The Louisiana State Museum has rightly been described as “Louisiana’s Louvre.” Founded in 1906 with a mission to collect, preserve, interpret and present the state’s rich history and diverse cultures, the Museum’s collection now totals more than 450,000 artifacts and works of art. These provide an authentic experience of Louisiana to visitors from around the world while enhancing the quality of life for residents.

The “collection” includes a complex of seven historic French Quarter buildings that have become icons of New Orleans – especially the Cabildo and Presbytere on Jackson Square — and a statewide system of museums in Baton Rouge, Thibodaux, and Patterson, La. Meanwhile, a $17-milllion sports museum and Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame is under construction in Natchitoches, La.

The museum drew a record 285,000 visitors last year. Strong attendance is expected to continue with a major new exhibition Living With Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond opening October 23 with gala celebration on Jackson Square. For corporate sponsorship and ticket information, visit http://www.thelmf.org/