The Presbytère
About This Museum
Tucked beside St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square, The Presbytère has a history as layered as the city itself. Completed in 1813, this elegant building was originally meant for the church's clergy but instead became a courthouse, its very foundations steeped in the civic and spiritual life of New Orleans. Today, it serves as a state museum, holding two powerful and contrasting stories of the city's soul. Walking its halls feels like moving between two different worlds—one of profound loss and the other of irrepressible joy.
Collection Highlights
The 'Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond' exhibit is a raw, emotionally charged experience, featuring a hauntingly twisted lighthouse and personal artifacts recovered from the flood. In stark contrast, the 'Mardi Gras: It's Carnival Time in Louisiana' wing explodes with color, showcasing intricate costumes and revealing the fascinating history behind the krewes and parade throws.
Visitor Information
It's right there on Chartres Street facing the square, so you really can't miss it. Give yourself a good couple of hours, as both exhibits are dense and deserve your full attention.
Architecture & Building
A magnificent example of Spanish Colonial architecture, with its harmonious arcades and a distinctive cupola that crowns the Jackson Square panorama.
Contact & Location
Address: The Presbytère, 751, Chartres Street, French Quarter, New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana, 70116, United States
Phone: +1 504-568-6968
Website: Visit Website
