June 6, 2019. For information on these fascinating French Quarter museums, check out the French Quarter Museum Association at frenchquartermuseums.com or call (504) 598-7149. "The Historic New Orleans Collection, established in 1966, is a museum. With that said, traces of West African heritage can be detected at many levels, from costuming beadwork to the syncopated beat of local parade chants. While both of those locales are undoubtedly fun to visit, they’re more tourist attractions than dedicated educational institutions. From the bohemian elegance of Royal Street to the boisterous party vibe of Bourbon Street, you'll savor authentic Louisiana fare and an electric nightlife unlike any other. Whether you’re an art lover, history buff, or music fan, or just want to learn more about the city’s rich culture, New Orleans is home to many fascinating museums, from the sprawling National World War II Museum to tiny jewels like the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum. After our visit to the New Orleans Jazz Museum, we decided to walk down Frenchmen Street and check out the latest with the New Orleans music scene. Top 10 Art Galleries in French Quarter: See reviews and photos of Art Galleries in French Quarter, New Orleans (Louisiana) on Tripadvisor. A handsome example of Greek Revival architecture in its own right, the Old US Mint produced gold and silver coinage for both the United and Confederate States during its long history as a currency production center. Note that we’re not including the Museum of Death and Historic Voodoo Museum in this article. Of the many historical homes in the French Quarter, these two buildings are some of our favorites. In the French Quarter, most museums have a New Orleans, or at least Louisiana-based, focus. New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park, Light My Fire: The Spectacle and Tradition of Café Brûlot. The three floors of this grand structure contain exhibits on state history, ranging from Native American artifacts to profiles of different New Orleans immigrant groups to sober displays on the local slave trade. These two historic homes and their attached slaved quarters are some of the best preserved historic structures in the French Quarter. New Orleans Food Walking Tour of the French Quarter (From US$64.95) New Orleans Salacious History Walking Tour (From US$30.00) French Quarter Haunted Excursion In New Orleans (From US$25.00) See all French Quarter experiences on Tripadvisor By dint of its possessions, infrastructure and display content, this is one of the top museums in the city. Museums Donate Both of these museums are more universal in scope as regards their respective fields of knowledge (World War II and fine art). We take all the mysteries, the secrets, the history, and the folklores of rituals, zombies, of gris-gris, of Voodoo Queens and all that jazz, and put it all in one place … 19. As a native New Orleanian, I thought I had a good grasp on the history of this area. 632 Dumaine St New Orleans, LA Located in a complex of historic French Quarter buildings, facilities include The Williams Gallery, The Williams Residence house museum, and a museum shop. The story of New Orleans' Mardi Gras tradition is dynamically told in a high-tech, interactive, permanent exhibition titled "Mardi Gras: It's Carnival Time in New Orleans." Got to speak to John T. Martin who is a voodoo priest and lives upstairs from the museum. Hear how Bernard Marigny, the richest,... Book Now! 274 reviews of New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum "I had to do some research for school so I stopped by the museum. A good chunk of the artifacts in both homes can be traced to the 19th century. Once the seat of Spanish colonial government in New Orleans, the Cabildo is now a part of the Louisiana State Museum system. Photo courtesy of Hermann-Grima House on Facebook, Hermann-Grima House and Gallier House (820 St Louis St). This French Quarter structure dates back to 1752, and stands as one of the oldest buildings from the French colonial period. "They have a huge collection beautifully curated and displayed, varying across portraits, beautiful, beautiful maps, "The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum showcases an extensive collection of medical and pharmaceutical, "It’s definitely worth making the effort getting there for the 1pm tour - the guide is knowledgable and funny and the, "There are some touching moments relived and memorable mementos from that life-changing event in New Orleans' recent, "... to visit and is exceptionally well presented with videos, including actual news footage, interviews with various officials and every day people, static displays, and memorabilia all throughout the, "Take time to visit the 1850 House Museum Store, which offers hand-made art, jewelry, pottery and crafts by local artists and books on every subject from New Orleans, "Her passion inspired me to learn more about the designer, Almonester Pontalbo and after I finish my book about her(available in the excellent. New Orleans museums are dedicated to the simmering gumbo of history and diversity that has inspired cultural creatives for centuries. Skip to main content Reservations: (504)-524-7770 The prescription book that old pharmacists once used to keep track of their patients’ medicine is a triumph of ingenuity and engineering in its own right. Very few homes are as old as this historic property in the French Quarter, and it is one of the few remaining examples of the French Colonial style. French Quarter entertainment includes museums, tours, riverboat rides and more. The French Quarter Museum Association is a network of seven unique cultural and historical museums that tell diverse stories from all corners of New Orleans’ oldest neighborhood. Experience history, architecture, museums, restaurants, bars and stories of the French Quarter and Marigny. Check their website for information on live performances, which occur on an almost daily basis either here