Acadian Cultural Center

Contact Information:
Jean Lafitte National Park Acadian Cultural Center
501 Fisher Rd.
Lafayette, LA 70508
www.nps.gov/Jela

Karl Hakala
(337) 232-0789, fax: (337) 232-5740
JELA_Acadian_Manager@nps.gov

Discover the story of the Acadian (Cajun) people who settled the prairies, bayous, and marshes of southeast Louisiana at the Acadian Cultural Center in Lafayette. Displays and exhibits explain the origins, migration, settlement, and contemporary culture of the Acadians and other groups who live in the Lafayette area.

Ranger talks and films explore the Acadian story and the mysteries of the Atchafalaya Basin, Louisiana's wildest place. Ranger-guided boat tours on the good ship Cocodrie cruise Bayou Vermillion, first settled by American Indians and later home to farmers, trappers, and traders. Programs and festivals at the center share a variety of local traditions including music, story-telling, dance, and food. The center bookstore sells music, books, and crafts. Park rangers are on duty daily to answer visitor questions and give special talks. Educational programs are available by reservation.

Facility Offerings:
Hours: Daily 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed Dec. 25 and Mardi Gras day.

Admission is always free.

Boat Tours - Cruise Bayou Vermilion in a traditional Louisiana boat and learn the history of Lafayette, Louisiana's "Cajun Capital." A National Park Service ranger will share stories of Indians, farmers, trappers, and traders as you watch for wildlife on the banks and relive another era in an old-fashioned bayou "schoolboat." Tours are offered Tuesdays through Saturdays, Sept.2 through Nov. 25. Tickets are available for the boat tour only or for the boat tour, a self-guided tour of Vermilionville Folklife Park of the Bayou Vermilion District, and lunch at Vermilionville's restaurant. Call 337-233-4077 for prices and information.

Inquire about groups tours and specials functions.

Vermilionville

Contact Information:
Vermilionville, Cajun and Creole Heritage & Folk Life Park
300 Fisher Rd.
Lafayette, LA  70508

Cynthia Trahan, Executive Director, trahanc@vermilionville.org
337-233-4077, ext. 201; fax: 337-233-1694

Margo Latiolais, Catered & Special Events Manager, mlatiolais@vermilionville.org
337-233-4077, ext. 208; fax: 337-233-1694

Vermilionville, a heritage and folklife museum, portrays the rich cultures of the Cajuns and Creoles. On the banks of the Bayou Vermilion, our historic village contains nineteen structures, including six original homes, which are filled with artifacts reflecting life in the Acadiana area between 1765 and 1890. A detailed interpretive walking brochure guides visitors through the village. In many of the structures, costumed historical interpreters authentically demonstrate traditional crafts or musical styles with a distinctly French accent. Cooking demonstrations, a full-service restaurant and a gift shop enhances the experience. Bayou boat tours are available March through May and September through November.

List of offerings, capacity limits, and times available:  meeting rooms, weddings, special tours, catering, etc.

Vermilionville's quaint 1800s setting provides a charming atmosphere for school tours, group tours, reunions, business luncheons, crawfish boils, bar-b-ques, retirement parties, recognition banquets,  holiday socials, birthday parties, rehearsal dinners, weddings, receptions, dances, musical performances and more!  Large or small, we welcome you!     

Facility offerings:
Conference Room
356 sq. ft.
In the main building, which is fashioned to be a plantation owner's home.

Offers one large cypress table with 14 chairs. Up to 16 additional chairs can be made available.

Audio-visual equipment includes a wall-mounted projection screen, television with VHS and DVD players and variable lighting.

Accommodates maximum of 30 people.

Limited choices for food & beverage purchases.

Day or evening rental: $35.00/hour

Performance Center
2,760 sq. ft.
Modeled after an old-time cotton gin.

Offers a stage with full stage lighting and sound, a wonderful old cypress dance floor and is climate controlled year round.

Regularly set up with wooden tables and ladder-back chairs to accommodate 150 guests. Additional tables and chairs can be made available to increase inside seating for 200.

Large exterior doors can be opened creating a unique space for your event with the addition of tents in the courtyard, extra tables, and extra chairs can provide additional seating for 600.

