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Welcome to Louisiana Prison Museum and Cultural Center

Our Mission

Our mission is to captivate visitors with a cultural experience that includes dialogue about the complex and compelling stories of corrections and justice in Louisiana.

Exhibits on Display

-The History of Capital Punishment in Louisiana

-The Red Hat Cellblock, Angola’s first and most notorious cellblock

-Angola Rodeo, The Wildest Show in the South

-History of Music and Filming at Angola, including famous inmates, actors, and documentaries

-Louisiana Justice Hall of Fame

-And much, much more!

Our Goals:

1. Document and preserve by sharing the history and development of corrections and justice in Louisiana.

2. Provide engaging learning experiences through meaningful and interactive exhibits and programs.

3. Humanize the stories of individuals navigating the criminal justice system by becoming a prominent voice for the incarcerated, corrections professionals, victims/survivors, families and communities in the national conversation about social and criminal justice.

4. Learn from the past by displaying perspective not only about prison life, but the local culture and its significance in the development of Corrections in Louisiana

Adopted by the Board of Directors of the Louisiana State Penitentiary Museum Foundation on January 20, 2023

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About the Penitentiary

Louisiana State Penitentiary, once known as “America’s Bloodiest Prison,” is the largest maximum security prison in the nation. The penitentiary’s storied history of instability and reform serve as a reminder of the progress made within corrections and the possibilities of rehabilitation.

ANGOLA: Fact and Fiction

This gripping read busts long-held myths about Angola—from musical legends to eerie prison tales—and reveals the surprising facts behind the fiction. Curious what’s real? Click HERE to find out.

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Events

From the annual Prison Rodeo to the museum’s biennial symposiums, we bring a whole new meaning to an “active prison.” Learn more and join us for one of our symposiums, speaker series, book signings, featured exhibits, special tours, or other events throughout the year!