Lake Charles/Southwest Louisiana has a vibrant and rich history and culture. The 1911 Historic City Hall Arts & Cultural Center in Lake Charles boasts three floors of traveling exhibits and two permanent local galleries (Black Heritage Gallery and Gallery by the Lake). Imperial Calcasieu Museum and Henning Cultural Center display historical and cultural artifacts and host local fine art exhibits. The DeQuincy Railroad Museum features railroad history paired with displays of a steam engine, a passenger car, and a caboose.