Day rental: Available for a minimum of three hours from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at a rate of  $150/hour, plus food & beverages. (Note: These times are not available for wedding receptions.) Wide range of choices for food & beverage purchases. Buffet-style meals, seafood boils, bar-b-ques. Full-bar services available, no set up fee. When food & beverage purchases reach $1,500, hourly fee is waived  (6 hrs. max. use, with a charge of  $75/hour for additional hours).

Evening rental: Available for a minimum of three hours from 5 pm - midnight at a rate of $500/hour, plus food & beverages. Wide range of choices for food & beverages purchases. Buffet-style meals, seafood boils, bar-b-ques.  Full-bar services available, no set up fee. When food and beverage purchases reach $2,500, the hourly fee is waived (3 hours maximum use, with a charge of $250/hour for additional hours).

The Restaurant  (La Cuisine de Maman)
1,357 sq. ft.
Located directly off of the courtyard, the restaurant is styled as the overseer's home on the plantation.

Offers large windows, high ceilings and additional dining in a glass-enclosed back porch with a view of the bayou.  The entire restaurant is climate controlled, has cypress wood floors, wooden tables and cow hide chairs.

Total seating capacity is 65, with 40 seated in front (874 sq. ft.) and 25 seated in back (483 sq. ft.).

Day rental: Glass-enclosed back porch for a minimum of three hours from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. is $80/hour, plus food and beverages. (Note: These times are not available for wedding receptions.) Wide range of choices for food and beverage purchases. Buffet-style meals. Full-bar services available, set up fee of $100 plus purchases. When food and beverage purchases reach $500, the hourly fee is waived. (Three hours maximum use, with a charge of

$40/hour for additional hours.)
Evening rental:  of the entire restaurant (front dining area and glass-enclosed back porch) is available for a minimum of three hours from 5 pm - midnight at a rate of $150/hour, plus food & beverages. Wide range of choices for food & beverages purchases. Buffet-style meals. Full-bar services available, set up fee of $100, plus purchases. When food & beverage purchases reach $700, the hourly fee is waived (3 hrs. max. use, with a charge of $75/hour for additional hours).

The Chapel (Chapelle des Attakapas)
1,050 sq. ft.
The Chapel is a reproduction influenced by two area churches circa 1760 & 1773.

Available for evening ceremonies, musical performances or readings.

Climate controlled.

Sixteen wooden pews (eight on each side of the center aisle) with additional chairs can provide seating for 130-150.

Evening rental only: Starting at 6 p.m., available for a maximum of three hours at a charge of $500.

Limited choices for food and beverage purchases are available when the chapel is used for reasons other than a wedding.

Rental becomes $300 if the Performance Center is also booked. Food and beverages are not available in the chapel for wedding ceremonies.

Tour Discounts
School groups - 20 students at $4/student; $6/adult. One complimentary adult/10 students. No charge for the bus driver(s).

Group tours - 20 adults at $6/person. Two complimentary for tour operator and bus driver.
Boat tour - Maximum of 16 people. Adults $10, senior citizens $8, students  $6.

Catering
Lists of items (food and beverages) are available upon request.

Meeting with the Catered & Special Events Manager is recommended.

Other Amenities and Services
Free parking, conveniently located, accommodates RVs and tour buses.

Handicapped accessible (combination of ramps and mechanical lifts).

Historically costumed guides available for a fee, with advance notice.

Sound system and sound tech available for a fee, with advance notice.

Wireless microphone available (no charge), with advance notice.

To enhance special events that are booked in the evening, the village and gift shop can be opened and staffed for 1.5 hours at a cost of $200, with advance notice.

Policies and Procedures
Rental rates -  reflect customary room set up. However, special table and chair set-ups may be possible and should be communicated one week prior to the event. Locations for rent do not come with special decorations; some restrictions apply and all decorations must be removed at the end of the event (Catered & Special Events Manager can provide a detailed sheet).
Deposit -  a $500 deposit is required to officially book a location on a specific date. The balance on the costs for the event must be paid in full on or before the event occurs.

