7 Must-Visit Museums in Southwest Louisiana
With such a wealth of marvelous museums to choose from, Southwest Louisiana residents truly are spoiled for options when searching for activities that are uplifting and educational. Here’s a curated list of seven must-visit museums in the area to help you maximize your quest for art and edification.
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1) The Children’s Museum of SWLA at Port Wonder
Many years in the making, this brand-new building is finally ready to open its doors. After the Children’s Museum of SWLA lost its building during Hurricane Laura, it was temporarily closed to the public. Now, four-and-a-half years later, the popular museum is relaunching at Port Wonder, alongside a new nature and science center.
“With our new facility opening, we want the Children’s Museum at Port Wonder to be a place for families and children as well as adults and senior citizens,” says Allyson Montgomery, executive director of the Children’s Museum. “We want it to be a hub where the whole community feels welcome because a person never stops learning, no matter their age.”
The goal of the Children’s Museum of Southwest Louisiana at Port Wonder is to be a community hub where everyone feels welcome.
2) Imperial Calcasieu Museum
Located in Lake Charles, this museum beautifully blends fine art and local history in one captivating experience. The Imperial Calcasieu Museum is not only noted for what it displays inside, but also for the sprawling, 375-year-old oak tree on its grounds, under which activities like yoga are held throughout the year. With a range of cultural programming that intersects with other community programs and projects, it’s a go-to place for enriching experiences throughout the year.
3) DeQuincy Railroad Museum
Perfectly positioned where two major railroads intersect, the DeQuincy Railroad Museum offers an intriguing look into the region’s railroad history. Visitors can see firsthand a passenger car, steam engine and even caboose. The museum is particularly well-visited during the Louisiana Railroad Days Festival, which typically takes place in April. The fun event brings the entire community out to celebrate history, indulge in good food, carnival rides, free entertainment and even a parade.
4) Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu
Mardi Gras is a huge part of Louisiana culture, so it only makes sense to have a museum entirely dedicated to celebrating it. Scheduled to reopen in 2025, this vibrant museum is as loud and colorful as you’d expect, with displays highlighting Mardi Gras staples like headdresses and the Mardi Gras Chicken Run (Courir de Mardi Gras) and king cake. It’s a fun experience you won’t want to miss.
5) W.H. Tupper General Merchandise Museum
Take an indulgent step back in time at the W.H. Tupper General Merchandise Museum, a small and quirky piece of history lovingly preserved in the city of Jennings. Experience the charm of a 20th-century general store and peruse home goods and technology from a different era. Also on-site is the Louisiana Telephone Pioneer Museum, which provides a fascinating insight into the equipment and methods used in the early and emerging days of the telephone.
6) Zigler Art Museum
This art museum prides itself on championing Louisiana artists, shining the spotlight on talented individuals who hail from, reside in or currently work in the state. While the permanent collection that was established by the original founders remains, the rotating exhibit refreshes to feature a new Louisiana artist about once every quarter.
“We’ve had visitors who describe the museum as a hidden gem in Jennings,” says Bailey Landry, executive assistant at the museum. “We’re a free museum, and we offer a fantastic overview of art history in Louisiana.”
7) Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center and The Black Heritage Gallery
Located under the same roof in Lake Charles, both institutions offer the public a unique look into art and history, featuring the work of local and regional artists alike. Three floors of gallery space provide ample real estate to showcase traveling exhibitions from national artists. The Black Heritage Gallery rotates through six exhibits each year, amplifying the reach of both emerging and established artists. The gallery focuses primarily on preserving and honoring the art and culture of African Americans in Southwest Louisiana. The Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center is also home to the Gallery by the Lake, so make sure to get the full experience when you visit.