When you think about spending an afternoon in downtown Baton Rouge, your plans might usually involve grabbing lunch, meeting friends for drinks or checking out an event. But if you’re looking to change things up, there’s another stop worth adding to your Baton Rouge list: the LSU Museum of Art.

Located downtown, the LSU Museum of Art gives visitors a chance to slow down, walk through the galleries and experience a collection of paintings, portraits, sculptures and other works of art right here in Baton Rouge.

Whether you already love visiting museums or you’re simply searching for something different to do, it’s an easy way to turn an ordinary afternoon into something a little more interesting.

Take a Walk Through the Galleries

A visit to the LSU Museum of Art gives you the opportunity to explore a variety of pieces and exhibitions at your own pace.

As you move through the galleries, you’ll find everything from paintings and portraits to sculptures and three-dimensional works. Different styles, artists and perspectives make it the kind of place where everyone can find something that catches their attention.

You also don’t have to consider yourself an art expert to enjoy it. Part of the fun is simply walking through, finding the pieces that stand out to you and experiencing something you might not normally encounter during your typical day in Baton Rouge.

Because exhibitions and displays can change, the experience can also look different from one visit to the next, giving locals another reason to return.

Something Different to Do Downtown

One of our favorite things about Baton Rouge is that there is always more to discover, especially when you start looking beyond your usual restaurants, bars and weekend plans.

The LSU Museum of Art can easily become part of a full afternoon downtown. Visit the museum before dinner, make it part of a date, bring a friend who loves art or stop by when you have a few hours to fill and want to do something besides your normal routine.

It’s also a great option when you have friends or family visiting Baton Rouge and want to show them another side of the city.

An Affordable Addition to Your Baton Rouge Plans

Finding something fun to do doesn’t always have to mean spending a lot of money.

Admission to the LSU Museum of Art is free for LSU students, LSU staff and children, making it an especially easy option for students and families looking for an affordable activity.

For LSU students, it’s also a reminder to take advantage of everything available beyond campus. Grab a friend, head downtown and spend an afternoon exploring something you may have driven past dozens of times without stopping.

Families can also add the museum to a downtown day and give kids an opportunity to see different styles of artwork, sculptures and creative expression up close.

Make Some Room for Art

Sometimes you don’t need an elaborate plan to have a great afternoon. You just need somewhere new to explore.

The next time you’re searching for things to do in Baton Rouge, consider trading your usual plans for a walk through the galleries at the LSU Museum of Art. Take your time, find your favorite piece and see what’s currently on display.

Then, while you’re already downtown, keep the day going with lunch, dinner or another stop nearby.

Follow @lsumoa to see more from the museum and what’s currently happening, and keep up with DIG for more places to eat, drink, explore and experience around Baton Rouge.