This post may contain affiliate links. I only recommend excursions, products and tours that I have personally used and purchased myself. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a very small commission at no extra cost to you. All proceeds go to running this blog and your support is truly appreciated! All opinions are my own. Originally Published June 3rd, 2024 Why, hello there, museum lover. Perhaps, museums aren’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Nola. I mean, it’s a boozy city with rich food, a sordid past and a plethora of haunted spaces, right? However, did you know that New Orleans has some great museums to check out? Actually, one of the best museums I’ve ever visited is in New Orleans. Many of these museums will give you a portal into the past, present, culture, characteristics and more of the Crescent City. So, depending on what you’re interested in, you can decide which of these museums in New Orleans, Louisiana you’ll check out while in town. Alright, if you love yourself a libation, you’ll really enjoy this museum. However, even if you don’t drink, you can still enjoy learning about the origins and history of Sazerac. Besides, it holds a strong cultural context in the Big Easy. Basically, the museum is very interactive, provides lots of history and fun facts. Perhaps, for many, their favorite part will be the demonstrations and the samples? Along the way, there are bartenders whom make and share samples of a featured Sazerac cocktail. Think someone put a hex on you? Need to get your mojo back? Want to keep the bad juju away? Well, I can’t guarantee that will happen by you visiting here. Nevertheless, I can say that I wrote down two wishes at the alter in the museum and left a monetary ‘offering.’ Basically, least one of them has come true, and the other is halfway to fruition. Hey, a fifty percent conversion rate of ‘wishes coming true’ ain’t too shabby, right? The New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum is housed in a tiny space in the French Quarter. Albeit, a small museum, it’s packed with fascinating artifacts and information. Moreover, the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum is honestly one of my favorite museums because of how thoughtful each portion of it is. Embodying a home grown feel, many of the object labels appear computer typed on regular 8×11 paper and framed. However, that’s what makes the place feel genuine, and you connected to it. This is certainly one of the most unique museums in New Orleans, Louisiana. This is great for those whom enjoy history, architecture, interior design, stories or perhaps just loves watching or reading a good period piece. Additionally, the 1850 House is a state owned museum and the house is actually registered with the National Register of Historic Places. The 1850 house depicts a fully furnished Antebellum row house from the period. The museum also prides itself on its expansive gift shoppe, which, I myself, spent quite a bit of time in (and no, it wasn’t just because it was scorching outside and the shoppe is nicely air conditioned). I bought a few books in the gift shoppe, knowing darn well I could’ve bought them cheaper online, but I wanted to support the museum. You’re welcome state of Louisiana. Tip: just a heads up, as the house is a registered historic landmark, it cannot be modified, and as such, it is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible. I absolutely love jazz music, and guess what? New Orleans is the birthplace of it. Needless to say, jazz is at the epicenter of New Orleans culture and history. Therefore, if you’re a jazz lover or simply curious and love to learn, the New Orleans Jazz Museum might be worth a visit for you. There is so much on display – from treasured instruments of the greats, to newspaper clippings and story after story about jazz’s roots in New Orleans. There is also artwork on display intermittently through the museum. The exhibition is housed in the former New Orleans mint, which was a fully operating US Mint from 1838 – 1909. So, you can learn a bit about that as well! Is there anything truly more synonymous with New Orleans than Mardi Gras? If you’ve never experienced Mardi Gras in Nola, or perhaps never plan to, but are still interested in learning more about it, this is the place to do that! Mardi Gras World is friendly to all types of travelers, all ages and families. In fact, I think anyone can enjoy this museum. It’s one of the most distinctive museums in New Orleans, Louisiana. Upon arrival, you’ll encounter a large warehouse like structure, with a giant Mardi Gras mask and imposing “entrance” sign over the front door. You’re greeted with beads and King cake, emblematic of the annual celebratory festival. I mean, how can a place go wrong leading with dessert? You’ll watch an educational video, tour the showroom of floats and see many a creation in progress. There’s a plethora of fun photo ops, appealing to all ages. Since this is one of the more expensive museums in town, you will probably need a moderate to high interest level in seeing the interworking of the floats, parade and all things Mardi Gras. They offer hour long tours, every 30 minutes and they close early (4:00pm), so plan accordingly! Tip: Mardi Gras World is a bit far away from all the walkable attractions, but never fear – they offer complimentary shuttle service to the museum! There are ten pickup spots throughout the city, so just head to one of them and call them to come and swoop you up. Mardi Gras World shuttle service: (504)361.7821 Of this lineup, this is the only museum I have not personally visited. Surely, it’s not by choice or for lack of trying. Both of my most recent New Orleans visits – one in summer and one in spring – the New Orleans Pharmacy museum was closed. Indeed… I couldn’t believe it. Thus, this exhibition still remains on my museum bucket list. Meanwhile, I hope you do visit for me. The New Orleans Pharmacy museum is located in a historical landmark. An impressive collection of artifacts are housed in a early 1800’s classic Creole townhouse