Refunds - a full refund of $500 is given if the event icancelled five months before the event; a refund of $400 is given if cancellation is at four months before the event; $300 if three months before the event; $200 if two months before the event; $100 if one month before the event; after which, no refunds. A full refund will be made if Vermilionville should have to cancel your event because of uncontrollable and/or unforeseen circumstances - such as weather.

Discounts - Officially recognized non-profit and government agencies qualify for a 10% discount on their total bill (support documents are required).
Sales Tax - Lafayette Parish sales tax is 8% on all food & beverage sold.

Servicing Fee - 18%  will be applied to group events.
Catering - is exclusively by Vermilionville's food and beverage department. Wedding, birthday, or club recognition cakes excepted.

Donated Food and/or Beverage Fee - a fee will apply to any food and/or beverage product that is donated only to a non-profit or government agency. A fee of $100 for each separate item, for example, a $300 fee will be assessed if beer, wine and jambalaya are donated.

Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum

Contact Information:
Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum
710 E. St. Mary Blvd.
Lafayette, LA 70503
(337) 482-2278

Becky Berner
Assistant to the Director/Special Events Coordinator
(337) 482-0817
Fax: (337) 262-1268
bberner@louisiana.edu

The Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum is a cultural beacon for Acadiana, with its exhibitions and public programs integrated into the life of the community as inextricably as its schools, churches, recreational facilities and theaters. The Museum encourages visitors to regard art as an important part of their lives.

Facility Offerings:
Plaza and Garden
Located between the new museum building and the A. Hays Town Building.

Weather permitting - it is an outdoor venue.

The Plaza hosts a lighted water wall, which adds a wonderful ambiance to the setting.

A. Hays Town Building
A replica of a southern plantation.
Can accommodate small semi-formal meetings (maximum of 25 seated for dining and program) in one room, or larger informal gatherings with seating in various rooms of the Town Building.

New Museum
The new museum is not used for any functions or events.
If meetings are held during working hours of the museum, a brief introduction to the museum and current exhibitions can be provided after which groups will have an opportunity to tour museum exhibitions without charge.

Rates
UL Lafayette Department or Organization - $500.
Private Organizations - $3,500 (Price reduction upon approval of the Board).

In addition to the facility use fee, all parties are responsible for the following fees: Cleaning crew $104 and additional (outdoor) security based on use time and number of attendees.

Catering
Catering can be provided by the University of Louisiana Lafayette Caterers, which can provide a varied menu for your needs. The University Art Museum does not provide catering.

All groups must obtain UL President's approval to serve food and alcohol.

All Clients and Service Providers must fill out a Facility Use form obtained from the Special Events Coordinator of the University Art Museum. Also a catering guidelines form must be read and signed by any Service Provider, other than University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Sodexho caterers.

Outside caterers shall furnish to Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum a Certificate of Insurance, indicating Statutory Workers Compensation Coverage as well as Commercial Liability (including Products Liability) with a limit of $1 million CSL, at least 5 days before any function.

Both policies shall contain Waivers of Subrogation, and Liability policy shall contain Additional Insured Extension, in favor of UAM, its officers, employees, agents and trustees. UAM, in its sole discretion, may require a Client and its other Service Providers to provide similar certificates of insurance.

Of Note
No meetings or events can be scheduled past 9 p.m.
Both the Plaza and A Hays Town Building make wonderful backgrounds for a movie set sight.

Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist

Contact Information:
Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist
P.O. Drawer V, Lafayette, LA 70502
914 St. John St., Lafayette, LA 70501

Janice McNeil
(337) 232-1322, 232-1325
fax: (337) 232-1379
scjlaf@bellsouth.net

The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist, completed in 1916, is listed on the National Registry of Historic Properties. Located near the Dutch Romanesque church is the third oldest oak tree recognized by the Live Oak society. The above ground cemetery dates back to 1820. The museum chronicles the parish history through artifacts, documents and memorabilia. It also houses a notable Italian Nativity. The Baroque Neapolitan "Presepio," one of the finest and most extensive collections in America, is a reminder that the true meaning of Christmas centers on the birth of Christ. Frank Hanley and Jeffery Gueno purchased the 17th and 18th century figures over a 30-year period. Authentically dressed puppet-type characters were fashioned by Neapolitan craftsmen.

