Home / Arts and Entertainment / Louisiana Gas Station Transforms into Art Wonderland
Louisiana Gas Station Transforms into Art Wonderland
10 Oct
Summary
- Disused gas station is now a unique attraction in Abita Springs.
- Features over 50,000 found and recycled objects.
- Interactive animated displays depict Southern life scenes.
In Abita Springs, Louisiana, a former gas station has evolved into the distinctive Abita Mystery House, also known as the UCM Museum. This roadside attraction boasts an astounding collection of over 50,000 found and recycled objects. Local artist and inventor John Preble is the creative force behind these displays.
Visitors can engage with animated scenes that bring Southern culture to life. These interactive exhibits include a Mardi Gras parade, a New Orleans jazz funeral, and a rhythm and blues dance hall. The museum's unique offerings have earned acclaim, with one former museum director calling it "the most intriguing and provocative museum in Louisiana."
The Abita Mystery House comprises several structures, including the original gas station, an exhibition hall, a Creole cottage, and the House of Shards. The latter is notable for its exterior, which is covered in a mosaic of broken pottery and glass. The attraction, located near the Tammany Trace and about 40 minutes north of New Orleans, has also been featured on the television series *American Pickers*.