or at the Old US Mint. Argh, that one makes us groan just thinking about it. Backstreet Cultural Museum (1116 Henriette Delille St). Mardi Gras is one of the major attractions and cultural touchstones of New Orleans. Must-See Museums In and Near the French Quarter. Top 10 Speciality Museums in French Quarter: See reviews and photos of Speciality Museums in French Quarter, New Orleans (Louisiana) on Tripadvisor. Photo courtesy of The Historic New Orleans Collection on Facebook, The Historic New Orleans Collection (533 Royal St). Today it houses an art gallery and exhibitions on jazz music in New Orleans, all under the auspices of the Louisiana State Museum. Here’s a grim bit of trivia – when the mint was recaptured by US Marines during the Civil War, a local Confederate sympathizer, William Bruce Mumford, ripped the American flag from the roof of the building and paraded it through the Quarter, where crowds ripped the banner to pieces. The Historic New Orleans Collection is set on a handsome campus in the heart of the French Quarter. French Quarter The best restaurants, bars, museums, and festivals of New Orleans are in the oldest neighborhood, the French Quarter, just a half-mile from our downtown hotel. Must-See Museums in and Near the French Quarter. Located in the Treme, just a few blocks out of the Quarter, the Backstreet Cultural Museum must be the most unique museum in the city. "Our guide was passionate and knowledgeable and able to speak about architecture, "We were fortunate enough for Mr. Mack to offer a tour to the handful of folks visiting that morning, and his knowledge and, "The Cabildo is located at701 Chartres Street, and is a wonderful example of late 18th Century “Territorial Spanish”, "Great galleries on Mardi Gras, the War of 1812, Civil War, Plantation Life, Jazz Music.Very well laid out with comprehensive, "Old U.S. mint with displays of Confederate and Union coinage, but the best reason to visit is that the building houses the New Orleans Jazz, "Small place but you can see a lot of past and how the spiritual world how make the present city, It self guided, "If you’re a history buff, have a bit of a, "My wife and I thought this was near the top of our New Orleans's, "The museum has a absolutely amazing collection of voodoo artifacts and alters to all the loa(spirits) the, "Such a beautiful combination of unique, dreamlike and exquisite detail in their, InterContinental (IHG) Hotels in New Orleans, Marriott Autograph Collection Hotels in New Orleans, Warehouse/Central Business District Hotels, Arts District / Warehouse District Hotels, Hotels near Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World, Hotels near (MSY) Louis Armstrong Intl Airport, Points of Interest & Landmarks in New Orleans, New Orleans Pharmacy Museum: Tickets & Tours‎, The Historic New Orleans Collection: Tickets & Tours‎, Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture: Tickets & Tours‎, New Orleans Jazz Museum: Tickets & Tours‎, New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum: Tickets & Tours‎, Hemmerling Gallery of Southern Art: Tickets & Tours‎, Germaine Wells Mardi Gras Museum: Tickets & Tours‎, Things to do near (MSY) Louis Armstrong Intl Airport, Things to do near The National WWII Museum, Things to do near Harrah's Casino New Orleans, Things to do near Xavier University of Louisiana, Things to do near Loyola University New Orleans, Things to do near The Higgins Hotel New Orleans, Curio Collection by Hilton, Things to do near The Pontchartrain Hotel, Things to do near Cambria Hotel New Orleans Downtown Warehouse District, Things to do near The Brandywine by Sextant. Here, the focus is less on Louisiana history, and more on the culture and folkways of carnival season, from ‘krewes’ (Mardi Gras parading societies) to the costumes associated with Courir de Mardi Gras in Cajun country. 8 tips and reviews HISTORY: This was the site of the Louisiana Purchase transfer ceremonies in 1803 & continued to be used by the city council until the mid 1850s. The mission of the FQMA is to make museum-going an integral part of the French Quarter experience. The room also once served as a courtroom, and was scene of many seminal court cases, including Plessy vs Ferguson. The main hall of the building, the the Sala Capitular (“Meeting Room”), is a gorgeous space in its own right, offering views out unto the Quarter and the Mississippi river. Some of the 10 buildings on the property date back to … more, "Jamie Hayes has a true flair for portraying cats, birds , bands, Mardi Gras Floats and other local features into a GOTTA HAVE piece of. Visitors can explore the Royal St campus for free or take tours of THNOC’s large collection of preserved properties; the experience speaks to both the historical events of the city and its architectural legacy. Both of these museums are more universal in scope as regards their respective fields of knowledge (World War II and fine art). The Historic New Orleans Collection (THNOC), a non-profit dedicated to the study of the city, includes a network of historic structures that contain both a permanent and temporary exhibitions on regional history. New Orleans' French Quarter may be its most secretive neighborhood. It’s a time for children 7 – 12 (and parents) to learn about life as a kid during the New Orleans Golden Era aka the 1830s. Library collections are housed in the Third District Municipal Court building. The Mint also frequently hosts musical performances courtesy of the Jazz National Historical park (below). Voodoo dolls were cheap and so were the gris gris bags. Learn about aphrodisiacs... Book Now! Admission was $5. Inside this small structure, local residents lead visitors through an exploration of the New Orleans ‘backstreet’ – the unique cultural folkways of the city’s African American population. While it’s not technically a museum (although it does contain some small exhibitions on site), this branch of the National Park system includes knowledgeable ranger staff who lead tours, lectures and concerts that explore the long history of New Orleans popular music and culture. Visit the French Quarter near the Cambria New Orleans and explore the old world architecture, unique stores, art galleries, and restaurants of the area. Photo by Trevor Mark. I got all the information I needed though. Visitors can learn about the relative opulence enjoyed by the residents of these homes, as well as the conditions of the enslaved workforce that made their lives of comfort possible. 