmarks and modern structures spread across Louisiana. It houses thousands of artifacts and works of art that reflect the state's rich history and cultural diversity. The museum's collection is a testament to Louisiana's legacy of historic events and cultural diversity, offering visitors a unique insight into the state's past.
  13. Capitol Park Museum13

    Capitol Park Museum

     Baton Rouge, LA
    The Capitol Park Museum is a branch of the Louisiana State Museum and is situated at 660 4th Street in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This location is easily accessible and is a significant part of the state's cultural heritage.
  14. Louisiana History Museum14

    Louisiana History Museum

     Alexandria, LA
    The Louisiana History Museum is situated in the historic downtown area of Alexandria, Louisiana, USA, in close proximity to the Red River. This location not only offers a rich historical context but also provides a scenic backdrop for visitors. The museum's location in the heart of the city makes it easily accessible for tourists.
  15. E.D. White Historic Site15

    E.D. White Historic Site

     Thibodaux, LA
    The Edward Douglass White House, also known as Edward Douglass White Louisiana State Commemorative Area, is a state historic site located near Thibodaux, Louisiana. This site is significant as it was the home of Edward Douglass White, Sr., the tenth governor of Louisiana, and his son, Edward Douglass White, a U.S. senator and a Chief Justice of the United States.
  16. American Italian Cultural Center16

    American Italian Cultural Center

     New Orleans, LA
    The American Italian Cultural Center (AICC) is a nonprofit institution located in New Orleans, Louisiana. It was established in 1985 by Joseph Maselli. The center is dedicated to honoring and celebrating Italian American history and culture in Louisiana.
  17. Germantown Colony Museum17

    Germantown Colony Museum

     Minden, LA
    The Germantown Colony and Museum is a significant historical preservation project located in Webster Parish, Louisiana. It is situated approximately 7 miles north of Minden in the northwestern part of Louisiana. This museum offers a unique opportunity to delve into the history of the region and learn about the early settlers' way of life.
  18. Magnolia Mound Plantation18

    Magnolia Mound Plantation

     Baton Rouge, LA
    The Magnolia Mound Plantation House, located near the Mississippi River in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is a French Creole house built in 1791. This historic structure is a testament to the architectural influences of early settlers from France and the West Indies. It is one of the earliest buildings in the present-day city of Baton Rouge and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on September 7, 1972.
  19. Tangipahoa African American Heritage Museum & Veterans Archives19

    Tangipahoa African American Heritage Museum & Veterans Archives

     Hammond, LA
    The Tangipahoa African American Heritage Museum & Veterans Archives is situated in the heart of Hammond, Louisiana, on Phoenix Square. This location is easily accessible and provides a central point for visitors to start their exploration of the rich African American heritage and military history showcased in the museum.
  20. Kent Plantation House20

    Kent Plantation House

     Alexandria, LA
    Kent Plantation House, located in Alexandria in Rapides Parish, is a significant historical site as it is the oldest standing structure in Central Louisiana. It has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1971, marking its importance in the history of the region. The plantation house offers a glimpse into southern plantation life between 1795 and 1855, providing a unique opportunity for tourists to learn about this period.
  21. New Orleans African American Museum21

    New Orleans African American Museum

     New Orleans, LA
    The New Orleans African American Museum (NOAAM) is situated in the historic Tremé neighborhood, which holds the distinction of being the oldest surviving black community in the United States. This location adds a layer of historical significance to the museum, making it a notable destination for those interested in African American history and culture.
  22. 22

    LARC's Acadian Village

     Lafayette, LA
    The Acadian Village is a private cultural park situated in Lafayette, Louisiana. It is located on a 32-acre property owned by the Lafayette Association for Retarded Citizens (LARC). The park was established in the early 1970s with the aim of boosting tourism in Lafayette and providing employment opportunities for individuals with developmental disabilities.
  23. 23

    River Road African American Museum

     Donaldsonville, LA
    The River Road African American Museum, located in Donaldsonville, Louisiana, is a cultural and historical institution that was established in 1994. It was one of the first museums in Louisiana to narrate the stories of Africans and African Americans, both enslaved and free. The museum provides a comprehensive understanding of the African and African American experience in the region.
  24. 24

    Multicultural Center of the South

     Shreveport, LA
    The Multicultural Center of the South, situated in downtown Shreveport, Louisiana, is a hub for a variety of entertainment and educational family activities. The center offers a range of programs including lectures, symposia, live musical performances, and cultural tour programs. These activities provide an engaging and informative experience for visitors, making it a worthwhile destination for tourists interested in cultural exploration.
  25. Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame & Northwest Louisiana History Museum25

    Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame & Northwest Louisiana History Museum

     Natchitoches, LA
    The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame & Northwest Louisiana History Museum is situated in the charming city of Natchitoches, Louisiana. It is a branch of the Louisiana State Museum, making it a significant part of the state's cultural and historical preservation efforts. Visitors to the museum can expect to immerse themselves in the rich history of Louisiana sports and the unique cultural traditions of Northwest Louisiana.