A grand opening ceremony will be held for the Sugar Land Heritage Museum and Visitor Center on Saturday, Jan. 27. The entire family is encouraged to attend. Events will kick off at 10 a.m. with the official ribbon-cutting ceremony and confetti launch in front of the new facility at 10:30 a.m., and will be followed by immediate access to the new center and a morning filled with entertainment and fun as the center is introduced to the City.
In addition to tours, grand opening guests will be treated to strolling entertainment, live music with a DJ, prize drawings, a complimentary candy bar and informational booths from Sugar Land business partners from 10 a.m. to noon. Grand Opening activities will include historic walking tours of the Imperial Refinery site, a live lithographic painting demonstration of the Imperial Char House by local artist Ange Hills and a post card mailing center in which guests may invite others to visit Sugar Land.
The museum’s main exhibit is an interactive historical 30-foot timeline with graphics and informational panels that tells the story of Sugar Land from the arrival of the early settlers in the mid 1800’s to the city’s incorporation in 1959. An interactive touchscreen console allows guests to explore events in more depth and discover connecting themes of people, land, economy, sports and community. Other displays include the original illuminated signage from the 1925 Imperial Sugar Company Char House, a photograph of a magnified sugar crystal by Italian photographer Bernardo Cesare and an exhibit of local artist Ange Hillz’ paintings highlighting the diversity and spirit of Sugar Land.
Jointly managed by the city of Sugar Land and the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation, the new multi-purpose center is slated to become the city’s official location for “All Things Sugar Land” and will document Sugar Land’s history and highlight the region’s expanding tourism attractions. The center will also house Visit Sugar Land and the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation offices and be available to for venue rental. The project was funded with restricted sales tax revenue, funds that state law only allows to be used for economic development, tourism and historical preservation initiatives.
The museum is a central component of ongoing efforts since 2003 to preserve and protect one of the most iconic sites in Sugar Land. The city was a partner in an agreement for the redevelopment of the site that ensured historic preservation, the creation of a museum and the expansion of economic development and tourism initiatives. The museum will be part of the future Imperial Market development — an 850,000 square foot mixed-use lifestyle center currently under development on the site of the 1843 Imperial Sugar Refinery. The Imperial Market development will include upscale retail, restaurants, offices, residences and a boutique hotel. The project ensures the preservation of Sugar Land’s history, meets the needs of the community for cultural/entertainment venues and provides important tourism revenue that supports the high level of city services that residents expect while maintaining on the state’s lowest property tax rates.
Managed and staffed by Visit Sugar Land Convention and Visitor Services, the visitor center space will first and foremost act as in information distribution center for the city and its partners to inspire, inform, showcase and facilitate tourism in the area. The space will feature an open hospitality area and a “Concierge Corner” in which visitors may receive personal one-on-one assistance in planning itineraries or may utilize the interactive Visit Sugar Land iPads which offer customized activities according to interest, group size, activity level, length of stay, seasonal offerings, etc. Visitors may easily check out cultural offerings, sporting events, festivals, and dining and lodging options with the click of a button. The visitor’s center will also house an onsite Sugar Land retail gift shop featuring official Sugar Land branded merchandise, and international candy offerings, as well as commemorative historical themed items from the Sugar Land Heritage Foundation.
Sugar Land Heritage Museum and Visitor Center Hours of Operation
Monday: Noon – 5 p.m.
Tuesday – Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday: Closed