ABOUT US
Biedenharn Museum and Gardens Mission Statement
To share Emy-Lou Biedenharn’s love of Art, the Bible, Music, and Gardens and to convey the story of Joseph A. Biedenharn, the first bottler of Coca-Cola, and his family.
The Biedenharn Museum & Gardens is a museum complex that features regularly scheduled exhibits and a multitude of events. It is composed of a historic home filled with antiques and artifacts, formal English gardens, a Coca-Cola Museum, a Bible Museum, and Museum Store.
There is something for everyone to enjoy!
THE GROUNDS OF THE BIEDENHARN
More than one attraction!
COKE MUSEUM
Opened in 2008, the Coke Museum showcases two exhibit rooms full of Coca-Cola memorabilia and historical items including a collection of vintage signs and a Model T Coca-Cola delivery truck. The exhibits come to life in a replica soda fountain where a friendly soda jerk relates the fascinating story of the man who put Coca-Cola in a bottle for the first time — “Mr. Joe” Biedenharn.
Visitors will also see a demonstration of the original bottling process, and more. Combined with lots of nostalgic Coke memorabilia, a stop in the Coke Museum will prove to be both entertaining and educational. Don’t forget to grab a refreshing bottle of Coca-Cola from an original five-cent soda vending machine!
BIBLE MUSEUM
An 1854 facsimile of the Wycliffe Bible inspired Emy-Lou Biedenharn to begin her collection of Bibles, which culminated in the formation of Monroe’s Biedenharn Bible Museum. The collection contains a number of rare and historically important Bibles, including an original 1611 King James Bible, art Bibles, and a page from the 1454-55 Gutenberg Bible. The collection celebrates the contribution of the Bible and biblical literature to the enrichment of Western Civilization; the Bible Museum exhibits demonstrate the importance of the Bible in American culture.
In addition to the extensive Bible collection, the Biedenharn features exhibits of Russian Icons from the Daniel R. Bibb collection, as well as special temporary exhibitions covering a variety of topics throughout the year.
ELSONG GARDENS
ELSong — Emy-Lou’s song — is a beautifully walled English garden developed by Miss Biedenharn upon her return to Monroe following a successful vocal career in Europe. The garden is designed with a number of thematic settings including the Four Seasons Garden, Oriental Garden, and Musical Grotto. The highlight is the stunning Wagnerian Fountain located on the north end of the Ballet Lawn.
Several thousand flowering plants, as well as sculptural embellishments from around the world, are nestled into the landscape surrounding the Biedenharn estate. The Conservatory is patterned after fine English glasshouses and is home to thousands of tropical and semi-tropical specimens. The experience is enhanced by background music — one of ELSong’s unique features.
HISTORIC BIEDENHARN HOME
Joseph A. Biedenharn, the first bottler of Coca-Cola, built his home in Monroe, Louisiana, in 1914. Young and old can connect to the gracious life of his daughter Emy-Lou through guided tours of the house. The rooms are exhibited as they were lived in, reflecting the eclectic taste of a well-traveled woman. In the furnishings and accessories, one will see Emy-Lou’s love of music, nature and family.
Guests will enjoy the beauty of rare furniture and antiques featured in the library, music, dining, breakfast and living rooms. The bedrooms display crystal chandeliers, high tester beds, and artistic accessories highlighting Emy-Lou’s European singing career.
