The Historic New Orleans Collection

History museum · French Quarter

The Historic New Orleans Collection

History museum · French Quarter

4

520 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Photos

The Historic New Orleans Collection by null
The Historic New Orleans Collection by Photo courtesy of New Orleans Historic Collection
The Historic New Orleans Collection by Photo courtesy of New Orleans Historic Collection
The Historic New Orleans Collection by Courtesy The Historic New Orleans Collection
The Historic New Orleans Collection by Courtesy The Historic New Orleans Collection
The Historic New Orleans Collection by Courtesy The Historic New Orleans Collection
The Historic New Orleans Collection by null
The Historic New Orleans Collection by null
The Historic New Orleans Collection by null
The Historic New Orleans Collection by null
The Historic New Orleans Collection by null
The Historic New Orleans Collection by null
The Historic New Orleans Collection by null
The Historic New Orleans Collection by null
The Historic New Orleans Collection by null
The Historic New Orleans Collection by null
The Historic New Orleans Collection by null
The Historic New Orleans Collection by null
The Historic New Orleans Collection by null
The Historic New Orleans Collection by null
The Historic New Orleans Collection by null
The Historic New Orleans Collection by null
The Historic New Orleans Collection by null
The Historic New Orleans Collection by null
The Historic New Orleans Collection by null

Highlights

Nestled in the French Quarter, the Historic New Orleans Collection is a charming museum of restored buildings showcasing vibrant exhibits and captivating tours that delve into the rich cultural tapestry of New Orleans.  

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520 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130 Get directions

hnoc.org

Information

Static Map

520 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130 Get directions

+1 504 523 4662
hnoc.org
THNOC

Features

restroom
crowd family friendly
wheelchair accessible entrance
wheelchair accessible restroom

Last updated

Jun 12, 2025

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@eater

"Pork is a staple of Louisiana cooking, from the sausage in red beans and rice and gumbo to cochon de lait and boudin. But it’s more than that — it’s been an ingredient essential to the region’s survival and culture. Hosted by famed food writer and historian Dr. Jessica B. Harris, The Historic New Orleans Collection’s 2023 Food Forum, Pig Tales, spotlights the history, culinary uses, and cultural place of pork, culminating with a reception of seven local chefs reinterpreting a traditional Acadiana boucherie — dishes from Vance Vaucresson of Vaucresson Sausage, Marcus Jacobs of Marjie’s Grill, Alfredo Nogueira of Cane & Table, Anh Luu of Xanh NOLA, and Sophina Uong of Mister Mao. Tickets for the day-long event are $100." - Clair Lorell

The Best Under-the-Radar New Orleans Food Events You Won’t Want to Miss This Fall - Eater New Orleans
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@afar

"Historic New Orleans Collection Anyone interested in the city’s complex and vivid past—and if you’re still breathing, that should include you—would do well to make a stop at the Historic New Orleans Collection. This is a private entity with a public purpose: It was founded to both preserve French Quarter buildings and to amass and display some of the key documents and artifacts covering the city’s three centuries of history. The collection is housed in the impressive Merieult House, which dates back to 1792 and which underwent a Greek Revival makeover in the 1830s. Self-guided tours of the Williams Gallery downstairs and the Louisiana History Galleries upstairs are free; be sure to check out their exhibits on Louisiana's culture and legacy."

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The Best Things to Do in New Orleans
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@afar

"Historic New Orleans Collection Anyone interested in the city’s complex and vivid past—and if you’re still breathing, that should include you—would do well to make a stop at the Historic New Orleans Collection. This is a private entity with a public purpose: It was founded to both preserve French Quarter buildings and to amass and display some of the key documents and artifacts covering the city’s three centuries of history. The collection is housed in the impressive Merieult House, which dates back to 1792 and which underwent a Greek Revival makeover in the 1830s. Self-guided tours of the Williams Gallery downstairs and the Louisiana History Galleries upstairs are free; be sure to check out their exhibits on Louisiana's culture and legacy."

Wood grain pattern
The Perfect Day in New Orleans
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@cntraveler

"The Historic New Orleans Collection is set on a handsome campus in the heart of the French Quarter. Some of the 10 buildings on the property date back to the late 18th-century; archaeological digs have uncovered remnants of barracks that date as far back at 1720. Focusing on the history and culture of New Orleans and the surrounding Gulf South, the collection highlights subjects the War of 1812, Tennessee Williams, and jazz. The biggest permanent exhibition is Louisiana History, a wealth of paintings and artifacts spread across 13 galleries." - Paul Oswell

9 Best Museums in New Orleans
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Debbie M

Google
I love this museum! Wonderful exhibits! Last week I went 2 days in a row because I spent hours just on the 3rd floor my first day there. My visit began with a wonderful demonstration of their Aeolian organ on the 3rd floor. Surround sound from the roaring twenties! Very cool. Then I explored various exhibits about the history, people and traditions of New Orleans. Admission is free, just check in to get a ticket. Do not miss their wonderful gift shop next door!

陳愛玉

Google
A Hidden Gem for History Lovers (and it's FREE!) I was surprised by the quality and depth of the displays. There's a lot of history packed into this collection, and it's presented in an engaging way. I spent a good amount of time exploring the various exhibits and definitely left with a better understanding of New Orleans' past. If you're the kind of person who enjoys museums and historical sites, I would definitely suggest setting aside at least an hour to explore. It's a worthwhile and free activity that offers a great insight into the history and culture of New Orleans.

Kelly Lee

Google
The museum consists of two buildings with three floors of galleries. While there are plenty of exhibits, none stood out as particularly captivating. We spent about 30 minutes exploring. On the plus side, the museum is clean, and restrooms are conveniently located throughout. If you're in the area, it's worth a quick visit, but not a must-see destination.

Uyen DIEP

Google
It’s so informative and really an introduction to New Orleans (and Louisiana in general). They are free and sometimes have special exhibits. Highly recommended!

A E

Google
The museum is not as big as other museums but its beautiful, clean and the only place in the french quarter that actually smells good! The museum is free my kids love exploring and they love the gift shop. My youngest son even commented and called the restrooms as “ luxurious “ 😊

Ceaux Chitty

Google
This is a fantastic Museum and it was free to go in! My favorite exhibit was on the history of the Vietnamese Community of New Orleans! There was a lot to see and do here!

Laura Lucas

Google
The museum is bigger than we expected. Two buildings, 3 floors of galleries. We spent an hour alone in the current exhibit Captive State:Louisiana and the Making of Mass Incarceration. Very nice layout, pretty courtyard, not too crowded. Glad we visited.

Barbara Motley

Google
The Historic New Orleans Collection museum is a smart, engaging walk through New Orleans…it’s many ethnicities, colorful architecture, eccentricities , and fun-loving spirit. If you are one of the many people around the world who have a special attraction to this City, I highly recommend you take a stroll through it’s unmatched history at this special museum in the French Quarter! Then go stroll the many unique neighborhoods… slowly and with many stops to enjoy their individually unique vibes.