533 Royal Street ... One of the earliest and best examples of American architecture in the French Quarter, this 1831 mansion with its authentically restored interiors and courtyards reflects the beauty and elegance of a bygone era. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, hours and schedules of some businesses and services may be disrupted. Yes, New Orleans (and the French Quarter in particular) is known more for its food, music and festivals rather than its museums but the city offers quite a few amazing educational and entertainment institutions that should make your bucket list. It's very small with 2 rooms showcasing various materials. Long a favorite of locals, the Pharmacy Museum, located in an 1823-era drug store, is a peek into both the city’s history and the general medical oddities of the 19th century. There is also a large permanent exhibition on the impact of Hurricane Katrina, and the city’s post storm recovery, making a visit here a powerful hybrid experience of celebration, grief and resilience. The museum operated as a convent, orphanage, and school until 1824. Or the insertion of a metal catheter? August 27, 2019. Because of its location at the edge of the Caribbean, and a French-Creole history that allowed for the observation of certain traditions, black New Orleans culture includes a plethora of practices – from second line parades to Mardi Gras Indians – that simply cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Our museums tend to focus on local knowledge subjects that exist close to home: the history of South Louisiana, the roots and variations of the region’s folkways, and similar topics. The city was at the height of its economic power and influence at this time, and the city’s free population enjoyed a standard of living that was unmatched in much of the United States. New Orleans Pharmacy Museum (514 Chartres St). New Orleans tends to be known more for her food, music and nightlife than her museums, but this city actually excels at visitor friendly educational institutions. Photo by Cheryl Gerber. Top 10 Museums in French Quarter: See reviews and photos of Museums in French Quarter, New Orleans (Louisiana) on Tripadvisor. The Historic New Orleans Collection. Photo courtesy of Louisiana State Museum on Facebook. Located almost adjacent to the Cabildo, the Presbytere – so named because it houses clergy members – is also a part of the Louisiana State Museum family. The French Quarter Museum Association is a network of seven unique cultural and historical museums that tell diverse stories from all corners of New Orleans’ oldest neighborhood. It was the perfect ending to a day of exploring the wonderfully interesting museums of the French Quarter. Click here to find the best attractions in the French Quarter New Orleans. New Orleans Golden Era Tour for Kids. The interactive neighborhood walk through six blocks of the French Quarter emphasizes the cultural ambiance of the time, including ghosts and music. Find the best Museums on Yelp: search reviews of 59 New Orleans businesses by price, type, or location. Inside, visitors learn about questionable medical practices from back in the day – who wants some pills coated in lead paint? Multiple sources tell WWL-TV, the French Quarter … New Orleans is the birthplace of jazz music, so it's only natural that there's a museum dedicated to it right in the heart of the city. A few notable exceptions are the National World War II Museum (located within the Warehouse District, and an easy walk from Canal St) and the New Orleans Museum of Art (located in City Park, about 15 minutes from the French Quarter by car). This list of museums in New Orleans, Louisiana contains museums which are defined for … With new Coronavirus cases surging in New Orleans, the French Quarter Festival is now expected to make a major announcement next week. Our museums offer time traveling of the most stimulating variety, delivering engaging insights into how New Orleans’ past relates to its vibrant present, showcasing beauty both natural and bespoke. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Besides being fun and educational, the following museums also constitute a break from the heat – an important factor to consider if you visit during the long summer months. The Great Desire Tour will take you on a literary adventure through the French Quarter, New Orleans. The 1850 House This historic house, part of the Louisiana State Museums, is furnished with domestic goods, decorative arts and art of the period. Located in the Lower Pontalba Building on Jackson Square, the 1850 house is a glimpse into the well-manicured living conditions of a middle class 19th century, free New Orleans family. A few notable exceptions are the National World War II Museum (located within the Warehouse District, and an easy walk from Canal St) and the New Orleans Museum of Art (located in City Park, about 15 minutes from the French Quarter by car). This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Don’t get us started on the forceps. New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park (916 N Peters St). Note that THNOC also offers a smart phone app tour, and hosts a long packed calendar of events and lectures that ought to scratch the itch of even the most obsessed history fanatics. Photo courtesy of New Orleans Pharmacy Museum on Facebook. For his efforts, Mumford was hung from a flagstaff off the side of the mint in 1862. 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