First Horizon Foundation commits $1 million to Lafayette museum

The Louisiana First Horizon Foundation has committed $1 million to the Louisiana Music Museum, a project currently being developed by the Acadiana Center for the Arts in downtown Lafayette. The money is designated for the museum's exterior Walk of Legends plaza, a space that will feature naming recognition for the foundation.

Sam Oliver, director of the Acadiana Center for the Arts, announced the funding level after the foundation described its contribution as a major investment. This $1 million pledge is the largest single gift the project has secured so far. With this new commitment, the total funds raised for the initiative stand at $7 million.

The full construction of the museum is projected to cost $10 million. Oliver stated that the project can move to the bidding stage for construction once total commitments reach $8 million. That leaves a $1 million gap to close before contractors can be selected for the build.

The museum is planned for the site of the former Lafayette Hardware Store. Jerry Prejean, the First Horizon Acadiana market president, said the foundation supports the project because Louisiana music is central to the state's cultural identity. He noted that the facility will preserve local musical traditions while creating new avenues for education, tourism, and economic growth in the region.

Oliver confirmed that discussions with other potential donors are still active. The project currently has 102 donors on its roster as it works to reach the final funding target.