Location: New Orleans
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What to do and see in New Orleans, Louisiana (LA): The Best History Museums
Laissez les bons temps rouler! In New Orleans the good times are perpetually rolling down Bourbon Street, which, thanks to the city’s annual Mardi Gras celebration, has quite a party animal reputation. Once you’ve soaked up the scenery of the historic French Quarter, tour the elegant Garden District and meet the colorful characters of Frenchmen Street. Experience the city's supernatural vibe at the Voodoo Museum or by taking a guided ghost or vampire tour through taverns, alleyways, and cemeteries.
Restaurants in New Orleans
1. Museum of the Free People of Color
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
2. Le Musee de f.p.c.
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By bobca1947
This museum is located in a beautiful old house. It celebrates the lives, legacies, and contributions of men and women of African descent who have left an indelible mark on New Orleans, Louisiana and the nation. This institution is dedicated to the collection, preservation,m and interpretation of material culture; sharing the rich and impactful history of free people prior to the Civil War. Kim--the curator historian and tour leader--gave an excellent presentation.
3. Treme's Petit Jazz Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 40 reviews
Treme’s Petit Jazz Museum will tell you the true story of jazz right here where it all first started. Through a tour of the exhibits with a local expert you’ll discover Treme, the oldest integrated neighbourhood in all of America, and why it became the birthplace of jazz. Treme has always been an important center of African-American and Creole culture; New Orleans’ beating heart for brass bands, Mardi Gras Indians, and of course, the jazz that is the life blood that pulses through the city. Visit this one of a kind local museum, and gain an insider’s glimpse of the influences, legends, and historical events that gave rise to the music that has kept this community's, and the world’s, feet tapping since 1895.
Reviewed By swirbp
Alvin Jackson leads a fun, knowledgable, and interesting tour around his intimate one-room museum that is chock full of photos, paintings, artifacts, and more. Al is a warm and engaging host who answers questions and constantly makes original connections that made me see the evolution of jazz through new eyes.
4. Gallier House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 107 reviews
Gallier House is a historic home in the New Orleans French Quarter and was built in 1857 by James Gallier, Jr. This home offers a glimpse into the past with opulent decorations, innovative household features and many personal touches. Guests will learn not only about the Galliers and enslaved residents of the property but also about New Orleans during the time period. Guided tours are available on the hour Thurs-Sun to enjoy the architecture, decor, and history of both the Gallier family and this breathtaking residence they once called home. For group tours and more, please contact us for more detaills.
Reviewed By kmullett2018 - Campbell River, Canada
Excellent tour. We happened to come during a slow time and as a result had our own private tour. We were shown through nearly the entire townhouse and yard filled with period accurate furniture. We learned of the family who lived in the home in the mid 1800’s and of the house itself. How it was built what was unique about it and how the family lived during this era. We love looking at old homes and learning about the history so this was a dream tour for us. Our tour guide was excellent and passionate about history. Highly recommend it.
5. The Presbytere
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 954 reviews
The Presbytere was designed in 1791 to match the Cabildo, alongside St. Louis Cathedral in the French Quarter. It stands today as a beautiful reminder of both Louisiana's singular past and its vibrant present.The Presbytere, originally called Casa Curial or "Ecclesiastical House," was built on the site of the residence, or presbytere, of the Capuchin monks. The building was used for commercial purposes until 1834 when it became a courthouse. In 1911, it became part of the Louisiana State Museum. Two exhibitions are on display-"Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond" tells of rescue, rebuilding and renewal, and "Mardi Gras: It's Carnival Time in Louisiana" captures the fun and fantasy of the annual celebration.
Reviewed By PhebeT_11 - Astoria, United States
As part of the Louisiana State Museum, The Presbytere is a fascinating place to visit in combination with The Cabildo and the 1850 House. Because all three are right there in Jackson Square, buy a combo ticket and allot 3-4 hours to get great insight to New Orleans. The Presbytere focuses on Hurricane Katrina and New Orleans resilience as well as the culture and customs of Mardi Gras. I feel smarter!
6. Lower 9th Ward Living Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 47 reviews
The Lower Ninth Ward Living Museum was created to celebrate the rich history of this unique neighborhood. Only one in five residents has been able to return to their homes, so many stories will be lost if we as a community fail to actively remember. The Living Museum features oral histories from community members, exhibits of key events from the history of the Lower Ninth Ward, and cultural events that entertain and educate.
Reviewed By travelpymwymi - Palo Alto, United States
Provides rich context of the lower 9th ward pre and post-Katrina. Excellent history exhibit that contains information relevant to current society - hence the name, "Living History". Take the time to read everything. Great to go on your own. public transit goes straight there.
7. Algiers Folk Art And Blues Museum
8. New Orleans Jazz Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 583 reviews
The New Orleans Jazz Museum celebrates jazz in the city where it was born. Through dynamic interactive exhibits, multigenerational educational programming, reaserch facilities, and engaging musical performances, the music New Orleans made famous is explored in all its forms. Housed in the historic Old U.S. Mint, strategically located at the intersection of the French Quarter and the Frenchmen Street live music corridor, the New Orleans Jazz Museum is in the heart of the city’s music scene. Through partnerships with local, national, and international educational institutions, the New Orleans Jazz Museum promotes the global understanding of jazz as one of the most innovative, historically pivotal musical art forms in world history.
Reviewed By AlanEthard - Madison, United States
The New Orleans Jazz Museum is housed in the historic U.S. Mint building, located at the intersection of the French Quarter and the Frenchmen Street live music corridor. It's a joint effort of the National Park Service, the State of Louisiana, Tulane University, and a bunch of other entities. Besides the exhibits about notable New Orleans jazz figures, there's a live performance series and a state-of-the-art recording facility. Don't expect exhibits about jazz musicians from NYC, Chicago and elsewhere. This is the New Orleans Jazz Museum and it's worth the price of admission, which is less than $10.
9. Madame John's Legacy
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 48 reviews
This building is currently undergoing major restoration projects and is closed to the public. The second-oldest building in the Mississippi Valley and a fine example of Creole architecture, this center offers exhibits on history and Creole-style art.
10. American Italian Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 11 reviews
The American Italian Cultural Center promotes the culture and heritage of the American Italian community by offering Italian language and culture classes, seminars, concerts, and events. This center will be the leading institution preserving and celebrating the American Italian history of Louisiana. The impact will be felt through increased awareness of how the American Italian community has shaped local, regional, and national history and culture. Our values include education, inspiration, high quality, collaboration, and financial integrity. We provide programming opportunities that allow the community to come together to learn about the people, places, and events of our rich history and continuing significance.
