Stark Cultural Venues
Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center
Nestled within 252 acres in the heart of Orange, Texas, Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center is a program of the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation, a private foundation whose mission is to improve and enrich the quality of life in Southeast Texas and encourage and assist education. The unique ecosystem of Shangri La presents an ideal opportunity to further that mission as well as carry on the vision of H.J Lutcher Stark, the man who originally developed it more than 60 years ago.
The formal Botanical Gardens contain more than 300 plant species in five formal “rooms” as well as four sculpture “rooms”. Adjacent to the Botanical Gardens is a bird blind which allows visitors to observe nesting birds in Shangri La’s heronry.
The Nature Center includes a hands-on exhibit called the Nature Discovery Center, a laboratory, and three outdoor classrooms located deep in the cypress swamp. The Orientation Center includes an Exhibit Hall, Discovery Theater, Children’s Garden, Exhibition Greenhouses, Cafe, and Garden Store.
Visit Shangri La and rekindle your sense of wonder.
Stark Museum of Art
The Stark Museum of Art houses one of the finest collections of 19th and 20th century Western American art and artifacts in the country. The collection focuses on the stunning land, dramatic people, and diverse wildlife of the American West. The Museum also holds a significant collection of American Indian art as well as collections of glass and porcelain, and rare books and manuscripts.
W.H. Stark House
The W.H. Stark House stands much as it did at the turn of the 20th century. With its 14,000 square feet and 15 rooms, the Stark House holds a significant display of original family furnishings, china, silver, rugs, porcelains, glass, artwork, woodwork, and lighting. From the one-of-a-kind sterling silver tea service on the First Floor to the rare Napoleon death mask on the Third Floor, each level of the Stark House offers an extraordinary glimpse at the lifestyle of the prominent timber family who occupied it from 1894-1936.
Lutcher Theater
Lutcher Incredible Kids Events is one of the largest Performing Arts Series of touring companies for children in the region. Renowned international and national children's theater companies are presented each year. The performances are held in the morning and meet Texas and Louisiana State learning criteria, making them ideal field trips for classes. Utilizing grants, corporate and patron support, the Lutcher Theater underwrites the cost for the Incredible Kids Events Series, making it extremely affordable for area children.