Central School is one of Lake Charles’ most iconic historic buildings, designed by noted New Orleans architects Favrot & Livaudais in 1912, in the heart of the Charpentier Historic District. First opened as an elementary school for the 1913–1914 school year under Principal H.P. Wall, the building has served generations of Southwest Louisiana families in more ways than one.

During World War II, Central School housed soldiers from the 37th Division during training maneuvers, and later supported the community as a site for civil defense instruction and rationing registration. Long before it became today’s arts center, its auditorium hosted dramatic and musical events and brought civic groups together.

After operating as a school until 1976, Central School evolved again and later reopened in 1993 as an Arts & Humanities Center, restored through broad community support and a dedicated sales tax initiative. Today, its classrooms and performance spaces continue that legacy as a working creative hub for performances, workshops, meetings, and cultural connection.

A historic building. A working creative hub. A place to show up.

Source: A.C. Bourdier, Cathy Bordelon, Dr. Joe Cash, Michael Jones, Hans Rasmussen, and the McNeese Archives.

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