Facility Offerings:
Pre-arranged tours - time required 1 hours - includes the historic St. John Live Oak Tree, the Cathedral interior, Cathedral museum, Cemetery and Gift Shop. (Optimum group tour size - 25-50 people.)

Docents conduct pre-arranged tours in English, French and Spanish during Museum and Gift Shop hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m.
Special events can be arranged on weekends when compatible with the schedules of the Church and personnel.

Drop in visitors are always welcome
Free parking
Historical costumes guides
Gift shops open for events
Network access available
Sound system, linens provided.

Weddings - the Cathedral is available for Catholic wedding planned at least six months to one year prior to the wedding for qualifying candidates.

Rates:
Admission - Adults $3, senior citizens $2, children 12 years and under $1.

Groups - Special rates are available for groups of 20 or more people.

Cathedral Center is used for parish community events only.

Acadian Village

Contact Information:
Acadian Village
200 Greenleaf Dr.
Lafayette, LA 70506
www.acadianvillage.org

Kermit Bouillion
(337) 981-2364, 981-2489; fax: (337) 988-4554
sales@acadianvillage.org 

Acadian Village is a museum attraction of original Acadian homes offering a unique view of the early Acadian lifestyle. The village features eight authentic Acadian homes, complete with replicas of a general store, blacksmith shop and chapel. The art gallery is home to 17 original printings by local artist George Rodrigue that tell the incredible story of the "Acadian Saga."

Facility Offerings:
Pavilion
Covered facility for 500+ people. Tents available to accommodate 1,000+ people.

Stutes Building
Enclosed facility for up to 80 seated or 150+ without tables.

The Chapel
Begin your wedding as you walk across the chapel bridge, offering a perfect opportunity for your photographer to capture that first moment of your ceremony.

Other Amenities and Services
Acadian Village offers facilities for company outings, weddings, family reunions, business seminars, group tours and catered events seven days a week.
Free, ample parking.
Historically costumed guides.
Gift shop can be open for events.
Sound system, linens are available.
Arrangements can be made for special events such as crawfish boils, bar-b-ques and picnics.
Arrangements can be made for entertainment including live music, train rides, inflatable jumps, superslides, clowns, face painting, petting, volleyball, horseshoes, football and more.

Rates:
Group rates are available.
Rental fees vary according to the event

Lafayette Natural History Museum & Planetarium

Contact Information:
Lafayette Natural History Museum & Planetarium
433 Jefferson St.
Lafayette, LA 70501
www.lnhmp.org

Mary Henderson, Director
(337) 291-5544
fax: (337) 291-5464
www.lnhmp.org, mhenderson@lafayettegov.net

The Lafayette natural History Museum & Planetarium presents science, technology and history through exhibitions, planetarium shows, hands-on interactive experiences, filsm workshops and othr programs for children, families and adults. Traveling exhibitions, from organizations such as the Smithsonian Institution and the National Science Foundation, change quarterly, as do the featured planetarium shows. The building is an example of urban re-design and re-use, and has received many design awards for its dramatic interior space.

Facility Offerings:
Ideas for Use
School tours, group tours, special Planetarium shows.
Seated or buffet meals.
Dances, concerts, film screenings.
Meetings.
Birthday parties.
Wedding receptions and other events.

Spaces Available for Rent
The Museum can accommodate up to 2,000 guests.
More than 1,000 guests - both floors of the Museum, including exhibit galleries, auditorium, classrooms and Planetarium.
More than 500 guests - either the first or second floor of the Museum.
Less than 500 guests: the Museum lobby area.
175 guests - non-fixed seating Auditorium can be set up theater style, auditorium style, banquet style, classroom style, or for a party.
75 guests - non-fixed seating classrooms.
35 guests - non-fixed seating classroom.
72 guests - fixed-seating Planetarium.

