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Imperial Calcasieu Museum

General Information
The Imperial Calcasieu Museum is located just south of downtown Lake Charles, Louisiana, at the corner of Sallier and Ethel Streets. The Museum serves the parishes of Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, and Jeff Davis. These five parishes were originally known as the Imperial Calcasieu region. The Museum houses a collection of artifacts representing the five parish area, while also supporting the visual arts and artists. Within the Museum grounds are an historical exhibit, gallery, library, gift shop, and sculpture garden.

History
The Museum is situated on land originally owned by Charles Sallier, one of the first settlers in the area and Lake Charles namesake. The building structure is Louisiana Colonial style and includes architectural elements from former area homes, the demolished Majestic Hotel, and bricks from a former Missouri Pacific Railroad station. The 375 year old Sallier Oak tree, which marked the corner of Charles Sallier’s property, towers over the Museum grounds.

The Museum was established by the Junior League of Lake Charles in March of 1963, and was housed in City Hall. In December of 1963, through the cooperation of The Parish Police Jury, the Museum was moved to 1019 Lakeshore Drive. In 1966, administration was assumed by a non-profit organization, The Fine Arts Center and Museum of Old Imperial Calcasieu, Inc. The name was changed in 1971 to Imperial Calcasieu Museum, Inc., and under this administration the museum at 204 W. Sallier Street was permanently established.

Historical Collection
The Imperial Calcasieu Museum houses an historic collection representing the five parish area. The exhibit depicts life from 1850 through the early 1900’s. This includes period rooms such as a kitchen, barbershop, pharmacy, war room and marine/waterway section. There is also extensive collection of Native American historic artifacts from Louisiana.

Gibson-Barham Gallery
This 2500 square foot fine arts addition to the Museum provides gallery space for arts and cultural exhibits throughout the year. These exhibits represent local, regional and nationally known artists. Past displays have included “Hurry On Down: the life of jazz singer Nellie Lutcher” and “Java, the history of Louisiana’s coffee roasters”.

Gibson Library
At the center of the museum, a small library houses important historical documentation and displays an extensive collection of valuable John James Audubon prints. The Museum’s permanent art collection also consists of works by Boyd Cruise and Charlotte Hatchette prints.

Gallery Annex
The Gallery Annex includes a smaller gallery space for emerging artists and culturally significant exhibits, as well as group meeting space with wireless internet. The Annex is also home to a gift shop featuring original work from Louisiana craftsmen, and the Museum's administrative offices.

Sallier Oak Tree and Sculpture Garden
The historic 375 year old Sallier Oak is a prominent feature on the rear lawn of the museum. This massive Live Oak branches form a canopy over the lawn and stretch towards Sallier Street. Scattered across the grounds are sculptures by local artist Lynda Benglis.

Annual Events

 * Boogaloo is the museum’s yearly fundraiser. Community members as well as organizations such as Citgo Petroleum purchase tickets to the event, which includes live music, dancing, gourmet cuisine and cocktails. Proceeds from Boogaloo are used to fund the Museum’s events and programs throughout the year.


 * McNeese State University Art Student’s Juried Show. This large show displays the works of artists from Lake Charles’ local university. The works are judged by a new guest juror each year.


 * Calcasieu Parish K-12 Art Students Annual Juried Show. This gallery exhibit displays the artwork of students from all over Calcasieu Parish.


 * Children’s Summer Arts Camp. Four one-week sessions are held in each summer for local children. Hands on art classes are taught by art teachers and professional artists.  Classes include pottery, mosaic, painting, collage, printmaking and mixed media.


 * Summer Film Series. Calcasieu Parish film-buffs share their favorite films and lead an open discussion. The series occurs over several weeks each summer.

Location and Hours
204 W. Sallier St. Lake Charles, La 70601

Hours of Operation are Tuesday – Friday 10am- 5pm.

Admission is $5 adults, $2 children/seniors. Museum members admitted free. Groups rates are available by calling the Museum at 337-439-3793.