Discover Louisiana's Rural Past
The LSU Rural Life Museum is dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of materials from the cultures of 18th and 19th century rural Louisianans. Through the forethought and generosity of the Burden Family, the LSU Rural Life Museum remains intact for future generations.
The LSU Rural Life Museum holds the largest collection of Louisiana vernacular architecture and the most extensive collection of material culture items from the 18th and 19th centuries. The museum includes 32 historic outbuildings that spread over 25 acres and are divided into four sections: the Working Plantation, the Upland South Region, the Gulf Coast Region, and an Exhibit Barn.
The tour of the LSU Rural Life Museum and Windrush Gardens is a self-guided tour. The museum is open daily from 8:00am to 5:00pm, closed New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. A tour of the museum takes a minimum of 2 hours. A tour of Windrush Gardens takes about 30-45 minutes.
Admission is charged for both the LSU Rural Life Museum and Windrush Gardens, please see our Hours and Prices page for rates.
Upcoming Events
Experience the rich history and diverse cultures of 18th- and 19th-century Louisiana at the LSU Rural Life Museum. Our year-round programming includes immersive living history demonstrations, seasonal celebrations, and special events for all ages. In addition, we host engaging author talks, symposiums, and speaker series that highlight historical topics, cultural traditions, and significant figures. From hands-on experiences to thought-provoking discussions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. For the latest event schedule and details, visit our Special Events page.
Expanding Our Interpretation
In 2020, the LSU Rural Life Museum began the process of re-imagining the museum’s interpretation and engagement with LSU and the broader communities we serve. The result is a roadmap for the LSU Rural Life Museum to move forward in a way that is inclusive, meaningful and relevant to people’s lives today. This could not have been accomplished without the assistance of Rouse Consulting and a broad base of stakeholders that included LSU administration, faculty and students; LSU Rural Life Museum staff and support organizations; and representation from various cultural, community and tourism groups in Louisiana and nationwide.
If you would like to be a part of this museum’s growth and development, please email us.