Other Amenities & Services
The Auditorium offers a built-in screen, projection and sound systems.
Project and screens are available in both classrooms.
Internet access, 16networked laptops, a Smart Board, podiums, televisions and other technology options available at no extra charge.
Chairs, 8-foot tables and ices are available at no extra charge.
The Museums gift store can be open for special events with 24-hour notice.
Pair parking is available in the municipal parking garage one block south of the Museum, and on the street at metered spaces.

Rates:
Group tours - 20% discount on total admission fee for a group of 10 or more.
School tours - $1 for each child age 17 and under; $2 for each adult 18 and over.
First & second floors - $3,000
First or second floor - $1,500
Lobby area only - $575
Auditorium only - $175
Both classrooms - $150
Single classroom - $75
Planetarium only - $750

Policies & Procedures
Events held during normal business hours of Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday 1-6 p.m., require signature of a one-page receipt and full payment.
Events held outside of normal business hours require signature on an 8-page contract, full payment, a certificate of insurance, and security.
All arrangements must be made at least one week in advance; refunds may be made if cancellation is at least 72 hours in advance of the event.
For insurance reasons, no fire or flame is permitted inside the Museum building.

Alexandre Mouton House / Lafayette Museum

Contact Information:
Alexandre Mouton House / Lafayette Museum Association
1122 Lafayette St.
Lafayette, LA 70501
Phone & fax: (337) 234-2208

The Alexandre Mouton House is a lovely house museum located in the heart of downtown Lafayette. Original structure built in early 1800s by the found of Vermilionville, Jean Mouton. Later became home to Louisiana's 12th governor, Alexandre Mouton. It is now restored to its 1850s grandeur and serves as a repository of the history and culture of Acadiana.

Facility Offerings:
Available for private tours, meetings and small catered events.
Beautiful grounds and gardens available for small events and photo shoots.
Building capacity - 50 people
Museum hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Sunday, 1-4 p.m.; after-hour functions available upon request.

Rates:
Group tours (15 or more):
Tour only - $2 donation per person
Tour, light hors d'oeuvres, wine and punch - $4 donation per person
No charge for school and scouting groups
Private functions (recommended donations):
Event during normal museum hours - $75
Catered event during normal museum hours - $100
Event outside of normal museum hours - $400 / $500+ $10/hour overtime per staff member
Note: The recommended donation may be waived for civic and non-profit organizations at the discretion of the President and Board of Directors of the Lafayette Museum Association.

Policies & Procedures:
Certificate of Insurance must be furnished 10 days prior to event.
Catered functions must be by insured caterer.
Food service in dining and exhibit room only.
No smoking on premises
No amplified music.
No rice, confetti, potpourri, etc., may be thrown on premises.

Acadiana Center for the Arts

Contact Information:
Acadiana Center for the Arts
101 W. Vermilion St.
Lafayette, Louisiana 70501
Cathy Damiano, Marketing and Events Coordinator, cathy@acadianaartscouncil.org
(337) 233-7060, Fax: (337) 233-7062, www.acadianacenterforthearts.org

Discover the Acadiana Center for the Arts in the heart of Lafayette's flourishing downtown. The Center is located a the intersection of Jefferson and Vermilion Streets, and its architecture merges traditional and contemporary styles to create a stimulating setting for a wide range of arts- related and cultural events.

Facility Offerings:
The Acadiana Center for the Arts offers facilities for school tours, group tours, seated or buffet meals, dances, concerts, film screenings, meetings, birthday parties, wedding receptions, and other special events.
The Museum can accommodate up to 2,000 guests.

Spaces Available for Rent
Main Gallery (over 4,300 square feet) includes use of the first-floor lobby area, hallways and main reception desk.
Small Gallery (over 1,000 square feet) includes use of first-floor lobby area, hallways and main reception desk.
The Vault (over 470 square feet) includes use of first-floor lobby area, hallways and main reception desk.
The Art House (over 1,300 square feet) includes use of second-floor lobby area, hallways and Art House reception desk.
Board Room (over 320 square feet) includes use of Board tables and 15 chairs with wireless internet connection.

