Belle Chasse, Louisiana

The Croatian Cultural Pavilion opened its doors in 2023 as the home of the Croatian American Society. The Great Hall can comfortably seat 140 guests using in-house amenities. With additional vendor rentals, the space can seat up to 200 people. The 3,600 SF outdoor pavilion is a comfortable space for community gatherings and events. The maximum capacity for the property is 800 people.

A notable part of the programming was the importance of the oyster grilling kitchen space. Chefs and volunteers work together in an assembly-line style to quickly prepare hundreds of char-grilled oysters during events. The Croatian House hosts the annual Croatian Fest, a lively celebration of the culture featuring traditional dances, oysters, local seafood, Croatian beer and wine, and historical displays.

Society members gathered and installed thousands of oyster shells on an entire wall, highlighting the significance of the staple of the Croatian American heritage. In addition, another kitchen was designed and built for the Croatian community to facilitate dinners and social events amongst their community. Architectural inspiration stems from the cultural heritage of the Croatian homeland, utilizing exterior stone and reclaimed timber to capture the character of Croatian architecture.

The Croatian Cultural Pavilion is a visible display of the society’s prominence, and is a catalyst to further unify and expand the sense of pride within the community.