Delve into the daily lifestyle and habits of people from southwestern Louisiana at the Imperial Calcasieu Museum. This cultural center celebrates the former Imperial Calcasieu region, a historic territory fought over by Spanish and U.S. troops after the French government sold Louisiana to the USA. At the museum you can browse art and photography displays and admire a 375-old-year oak tree.
The permanent collection covers the history of Lake Charles, and the five parishes that make up the region, from its earliest settlers to the present day. See examples of period clothing, furniture, kitchenware and textiles. Vintage photographs depict major regional and national events such as the Great Fire of 1910. Spot works by Boyd Cruise and John James Audubon, among other American artists.
The museum’s Gibson-Barham Gallery is a space for touring expositions. Past shows have covered topics such as Louisiana’s coffee-roasting history to the mandala art of Tibetan monks and masterpieces by Pablo Picasso borrowed from the New Orleans Museum of Art. There’s also an annual exhibition dedicated to art students from Calcasieu Parish.
Surrounding the museum building is a pretty garden in which stands The Sallier Oak. This solid tree, with huge bowing branches, has stood here for over three centuries. Charles Sallier, a settler who gave his name to the city, erected a winter home in the shadow of the tree. Benches and tables make it a pleasant spot to enjoy a shaded picnic.
Find the museum located to the south of downtown Lake Charles. It’s just a 5-minute drive from other city attractions such as Bord du Lac Park and Lake Charles Historic District. The museum has a free car parking lot.
You can visit the Imperial Calcasieu Museum from Tuesday to Saturday. There’s an admission fee, with discounts for children and retirees. A list of current exhibitions and events is available on the museum’s official website.
