LSU Museum of Art presents Golden Legacy: Original Art from 80 Years of Golden Books, opening February 27, 2025.

on view February 27–May 25, 2025

Baton Rouge, LA – The LSU Museum of Art is thrilled to announce Golden Legacy: Original Art from 80 Years of Golden Books, a vibrant and nostalgic exhibition opening on February 27, 2025. This delightful exhibition features sixty original illustrations that have captivated generations, taking visitors on a journey through the rich history and creative artistry of Little Golden Books.

Launched in 1942—the first full year of America’s involvement in the Second World War—Little Golden Books made high quality illustrated books available at affordable prices for the first time to millions of young children and their parents. Among the artists who contributed to the ambitious series were greats of the European émigré community (including Garth Williams, Feodor Rojankovsky, and Tibor Gergely) who had gathered in New York as the European situation worsened; alumni of the Walt Disney Studios (including Gustaf Tenggren, Martin Provensen, J. P. Miller, and Mary Blair); and such American originals as Leonard Weisgard, Eloise Wilkin, Elizabeth Orton Jones, Richard Scarry, and Hilary Knight. This exhibition also spotlights contemporary artists like Dan Yaccarino, continuing the legacy of inspiring children to love books and art.

Organized by the National Center for Children's Illustrated Literature in Abilene, Texas, Golden Legacy features original artwork from timeless classics, offering a closer look at the stories behind the images. Families, art enthusiasts, and nostalgic fans of all ages are invited to relive the magic of picture-book classics such as The Poky Little Puppy, Tootle, Home for a Bunny, The Color Kittens, I Can Fly, and more.

This exhibition is also supported by a generous grant from the Pennington Family Foundation.

Exhibition Highlights

• Original art from legendary Golden Books illustrators.

• A celebration of 80 years of innovative storytelling and design.

• Perfect for family visits, school field trips, and fans of illustration.

Program Save the Dates

• Spring Reception for the Public on Thursday, April 24 (more details soon).

• Free First Sundays / Access for All Days: April 6 and May 4

  Join us for free art activities inspired by your favorite Little Golden Books characters! Get creative and explore the magic of these timeless stories through hands-on fun for all ages. Generous support of these programs is provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program.

• Stay tuned for more program updates!

ABOUT LSU MUSEUM OF ART

LSU Museum of Art is supported by a grant from the Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge, funded by the East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President & Metro Council; and in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. LSUMOA thanks the generous donors to the Annual Fund. Generous support provided by Art Bridges Foundation’s Access for All program. Free Friday Nights is sponsored by the Louisiana Lottery Corporation. Additional support is provided by generous donors to the LSU Museum of Art Annual Exhibition Fund.

VISITOR INFORMATION

The museum is located in downtown Baton Rouge at 100 Lafayette Street on the Fifth Floor of the Shaw Center for the Arts. General admission is $5 each for adults and children age 13 and over. Admission is free to university faculty and students with ID, children age 12 and under, and museum members. Active-duty military and veterans, first responders, and their families receive free admission with ID as part of the Blue Star Museums program. Show your EBT card and photo ID at the admissions desk and receive free admission for up to 4 individuals as part of the Museums for All initiative. Museum Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday 1-5 p.m.; and closed on Mondays and major holidays. Free admission occurs on the first Sunday of each month and every Friday night from 5-8 p.m. For more information: visit www.lsumoa.org, call 225-578-3000, and follow the museum on social media @lsumoa for exhibition and program updates.

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