The Historic New Orleans Collection

We returned to Historic New Orleans Collection for a different exhibition called Captive State: Louisiana and the Making of Mass Incarceration which is an education on history of slavery that began through the port of New Orleans and how their labor and influence helped shape many aspects of New Orleans including their economic growth, infrastructure, culture, etc. I took a lot of pictures so that I can refer back to them as needed -too many to include in this review. The exhibitions change throughout the year, and they also offer virtual exhibitions so there is always something interesting going on. I look forward to visiting again.

The Historic New Orleans Collection is a lovey little museum located in the heart of the French Quarter on Royal Street. The collection currently is exhibiting both its permanent collection with furniture, art, maps and other artifacts which relate to the long history of New Orleans. A newer temporary exhibit relates to the history of incarceration in Louisiana from the period of its French and Spanish rule, through its American period and even more recently under Jim Crow and the more recent prison incarceration system. Both areas of the museum were informative and well designed. And with entrance being free, there's no reason for any visitor to not include this venue on their itinerary. I'd recommend it as a worthwhile stop to learn more about this fascinating city and its culture.

A great museum right in the heart of the French Quarter, and it's free! Well curated exhibitions from the collection (did I mention they have some of MY work in the collection?) and afterward there is a very pleasant courtyard to have a sit and grab a coffee or drink at a small shop. Great gift shop with lots of local stuff. If youre looking for more than a whopping hangover from too many hurricanes on Bourbon street, check this place out!

There is a special exhibit on free masons and odd fellows. We were only able to see the third floor arriving about an hour before close but it was pretty interesting especially the part about the slave exchange. Kinda crazy to see a document describing the people for sale. It's free so it's a great way to spend a few hours

This FREE museum is in the heart of the French Quarter on Royal St. between St. Louis and Toulouse. Full disclosure, I worked here for a few years back in the 'before times' and I love that I can honestly tell you what a great gift this FREE museum is to our city and all its visitors. There are some permanent collections on display documenting the history of the French Quarter and several exhibit spaces with a wide variety of changing exhibits. Art, Photography, Culture, History, Architecture are all covered in the exhibits. They also offer a research library at the Williams Research center, the sister property at 410 Chartres St. They offer a variety of lectures which you can find out about on their website.Did I mention that it was FREE??

The Historic New Orleans Collection is a museum located in the French Quarter that walks through the history and culture of New Orleans. There are a variety of exhibitions with a wide range of topics like New Orleans history, culture, cuisine, and pop culture. The best part: it's free! Some exhibits do cost money but you can see a whole lot without paying anything.One museum that I've never seen before: an augmented reality museum. There was a temporary exhibit about the Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral and what it looked like then and what it looks like today. There were 22 stops across the floor and we used a tablet to see its transformation through time, through the fire that occurred on April 15, 2019 and damaged the cathedral, and the subsequent restoration. It was a really unique and interactive exhibit and I really enjoyed it.Besides that there was a small photo gallery about people and places in the French Quarter, a gallery about the history of the geography of New Orleans, and New Orleans in pop culture such as the film A Streetcar Named Desire.This was a high quality museum which was surprising given that it was free because I could totally see people happily paying for admission. Between all the exhibits we spent two hours which I think was time well spent.

Great museum that has: 1) Free admission; 2) A quiet courtyard with seating; 3) Free lockers to store coats and bags; 4) Clean restrooms; and 5) A cute gift shop! When we visited, there was a history of New Orleans exhibit in the building that also hosts organ music demos most days at 11am. The more modern back building has bathrooms on both floors and a fraternal order exhibit.

I guess I first reviewed The Historic New Orleans Collection in 2018. It's now 2024, and I'm reviewing it again. We just got back from New Orleans, and, as always, we always stop in here to see what they have. It's. "FREE" exhibit, (we always leave them $20.00 or more), and they have great artifacts. This time, it was on "Secret Societies." We also got to listen to the "Aeolian Player Pipe Organ" they have in the museum. The museum is in a former residence. The organ is one of only a few known to exists, and one of a fewer number that actually play. It was the home stereo of the time, and only the wealthiest owned them. That, alone, was worth the visit. If you get a chance when you're in New Orleans, stop by to see what they have. Chances are you're walking by it's location on Royal Street anyway.

I am a sucker for some promoted ads on various social media sites, so when I saw one for an exhibit pairing with the Tennessee Williams production company celebrating the 50 years of "Streetcar Named Desire" with the "Six Faces of Blanche", I knew I had to come. I've been wanting to visit for awhile now. I now regret not coming sooner to this collection.There is a permanent exhibit of the history of New Orleans and rotating exhibits, including the one about Blanche. The permanent exhibit is wonderful and the employees working know a lot of the history. It is simply amazing. All you have to do is ask a question and they will fill you in on the details.The Blanch exhibit was delightful. Besides the actors, there were costumes, play books, pictures on display.Everything was simply wonderful and I suggest everyone come, even after this exhibit as I am sure there will be something equally amazing. There is also a café on site so if you get hungry, stop and have a bite. I ate there and the food was wonderful, the customer service was amazing.

My only regret is I didn't have a chance to fully explore. I admit, I ducked in because I hoped they were selling cold drinks (and they were in the gift shop!) but did not anticipate the gift shop would be so neat. There are many things to admire and risk purchasing for readers, lovers of history, and those with a sarcastic sense of humor. Move into the building, and you find a peaceful courtyard with a small cafe attached. There is also a plastic floor so you can peak into the past below the cobblestones. This was a great unexpected find!