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Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu home
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Support the NEW Mardi Gras
Museum of Imperial Calcasieu

Crowded costume display with panda heads and white feathered headpieces
Children and a woman in purple, green and gold with face paint at a Mardi Gras event
Masked riders of the Krewe of Mystique throwing beads from a float
Dachshund in a jester costume and gold mask with Mardi Gras beads
Children and adults chase a chicken at a Cajun Mardi Gras chicken run
Dancers in gold sequined jackets performing in a street parade
Costume collar decorated with smiling Seven Dwarfs faces and yellow feathers
King cakes with icing and pecans, one topped with a plastic baby
Krewe members in
Costume room with a large jester head in a red coat and tricorn hat
Masked krewe member in a green feathered costume holding a pepper sauce bottle prop
Man dressed as Lloyd from Dumb and Dumber pulling a Mutt Cutts van costume
Mini float with golden dogs, fleurs-de-lis and a white picket fence
Crowds line the street as Mardi Gras parade floats pass in Lake Charles
Smiling woman in front of a feathered disco-themed costume collar
Bearded krewe king in a green feathered headpiece throwing beads at a parade
Mannequin in a red and green sequined costume with a flower headdress
Krewe member spreading golden wings on a ball stage
Krewe royalty in blue feathered costumes waving from a parade float
Dog wearing a gold peacock-feather costume at a pet parade
Krewe member in an Alice in Wonderland

Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu

The Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu immerses you in all things related to Southwest Louisiana's family-friendly Mardi Gras! From the delectable seasonal king cake to the traditional Mardi Gras chicken run known as a Courir de Mardi Gras to how the fabulous over-the-top headdresses and gowns are imagined and created. With more than 65 Krewes in Southwest Louisiana, some having been established more than 70 years ago, Mardi Gras revelry abounds during the season and now, year-round, at the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu.
Support the Museum, Buy A Brick.
Museum gallery of costumed mannequins beneath a large parade float face

Hours & Admission

Tours of the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu are self-guided, allowing you to go at your own pace.
View Hours & Admission
Green alligator mascot in a crown and mask wearing Mardi Gras beads

Museum Store

The Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu Gift Shop offers inventory ranging from novelty items and clothing to a limited upscale gift selection,.
Our Museum Store
Masked krewe member in a harlequin costume beside a giant clown head

Directions

Located in the Nellie Lutcher Cultural District at 701 Enterprise Blvd, Lake Charles, La, less than a half mile from I-10 via the Enterprise Blvd exit (31A).
View Map & Directions

Our History

David R. O'Quinn, Anne G. Monlezun, and the captains of various Krewes initially conceived the Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu in the early 90s. Founder of the Krewe of Illusions in 1990, David O'Quinn was well-known for designing oversized and elaborate costumes. Founder of the Krewe de la Famille in 1980 and known as the mother of Mardi Gras in Southwest Louisiana, Anne G. Monlezun was also responsible for starting the Krewe of Krewes organization, the Krewe of Krewes parade and the first Miss Mardi Gras pageants.