A corner of downtown Lafayette is set to be transformed with the addition of the Louisiana Music Museum, a venture that will capitalize on Lafayette’s status as a music and cultural center in Louisiana.
Construction on the museum could begin as early as this year, according to Samuel Oliver, the executive director at Acadiana Center for the Arts — the programming force behind the Louisiana Music Museum.
The public was encouraged to visit the Old Hardware Store which will become the Louisiana Music Museum and view the plans for renovation, Saturday, May 16, 2026.
“We raised $5 million in 12 months, and this event marks us crossing the 50% mark to building the museum. This is the first time we’ve really invited the public to participate, and leave their legacy at the Louisiana Music Museum,” said Oliver, speaking over a vibrant crowd at the “Rock the Block” street party on Saturday. The gathering was a chance to show off the historic building next door to the Acadiana Center for the Arts that will house the museum, and the crowd was encouraged to purchase “pavers” that will become part of the entrance.
The “Walk of Louisiana Music Legends” will be made up of paver stones etched with the name of a notable Louisiana musician, and the name and dedication of the purchaser.
As part of the Paver Campaign the public was encouraged to purchase a personalized commemorative paver that will be permanently installed at the museum?s grand entrance, during”Rock the Block” street party in downtown Lafayette, Saturday, May 16, 2026.
Corey Ledet Zydeco & Black Magic and Roddie Romero and the Hub City AllStars played at the event, which closed down the 100 block of Vermilion Street on Saturday evening with music, food and dancing.
Museum director Jane Vidrine said that the celebration was designed with the heart of the museum’s mission in mind — the music. “I’m really excited to have these bands here,” she said. “These musicians represent generations of Louisiana music. Their roots are so deep here.”
Once complete, the Louisiana music museum will feature a modern, newly-built entrance on S. Buchanan Street, with the historic Lafayette Hardware Store building at 121 W. Vermilion Street restored as a performance and exhibit space.
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