Louisiana State Exhibit Museum in Shreveport,Louisiana

The LSEM is a major historical attraction in northwest Louisiana.

The Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has the honor of being the only public museum in Louisiana honored as a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate. Because of this affiliation, the Museum has access to the traveling exhibits and educational research services of the Smithsonian Institution.

The LSEM was built in 1939 and is housed in a circular building noted for its architecture. Neoclassical and Modern design are evident throughout the building. The museum is located on the Louisiana State Fair Grounds property.

The entrance of the building offers a unique look at earlier methods of industry and agriculture In Louisiana and the Ark-La-Tex area during the 1930s. A 700 foot fresco divided into four panels shows various aspects of Louisiana culture in bigger-than-life format.

Just inside the entrance you can see a large topographical map of Louisiana. As you stand behind the railing you can look down on the sunken, circular map, which measures 49 feet in circumference.

One unique aspect of the museum is the 18 dioramas which depict the history and culture of Louisiana. These dioramas are all made of beeswax and are amazingly detailed.

Separate from the main building is the Native American exhibit. This hall houses Indian artifacts, pictures, and traveling exhibits portraying Native American life.

In addition to the historic exhibits, the Louisiana State Exhibit Museum also offers a meeting room complete with a stage and seating for 330 people. This room is available for public meetings.

The museum is open seven days a week and admission is free.