in the French quarter. The townhouse is a former apothecary and residence of the very first licensed pharmacist in the USA. The apothecary was in full operation until 1855. Now, you can view a collection of over 18,400 historical antiquities, many of them pharmaceutical or medical in nature. Guided tours are limited: offered Thursday through Saturday from 10:00am – 11:00am only. Tip: you can also rent out this space for your wedding, business or special private event. Last, but most certainly not least, the National WWII Museum. Possibly the most impressive, elaborate and moving museum I’ve ever been to. While this museum is not necessarily relevant to New Orleans culture specifically, it is very relevant to US and world history. Also, if you’re curious why the WWII museum is in New Orleans, don’t worry. I wondered the same thing. Although it may seem out of place, there is actually a couple solid reasons why the WWII museum calls Nola home. Firstly, the man who was one of the driving forces behind the effort to build the museum, historian Stephan Ambrose, called New Orleans home. Secondly, Higgins Industries, whom supplied more than 20,000 boats to the US during WWII was also based in New Orleans. In fact, according to the museum, General Eisenhower said years later that, “Higgins won the war for us.” Markedly, the WWII exhibit is more than a museum. It’s a full production. An experience. You could easily spend an entire day here. Especially, if you’re someone who likes to dive deep in museum exhibits. So make sure you set aside enough time. Obviously, you may not have an entire day of your trip to spare. The good news is, you can explore as much or as little of the museum as you’d like. Even spending almost a day here, we didn’t quite get to everything. Surprisingly, even if you aren’t a war history buff, you’ll likely be blown away by this museum. Perhaps… even moved to tears. Tip: when you visit, I recommend purchasing a package that includes the Beyond all Boundaries 4D experience, as it is incredible. Besides having several packages to choose from, you can add on various guided tours to suit your preferences and budget. Have you been to any of these museums? Overall, which are you most interested in? Let me know in the comments below. Otherwise, have a question? Ask away! Check these out! Want to know how I travel so frequently? By booking jaw-dropping flight deals that are often so low you’d have to see ’em to believe it. The best part? They’re sent right to my inbox. You can try it out for free: here. I exclusively use this site to book all my stays. I get 20% off on all my stays plus additional perks from their loyalty program. Check it out! Get reliable travel medical insurance for your trip, for just $2 a day – here Looking for a flight on a specific date? Use this search engine and start earning rewards! Need to book your excursions and tours? This company is my favorite. This is another marketplace for tours, that is especially great for Europe. Renting a car for your adventure? Discover the right car for your journey: here. Do you love train travel as much as I do? Get your train tickets here! Want to travel in comfort and have lounge access around the world? Get that right here. You know what I love to do when I visit a new city? This!Visit THESE Museums in New Orleans Louisiana
The Sazerac House
Sazerac House
101 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Self guided tour cost: free
sazerachouse.com
New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum
New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum
724 Dumaine Street, New Orleans, LA 70116
Self guided tour cost: $8 per person
voodoomuseum.com
1850 House Museum
1850 House Museum and Gift Shop
523 St Ann Street New Orleans, LA 70116
Located inside the lower Pontalba building
Cost: $5 for adults, $4 for seniors, students and military
louisianastatemuseum.org
New Orleans Jazz Museum
New Orleans Jazz Museum
400 Esplanade Avenue New Orleans, LA 70116
Cost: $8 for adults, $6 for seniors, students and military
nolajazzmuseum.org
Mardi Gras World
Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World
1380 Port of New Orleans Place New Orleans, LA 70130
Cost: $22 per person
mardigrasworld.com
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
514 Chartres Street New Orleans, Louisiana 70130
Cost: Self guided tour – $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, students and military
pharmacymuseum.org
The National WWII Museum
WWII Museum, why New Orleans?
The National WWII Museum
945 Magazine Street New Orleans, LA 70130
Cost: $25 – $60+ per person, all active, retired and veteran military are free
nationalww2museum.org
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What a cool post. The Sazerac and The Jazz Museum look appealing to me.
Good choices! The Sazerac Museum is what made the Sazerac become my drink of choice when in town.
i’ve always felt like i would totally go to the US just for New Orleans, and that was BEFORE i knew about these museums! definitely bookmarking this, that Historic Voodoo Museum looks so fascinating!
I love visiting museums and always visit a few wherever I go. This sounds like an amazing list with great options for every taste. All choices are good but most of all I’d like to visit the jazz museum, given its importance for the city.
Great list! This is the case when you feel inspired to visit every single museum in the city, New Orleans is so high on my US bucket list. Hope to visit soon! Thanks for sharing!
It’s rightfully high on your bucket list. In my opinion, it’s one of the best cities in the USA. If you’re inspired to visit every museum in the city, then you’re definitely my kind of traveler!
How interesting! I would definitely go to the Jazz Museum in New Orleans. That sounds very educational and fun. Also, the voodoo museum looks fascinating. Thank you for sharing, I will save this for my next trip to New orleans!
I absolutely love the Voodoo museum. It’s so interesting and unique. Good choice in stopping at the Jazz Museum, there is so much history and information there!