Other Amenities & Services
Free parking
Historically costumed guides
Gift shop open for events
Network access available
Sound system, linens provided, etc.
The Mail Gallery and Small Gallery can be made available at all functions.
Guided tours are also available upon request.
The Art Center can provide chairs for 50 people at no charge, with advance notice.
Paid parking is available in the municipal parking garage one block east of the Art Center, and on the street at metered spaces.

Rates:
Group Tours - $4 per person with a group of 20
School tours - $1 for each student, $2 with guided tour, 1 free chaperon
Main Gallery - $3,000
Small Gallery - $1,000
The Vault - $500
The Art House - $2,000
Board Room - $75
All rental fees are negotiable. Please call to speak with the Facility Manager about your event.

Policies and Procedures:
Events held during normal business hours of Monday through Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sunday 1-6pm, require signature of a one-page receipt and full payment.
Events held outside of normal business hours require signature on an 8-page contract, full payment, a certificate of insurance, and security.
All arrangements must be made at least one week in advance; refunds may be made if cancellation is at least 72 hours in advance of the event.
For insurance reasons, no fire or flame is permitted inside the Museum building.

Children's Museum of Acadiana

Contact Information:
201 E. Congress St.
Lafayette, LA 70501
www.childrensmuseumofacadiana.com

Marvita Hudson
(337) 232-8500, fax (337) 232-8167
cmainfo@bellsouth.net

The Children's Museum of Acadiana (CMA) is a hands-on participatory museum serving children and their families, schools and community organizations by providing interactive exhibits, special services, performances and workshops.

Facility Offerings:
Museum hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Regular Admission: $5 per person, children 12 month and under free.
School Trips:
Time required - 1.5 hours
Admission - $3 for adults, aides and anyone over 15 acting as a chaperone; $5 for students and/or siblings.
One adult for every five students is mandatory. More adults are always welcome. Any group not having the required number of adults will be assessed a $25 fee unless other arrangements have been made with the CMA.

All children must wear name tags showing the child's first name and group name.

No gum, candy, food or drinks allowed on the museum floor.

No running allowed.

24-hour notice of cancellation is required.

Please consider a donation of the following: glue sticks, markers, Joy Detergent, white Karo syrup, manila folders, and empty toilet paper rolls to support the CMA.

Scouts:
Admission & patch fee for Brownie/Girl Scouts is $8 (includes patch).
Admission & Art Belt Loop fee for Cub Scouts is $6 (includes CMA completion certificate).
Time required - 2 hours.
No gum, candy or drinks allowed on museum floor.
One Scout leader/chaperone is mandatory for every five scouts. More leaders/chaperones are welcome.
Admission for Scout leaders and chaperones is $3 each.
All Scouts must wear name tags or their Scout uniform.
No running.
24 hours notice of cancellation is required.
Review Museum Manners with your Scouts.
Birthdays - Be a king or queen for a day in the "Bonne Fete" room at the CMA. Package includes:
30 minutes of access to the Bonne Fete room and 1 hour of access to the museum exhibits.
Museum admission for up to 15 children and accompanying adults (15-years-old or older).
Additional sibling of guests or the birthday child who are not participating in the party but are visiting will be charge $5 admission.
Your choice of cookie cake or petit fours.
A crown for the birthday child.
Beverages and paper goods for the children in the birthday party.
Assistance from a trained party coordinator.

Times:
Saturday, 10 a.m., 12 noon, 2 p.m.
Tuesday-Friday, 1:30 & 3 p.m. (school year hours)
Tuesday-Friday, 10:30 a.m. & 2 p.m. (summer hours)
Chaperone Information:
Chaperones must be at least 18-years-old.
Any child not part of the field trip over 12-months-old will be charged $5 admission.
Please review and enforce museum manners.
Please read signs and labels in exhibit areas to your group.
For the safety of the children, it is important that the five children remain with their chaperone at all times.
Interaction with your group will ensure a rewarding visit
All groups should review Museum Manners:
A good museum patron:
Follows all museum rules
Is very careful in all museum areas and with all museum objects
Is proud of their museum
A Peek Inside, the museum gift shop, features gifts starting at 23 cents. Pre-packaged souvenir bags can be arranged for as little as $1 to $2 each. Support the CMA by allowing your students to take a piece of their museum experience home with them.