Abita mystery house louisiana series#

Works from his Camille series are in numerous collections exhibited at various galleries and museums including the New Orleans Museum of Art. Their museum doesn’t actually turn a profit yet, so Preble still paints traditional art to supplement his family’s income. This museum is a family enterprise fueled by hard work, independence, persistence and dreams. The Abita Mystery House, aka The UCM (pronounced you see um) Museum receives no government grants. Of course, the gift shop also has typical roadside attraction gifts. He was able to do this in part through contacts his wife made through her art jewelry business, Ann O’Brien Jewelry. This is part of the serious side to Preble’s venture, along with renting the Mystery House out for parties and stocking the museum’s gift shop with local handcrafted items. After renovations, this cottage became the Northshore Art Academy where established artists teach classes for adults. He renovated a vintage gas service station, built a new exhibit hall and ancillary buildings, constructed several aquarium ponds containing native fish, and moved an original 90-year Old Creole cottage onto the museum grounds. John Preble started on the Abita Mystery House in 1995.

John Preble, creator of the Abita Mystery House, smiles while holding an accordion from his family’s museum. The thing I remember most though was the slow dawning of awe as realization spread through me that this guy loves what he does and truly is living out his creative dreams. I remember being barraged by a constant stream of good vibes from seeing the different types of exhibits along with the various settings they were displayed in. On a whim, we decided to take a short detour to find out what this place was all about, and I am so glad we did!Īs we meandered our way slowly through this fun roadside attraction, with actual artistic leanings, I remember thinking how quirky cool this place had turned out to be. I don’t really remember exactly how it happened, but I came across something promoting the Abita Mystery House just before heading out to Florida with my son once. You’ll also find my favorite hidden gem, the Abita Mystery House, in Abita Springs! You can also tour and taste at the Abita Brewery. If outdoor adventure is your thing, you’ll love hiking or biking the Tammany Trace. Abita Springs, Louisiana has a little something for everyone.

Abita mystery house louisiana