✨ An Evening Where History Takes Center Stage: Celebrating a Night at the Museum ✨
Every year, there is one night when the Bayou Teche Museum truly comes alive. Galleries glow, conversation fills the halls, and history steps into the spotlight. That night is almost here again, and Celebrating a Night at the Museum promises to be one of our most meaningful and memorable evenings yet.
On Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 6:30 p.m., the Bayou Teche Museum, the Sliman Theater, and the Donald “Doc” Voorhies Wing will transform into the setting for an elegant gala fundraiser that has become New Iberia’s premier social event. Proudly presented by the New Iberia Museum Foundation, First Horizon Bank, Brown & Brown Insurance, and Delaune’s Pharmacy, this special evening supports the continued growth and operation of the Museum we all cherish.
A Historic Moment for New Iberia
This year’s Gala carries special significance with the unveiling of a new exhibit honoring Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, a daughter of New Iberia whose leadership left a lasting mark on Louisiana. Guests will also be among the first to see her life-size bronze statue, a powerful tribute to her legacy of public service, resilience, and dedication to the people of our state.
It is a moment of reflection, pride, and celebration—one that beautifully captures what the Bayou Teche Museum exists to do: preserve the stories that shape who we are.
An Evening to Savor
Of course, no Gala would be complete without exceptional food and unforgettable experiences. Guests will enjoy scrumptious cuisine prepared by generous regional restaurants, showcasing the flavors that make Acadiana so special. From the first bite to the final toast, the evening is designed to delight.
Adding to the excitement is our much-anticipated live auction, featuring exclusive items and experiences you simply won’t find anywhere else. These are opportunities available only through the Bayou Teche Museum Gala—making every bid part of something truly unique. We are honored to welcome former Senator Fred Mills as our auctioneer, whose energy and enthusiasm always keep the room buzzing. Guiding the evening once again as emcee is Taylor Barras, a familiar and favorite presence who brings warmth and polish to the night.
Bid From Anywhere: Online Silent Auction
The excitement begins even before Gala night with our Online Silent Auction, hosted on Zeffy. Bidding opens on January 28 and runs through February 13 at 1:30 a.m., giving guests and supporters plenty of time to explore and place bids on an incredible selection of items.
Whether you’re attending the Gala in person or supporting from afar, the silent auction makes it easy to be part of the fun. Browse, bid, and watch the excitement build at:
👉 https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2026-gala-bayou-teche-museum-silent-auction
or follow the following QR code:
Tickets & Levels of Support
Purchasing tickets is simple, and there are multiple levels of support to fit every guest and every level of giving. Tickets may be purchased by stopping by or calling the Bayou Teche Museum, or by sending in your membership form.
Support levels range from Copper at $75, which includes individual admission, to Platinum at $5,000+, which includes Gala admission and a reserved table for eight. Each level directly supports the Museum’s mission and helps ensure its continued success.
If you have questions or would like help selecting the level that’s right for you, we encourage you to call the Museum—our staff is happy to assist.
More Than a Gala
While the evening sparkles with elegance and entertainment, Celebrating a Night at the Museum is, at its heart, about impact. Proceeds from the Gala support the Museum’s operational needs and ongoing growth, ensuring that the Bayou Teche Museum remains a vibrant, expanding resource for our community.
By attending, bidding, or renewing your membership, you are helping preserve the history, culture, and industries that shaped our region—and ensuring those stories are shared with future generations. Not yet a member? Memberships can be started or renewed in conjunction with the Gala and also make meaningful gifts for history lovers in your life.
Join Us
Whether you come for the history, the food, the thrill of the auction, or the joy of gathering with friends and neighbors, Celebrating a Night at the Museum offers something special for everyone. It is a night to honor the past, celebrate the present, and invest in the future of the Bayou Teche Museum.
We look forward to welcoming you for an unforgettable evening—one where legacy is honored, community is celebrated, and history truly takes center stage.
✨ We’ll see you at the Gala! ✨
