Museum Opening 2026
The Louisiana Shrimp Museum is strategically located at 500 Louisiana Street in Westwego, a city with deep-rooted ties to the state's shrimping heritage. Situated at the terminus of Bayou Segnette, this location historically served as a vital conduit for shrimp boats navigating from the Mississippi River to the rich fishing grounds of southern Louisiana and the Gulf of Mexico. Westwego has long been recognized as a central hub for shrimping activities, with generations of families engaged in the industry. The city's proximity to the bayou not only facilitated commerce but also fostered a close-knit community centered around the shrimping trade. By establishing the museum in this historically significant locale, we aim to honor and preserve the legacy of Louisiana's shrimping industry, providing visitors with an authentic and immersive experience that connects them to the heart of this enduring cultural tradition.
As the Museum moves from concept to reality, the first major construction milestone is the transformation of the existing 900-square-foot space at 500 Louisiana Street into a welcoming public space. This Phase One buildout will create a functional, inviting environment that sets the tone for the museum experience. Key elements include a renovated foyer and entryway, foundational exhibit infrastructure, and an integrated screening area for the Museum’s feature documentary. A centerpiece of this initial buildout will be a large-format LED screen and professional sound system, which will continuously screen Last of the Shrimpers, the Museum’s 15-minute documentary film. This element provides an immersive, emotionally resonant introduction to the shrimping industry’s heritage and struggles—ensuring every visitor begins their journey grounded in real voices and lived experience. If fully funded by Fall 2025, this buildout will be completed in time for the museum’s public opening in mid-2026.
