Lafayette Museum: 6 Exhibits You Can See and Explore

The Lafayette Museum, also known as the Alexandre Mouton House, is a cultural treasure nestled in the heart of Lafayette, Louisiana. This historic house museum offers a compelling journey through time, where visitors can experience Louisiana’s rich heritage through immersive exhibits and original artifacts.

History lovers, curious travelers, and culture seekers often find the Lafayette Museum to be one of the most rewarding stops in the region. Each room reveals a piece of the past, connecting you to the stories that helped shape Lafayette and the broader Acadiana region.

Located at 1122 Lafayette Street in downtown Lafayette, the Lafayette Museum is a restored 19th-century home that once belonged to Louisiana’s first Democratic governor, Alexandre Mouton. Built around 1800 by Jean Mouton, an early settler and one of the founders of Vermilionville, the home became a focal point for political and cultural history in the region. Today, the museum stands as a testament to Lafayette’s historical richness, drawing visitors eager to explore its many exhibits.

Historical Background of the Lafayette Museum

Before it became a museum, this residence played a pivotal role in Louisiana history. Jean Mouton, one of the founders of Vermilionville (present-day Lafayette), built the home in the early 1800s. It later became the residence of his son, Alexandre Mouton, the 11th Governor of Louisiana and the state’s first Democratic governor.

In 1954, a civic group called Les Vingt-Quatre, composed of twenty-four civic-minded women, purchased the home to save it from demolition. Their dedication preserved the structure and transformed it into the Lafayette Museum, which continues to share the region’s story to this day.

Architectural Highlights of the Lafayette Museum

The architecture of the museum reflects Greek Revival design, notable for its symmetry, stately columns, and formal style. Unique building techniques like briquette entre poteaux (bricks between posts) and the use of native cypress wood showcase Louisiana craftsmanship. Visitors are often struck by:

• The two-story layout with wooden porches
• A charming attic and cupola
• Period-correct exterior paint and restored structural elements

This careful preservation provides a visual and tangible connection to 19th-century Louisiana.

6 Exhibits You Can See and Explore in Lafayette Museum

The Lafayette Museum offers a diverse array of exhibits that showcase the rich history and culture of Louisiana.

1. Period Furnishings and Artifacts

Step inside and you’ll find the rooms furnished as they would have appeared in the 1800s. The Lafayette Museum showcases an extensive array of 19th-century furniture, housewares, and personal items used by the Mouton family. Highlights include:

• Authentic antebellum dining and parlor sets
• Hand-carved bed frames and dressers
• Kitchen tools from the early 1800s

These exhibits offer a glimpse into everyday life in antebellum Louisiana and form the foundation of the museum’s interpretation of local history.

2. Civil War Artifacts

The Lafayette Museum contains one of the most detailed Civil War-era collections in the Acadiana region. This includes rare documents and objects associated with both Alexandre Mouton and his son, Confederate General Alfred Mouton. Key items include:

• An inkwell used during the Louisiana secession convention
• A preserved piece of the 18th Louisiana Infantry flag
• Personal effects from battlefield service

These artifacts highlight local participation in national conflicts and deepen understanding of Louisiana’s Civil War heritage.

3. Mardi Gras Collections

The Carnival Room dazzles with elaborate, beaded Mardi Gras costumes that exemplify southern Louisiana’s vibrant celebration culture. The Lafayette Museum honors this regional tradition with exhibits that include:

• Intricately designed Mardi Gras gowns
• Decorative masks and throws
• Archival photos and programs from local parades

This exhibit attracts visitors who are fascinated by Louisiana’s unique Mardi Gras traditions, deeply rooted in French and Creole culture.

4. Acadian Country Home (Maison Dimanche)

Located just behind the main house, the Maison Dimanche replicates a traditional Acadian home from the 18th century. Built with historic materials and period accuracy, it offers a powerful contrast to the more refined main house. Visitors can view:

• Wooden spinning wheels and looms
• Butter churners and coffee grinders
• Rustic kitchen implements and household items

This exhibit brings Acadian rural life into focus, revealing how early settlers in Louisiana lived off the land and preserved cultural traditions.

5. Gardens and Historic Outbuildings

The Lafayette Museum also features beautifully maintained gardens and original outbuildings. These outdoor elements connect the home to its historical setting and provide context for how land and architecture were used. Highlights include:

• A large sugar kettle once used in regional sugar production
• The original bell from the first Vermilionville courthouse
• Garden paths framed by native Louisiana plants

Visitors interested in Louisiana’s landscape heritage will find this area especially insightful. To learn more about Lafayette’s preservation efforts and historic infrastructure, check the Preservation Alliance of Lafayette page.

6. Henri Bendel Fashion Collection

The museum pays tribute to Henri Bendel, the Lafayette-born fashion innovator and founder of Henri Bendel Department Stores. A portrait of Henri Bendel hangs next to a wedding dress he designed for his niece. Bendel, the son of Jewish merchant parents, grew up in Lafayette and used his Louisiana French roots to revolutionize American fashion. He helped introduce French couture to the U.S. and famously launched the career of Coco Chanel.

Inside the museum’s fashion exhibit, you’ll find:

• A portrait of Henri Bendel as a young designer
• A wedding dress created by Bendel for a family member
• Displays documenting his rise in the fashion world

This room adds a modern design legacy to the museum’s deeply rooted historical offerings.

Educational Programs and Events at the Lafayette Museum

In addition to its exhibits, the Lafayette Museum serves as a cultural hub through its events and educational offerings. Schools, history clubs, and cultural groups can take advantage of:

• Guided tours tailored for different age groups
• Educational packets and history-focused workshops
• Seasonal events like historical reenactments and garden parties

Special programming during Louisiana holidays, such as Mardi Gras and Acadian Day, adds excitement to the museum calendar.

If you’re planning a Louisiana museum road trip, don’t miss the Port Wonder Nature & Science Museum in Lake Charles—another great destination for families and curious minds.

Visitor Information for the Lafayette Museum

Planning your visit is easy. Here’s what you need to know:

• Address: 1122 Lafayette Street, Lafayette, LA
• Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM
• Admission: $10 adults, $5 students, seniors & military
• Accessibility: First floor is wheelchair accessible
• Parking: On-site and bus-friendly

Visit the Lafayette Travel: Museums and History page for more nearby attractions.

FAQs About the Lafayette Museum

The Enduring Legacy of the Lafayette Museum

The Lafayette Museum remains one of Louisiana’s most cherished historical attractions. From its immersive exhibits to its architectural elegance, every aspect of this museum invites you to connect with the past. Exploring Mardi Gras costumes, Acadian crafts, and Civil War relics inside the museum offers a deep dive into the spirit and diversity of Lafayette’s heritage.

Plan your visit, walk through history, and discover the stories waiting inside the walls of the Alexandre Mouton House.