LSU Museum of Art’s Home Wins Top Design Award

Shaw Center for the Arts

January 29, 2008 - It’s Baton Rouge’s most distinct building, the Shaw Center for the Arts, home of the LSU Museum of Art, and the latest recipient of one of the nation’s highest architectural awards. The American Institute of Architects (AIA) announced the Shaw Center as one of only 13 projects chosen to receive the 2008 AIA Institute Honor Awards.

The Honor Awards are the profession’s highest recognition of works that exemplify excellence in architecture, interior architecture, and urban design. A panel of judges chose the Shaw Center from more than 800 total submissions nationwide.

“The facility itself is an extraordinary work of art, an architectural and design statement of the first order,” says Tom Livesay, Executive Director of the LSU Museum of Art. “When the building opened, it generated a lot of attention both nationally and internationally. It is gratifying to learn that the building continues to attract awards that value it so highly. The architects, Schwartz Silver out of Boston, should be extremely pleased. I know we are.”

While the exterior of the Shaw Center is a wonder of its own, the interior boasts an impressive area for the arts. The LSU Museum of Art has more than 50,000 square feet of galleries, climate-controlled storage, retail space, and art management areas. The museum boasts 17,000 square feet of exhibition space in 15 galleries, and a rooftop sculpture garden. The Manship Theatre resides on the first floor. The theatre is a 325-seat hall for theatre and performing arts adjoining two black-box theatres. Other partners in the Shaw Center include The Baton Rouge Symphony, LSU School of Art, Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, Brunner Gallery, and several restaurants.

"With this award to the Shaw Center, Baton Rouge has been recognized as an emergent leader among capitol cities in the Arts and in Architecture. We're proud to be sharing this honor with the many who nurtured this vision of an optimistic and vibrant civic place at the City's center," says Warren R. Schwartz, FAIA Principal Schwartz/Silver Architects, Inc.

The LSU Museum of Art is open Tuesday through Saturday 10 am to 5 pm and Sunday from 1 pm to 5 pm. Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for seniors 65+ and students with I.D,
And $4 for children age 5 to 17. LSU MOA members and children under 5 have free admission. For more information, call the LSU Museum of Art at 225-389-7200 or visit www.lsumoa.com.

The LSU Museum of Art is supported by the goals of the Forever LSU Campaign. The Campaign’s goal is to gain $750 million in support for LSU by the end of the year 2010.

Visit www.foreverlsu.org to find out how you can help LSU achieve its goals, now and forever!