The Shaw Center for the Arts is a fantastic multi-use complex overlooking the Mississippi River, incorporating historic architecture and modern design. It is home to the LSU Museum of Art, the Manship Theatre, several art galleries, and local nonprofit organizations. The venue hosts live theater, music, and wonderful art exhibits for the whole family to enjoy. It also features several restaurants, including Tsunami on the rooftop and Capital City Grill.
The facility is a great venue for private events, like wedding receptions, providing a unique setting with artistic flair on its River Terrace. The event areas are really nice, clean, and well-maintained, with an immaculate view and ambiance. The staff are helpful and quick with cleaning, and security is on location. There is plenty of easy parking in the surrounding area, and the center is conveniently located near restaurants, shops, lounges, and hotels.
While the atmosphere, service, and quality of shows are consistently praised, a minor note is that a handful of seats in the Manship Theatre have a partially blocked view due to stage lights. Additionally, if multiple events are held simultaneously, there can be potential overlaps in music or some confusion. Overall, it is a beautiful, clean, and great center for arts and events.
Got to see Butterr and Friends Improv here this weekend and loved the little theater in the back! Perfect for smaller shows and such a neat space. Great location, clean, and convenient!
August 2026
That channel-glass skin on Lafayette Street looks milky until you get close enough to see the steel channels behind it. I spent an hour with the Newcomb Pottery upstairs at the LSU Museum of Art, then rode up to the rooftop and watched the river over sushi that ran more than I meant to spend.
April 2026
Beautiful building with large even rooms/spaces. Tsunami restaurant is always a delicious choice too.
