The Camille Darsières Cultural Center is located in the former courthouse, a neoclassical building designed in 1906 by the contractor Gustave de Laguarigue. It stands at the intersection of Perrinon, Schoelcher, and Moreau-de-Jones streets.
Originally, this site was home to the convent of the Daughters of Providence, founded in the 18th century by Father Charles François de Coutances. In 1764, he donated it to the colony on the condition that both religious and secular instruction be provided there, along with classes in dance and etiquette. It later became the courthouse of Martinique.
Following the construction of a new, more modern and functional courthouse, the old building was transformed into a space dedicated to culture. Today, it houses the SERMAC (Municipal Service for Cultural Action of Fort-de-France), while its facilities at the Floral Park of Fort-de-France undergo renovation. The SERMAC plays a key role in the Fort-de-France Cultural Festival.
In the middle of the garden stands a statue of Victor Schoelcher, at the base of which is inscribed: “No French land can ever again bear slaves.” The center is named after Camille Darsières, a former lawyer and deputy of Martinique, who passed away in 2006.
