Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu Opening Soon

by Kerri Cooke

The Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu was first conceived in the early ‘90s by Anne Monlezun, David O’Quinn and captains of local Krewes. All heavily involved in SWLA Mardi Gras, the founders secured elaborate costumes, which were then housed in Central School Arts & Humanities Center from 1998 until 2020’s Hurricanes Laura and Delta. The collection had grown so big that there was only enough space to display a portion of the costumes. There were also displays dedicated to SWLA’s chicken runs, or the courir de Mardi Gras, local traditions and Washington D.C. Mardi Gras. The museum was known for having the greatest number of Mardi Gras costumes on view in the world. 

Since 2020, local organizations have been on a mission to see the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu get its own home. The site of the new build is in the heart of the Nellie Lutcher Cultural District on Enterprise Boulevard. Curator and Director David Faulk anticipates an opening for Mardi Gras weekend or shortly after. The new complex will include a significant addition of costumes, new technology and a Mardi Gras gift shop with items made by local artists. 

The project was made possible by Visit Lake Charles, which applied for and received a grant from the Economic Development Agency while donating funds as well, the City of Lake Charles, the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury and more. 

Visit mardigrasmuseum.org for more information.