The Historic New Orleans Collection

History museum · French Quarter

The Historic New Orleans Collection

History museum · French Quarter

520 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA

Highlights

This charming museum features historic buildings showcasing engaging exhibits on New Orleans' rich culture and history, all in a lovely, airy setting.

520 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA Get directions

hnoc.org

@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

View Postcard for The Historic New Orleans Collection

@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."

The Best Things to Do in New Orleans

View Postcard for The Historic New Orleans Collection

@afar

The Perfect Day in New Orleans

View Postcard for The Historic New Orleans Collection

@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

View Postcard for The Historic New Orleans Collection

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.

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.

Martha

Google

I would have walked right by this place if a staff member hadn't been out front inviting people in to see the exhibits. It's free, they said, so, okay, why not? Also, I had to use the restroom! There are several floors of very interesting exhibits. We spent about an hour and a half looking through them at a pretty leisurely pace. The staff was helpful and willing to answer questions. They have a very nice gift shop, a really pretty courtyard, (and yes, nice restrooms). I read a LOT, and since my visit, have noticed references to the Historic New Orleans Collection in my reading, so it's fun to have that connection with a place.

Patrick Muscarello

Google

Great place to explore the history of New Orleans. They change the exhibits every so often to keep things fresh. Always done first class. On a hot summer day, you'll appreciate the A/C while you stroll the galleries. Always great, always free- but it is recommended to get your tickets before going.

Ben Roth

Google

Interesting museum with some incredibly knowledgeable and friendly staff. I stopped in because I stumbled upon their beautiful courtyard and went in because admission was free, but by the end wanted to donate because of the great experience I had. The current exhibit featured fraternal orders, both in and outside of New Orleans. While it was interesting, it wasn’t exactly what I was looking for. The other side of the museum, though, was fully geared towards the history of the city, exactly what I was looking for. Had some good and informative conversations with staff along the way, taught me the difference between Creole and Cajun! Would definitely recommend to anyone visiting if you’re interested in history.

The K Green Show

Google

My youth daughter said she could skip it but I enjoyed the time in the museum. It was free entry and has several floors and a few buildings to get through. Traveling shows and some staples. I found the masonic display pretty cool and leaned some good history about new orleans. The one room with the surround videos was cool too as it walked you through the history of the area with many videos and video clips.

Eloise J. Li

Google

Fascinating prison and slavery exhibit. Would definitely recommend. There's also a short exhibit about local wildlife

Alexander Campbell

Google

A gorgeous museum with rotating special exhibits (I saw one discussing the history of benevolent societies like the Odd Fellows in Freemasons in New Orleans for both white and black citizens throughout the years). The broader museum has a concise but interesting look at New Orleans' history, architecture, culture, and so much more. Free to enter, but definitely donate when you're finished!