The Mardi Gras Museum of Imperial Calcasieu has officially begun construction on its new 6,000-square-foot building, a pivotal move in its recovery after Hurricane Laura. The groundbreaking took place at 641 Enterprise Boulevard in Lake Charles' Nellie Lutcher Cultural District.

Kyle Edmiston, president and CEO of Visit Lake Charles, stated that the museum will highlight Southwest Louisiana’s vibrant Mardi Gras culture and attract both residents and tourists thanks to its strategic location near Interstate 10.

First announced in spring 2023, the museum will feature around 400 historic Mardi Gras costumes from the past five decades and more than 15 animatronics, including Norah Jean, a talking dog from the Krewe of Barkus, which will engage visitors with the festival's history.

The project is integral to the economic renewal of the Nellie Lutcher Cultural District and aligns with the Just Imagine SWLA 50-Year Resilience Master Plan for Calcasieu and Cameron Parishes. Lake Charles Mayor Nic Hunter praised the initiative, highlighting its role in advancing cultural tourism and supporting community growth.

To aid the museum’s development, the Board of Directors is offering personalized bricks and tiles for purchase, with proceeds going toward exhibits and the preservation of Mardi Gras heritage. The museum is expected to open in late 2025, with a total cost of $3.5 million funded by a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration and local investments from the City of Lake Charles and Visit Lake Charles.