Water is life — and Water/Ways, a traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian Institution, invites you to explore just how deep that truth runs. Hosted by Louisiana’s Old State Capitol from May 30 through August 9, this engaging exhibit reveals the profound relationship between people and water, tracing its influence across history, geography, and culture.
Visitors will journey through five unique sections that offer insights into water’s essential role in shaping our world:
1. WaterWays
Water forms our landscapes, fuels our bodies, and determines where we live and work. It is both a resource and a force — vital, powerful, and often contested.
2. Source
From carving valleys to nourishing communities, water is a source of life and inspiration. It shapes not only the environment but also our spiritual and creative traditions.
3. Flow
As a connector and a divider, water has long influenced human movement. It forms borders, guides trade, and serves as a cultural bridge — and sometimes a barrier.
4. Quench
Beyond quenching our thirst, water powers industries and feeds the land. But as demand grows, questions of sustainability and conservation grow more urgent.
5. Water is Eternal
Water can’t be made — it can only be preserved and reused. As climate change and population growth strain water supplies, our responsibility to protect and sustain this resource has never been more critical.
Water/Ways is more than an exhibition; it’s a reminder of water’s central place in our past, present, and future. Developed by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, it challenges us to see water not just as something we use, but as something we are deeply connected to — and responsible for.
Don’t miss this thought-provoking experience at Louisiana’s Old State Capitol from May 30 to August 9. Admission is free and open to the public.