Last updated: 9/11/2018
Columbia, Louisiana
Address
106 Main St
Columbia, LA 71418

Hours

Monday - Friday
10 AM - 5 PM

Admissions

Free
Free. Donations Accepted.

Museum Type(s)

Staff

Kristopher Kelley
phone:
Description

The grandiose Schepis building, built in 1916 has been the home of the Schepis Museum since 1993, and is the backdrop for the charming town of Columbia, which nestles along the banks of the Ouachita River. The building has become a centerpiece of the lives of the people who live here, from art and cultural events to board meetings and receptions.

The Schepis presents a wide variety of exhibits, from traveling exhibits from the Smithsonian to local and regional artists. The Schepis is truly a versatile showcase for the Arts in Louisiana.

History

Built in 1916 by John Schepis the building has been restored to its original splendor, just as it was when it was imagined more than 100 years ago. The building is specifically Italian, resembling Renaissance-style palazzo of the mid-fifteenth century. The Schepis building is complete with two life-size statures on top hand-crafted by Schepis himself. The statues are George Washington, holding a draped American flag, and Christopher Columbus, holding a draped Italian flag. An American eagle flies above them, and an Italian coat of arms is placed in the center. The unique building is a testament to the brilliance and tenacity of an Italian immigrant whose mark on this little town along the Ouachita River will stand forever.

Educational Programs
Water/Ways Exhibit

The Schepis Museum in cooperation with the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities has been chosen to host WATER/WAYS a traveling exhibition from the Smithsonian's Museum on Main Street (MoMS) program. "Water/Ways" will be on view September 30, 2018 through November 10, 2018. Main Street and The Schepis Museum are the only site North of Grant Parish chosen to showcase this fantastic exhibit. Water/Ways, an exhibition from the Smithsonian's Museum on Main Street explores the relationship between people and water. it explores the centrality of water in our lives including its effects on the environment and climate,. its practical role in agriculture and economic planning and its impact on culture and spirituality. "Water/Ways" is part of the Museum on Main Street, a unique collaboration between the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES), state humanities councils across the nation and local host institutions.

Facilities
The Historic Schepis Building

Built in 1916 by John Schepis the building has been restored to its original splendor, just as it was when it was imagined more than 100 years ago. The building is specifically Italian, resembling Renaissance-style palazzo of the mid-fifteenth century. The Schepis building is complete with two life-size statures on top hand-crafted by Schepis himself. The statues are George Washington, holding a draped American flag, and Christopher Columbus, holding a draped Italian flag. An American eagle flies above them, and an Italian coat of arms is placed in the center. The unique building is a testament to the brilliance and tenacity of an Italian immigrant whose mark on this little town along the Ouachita River will stand forever.

Auditoriums
Lecture Halls
Services
Available for rent

The Schepis Building is available to rent as well. Whether it be for a wedding, meeting, or class/family reunion we can accommodate your event needs. Contact the Schepis Director/Curator for more information.

Gift Shop
Special Event Rental
Group Tours
ADA
Wheelchair Accessible
Parking
Restrooms
Exhibitions
Museum Events
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September 10 - 13, 2025

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