Shaw Center for the Arts

Welcome to Shaw Center for the Arts, a creative catalyst in the everyday life of Baton Rouge and Louisiana.  The mission of the center is to offer opportunities for artists, organizations, students, scholars, visitors and the community to form an experience of vibrant and diverse visual and performing arts for the purposes of education, entertainment, interpretation and discovery.   Opened in 2005 and covering a full city block in the heart of downtown Baton Rouge, the multi-use museum, theatre and arts complex incorporates historic architecture and modern design, creating a fantastic structure overlooking the Mississippi River.   The impact of the center’s design extends to every facet of the visitor experience. From the modern outdoor plaza and interactive fountains, guests can admire the striking marriage of old and new architecture, comprised of original 1930s brick façade and a contemporary glass-clad structure. The grand glass Lamar Atrium rising above the entrance creates a breathtaking greeting for patrons. The building offers a variety of multi-use spaces embellished by eclectic artwork and magnificent views.   Inside the channel-glass skin of the 125,000 square-foot facility resides the stunning LSU Museum of Art.  Towering high above the Mississippi River, the fifth floor houses the museum space, which sprawls the entire length of the Shaw Center.  The LSU MOA showcases more than 17,000 square feet of exhibition space that houses touring and permanent collections.  Located on the first level, the intimate and acoustically brilliant Manship Theatre is truly a magical venue for musicians, dancers and actors alike.  Seating 325 people, the Manship Theatre includes an orchestra level and two balconies, an audio system, a large fly house and automated orchestra pit. Adjacent to Manship are the Hartley/Vey Theatres, Jones Walker Foyer and The Gallery, a mezzanine level art exhibition space.