Biedenharn Museum and Gardens

Tourists gather at rear of Biedenharn House in Monroe, LA IMG 4108

Biedenharn Museum and Gardens is a museum and botanical garden located in Monroe, Louisiana, United States. The complex includes the historic home of Joseph A. Biedenharn, the first bottler of Coca-Cola, and features a variety of exhibits and gardens that explore the history of the Biedenharn family, the bottling of the first Coca-Cola, and the cultural development of the early 20th century in the American South.

History

The Biedenharn Museum and Gardens were established to preserve the legacy of Joseph A. Biedenharn, who, in 1894, became the first to bottle Coca-Cola in his candy store in Vicksburg, Mississippi. After moving to Monroe, Biedenharn and his family built a beautiful home surrounded by lush gardens. The house and gardens were opened to the public as a museum in 1981 to share the Biedenharn family's history and contributions to the region and the Coca-Cola company.

Exhibits

The museum complex includes several distinct areas:

• The Biedenharn Home: The original family home, built in the early 20th century, showcases period furnishings, personal artifacts of the Biedenharn family, and provides insights into the lifestyle of the era.
• Coca-Cola Museum: This section of the museum is dedicated to the history of Coca-Cola, featuring memorabilia, advertising artifacts, and the story of its bottling.
• ELsong Garden: Named after Emy-Lou Biedenharn, daughter of Joseph Biedenharn, the gardens are a highlight of the museum. They feature a variety of native and exotic plants, a conservatory, and several themed areas.
• Bible Museum: Reflecting the Biedenharn family's interest in religious texts, this museum houses a collection of Bibles and religious artifacts, including a rare Gutenberg Bible leaf.

Educational Programs and Events

The Biedenharn Museum and Gardens host a variety of educational programs, workshops, and special events throughout the year. These include garden tours, musical performances, holiday-themed events, and lectures on topics related to the museum's collections and exhibits.

Visiting the Museum

The Biedenharn Museum and Gardens are open to the public year-round, offering guided tours of the home and self-guided tours of the gardens and museums. The complex also features a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs, including Coca-Cola memorabilia and gardening books.

Conservation and Community Engagement

The museum is actively involved in conservation efforts, particularly in the maintenance and preservation of its historic buildings and gardens. It also serves as a community center, providing a picturesque setting for weddings, receptions, and other private events.