One might find it odd that a pharmacy is a national landmark. But, the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum is no ordinary museum. It holds the distinction of being the site of the first pharmacy in the United States. Opened in 1823 by J. Dufilho, the first licensed pharmacist in the United States, the museum allows one to take a step back into the days of the past. There are many items you will see when you visit, such as live leeches, apothecary jars, medical instruments, eyeglasses, wooden blenders, bloodletting devices, and prescription files. There is even a pharmacist’s work area that displays the microscope, mortal, and pestle that the doctor used to make his medicines. The nearby garden shows the herbs that were a part of the many prescriptions that the doctor wrote. There are literally hundreds of items to look at and discover. In addition, the display of New Orleans epidemics is fascinating. In 1950, the pharmacy became a museum. In 1987, budget cuts almost caused the museum to close its doors. Luckily, a non-profit group known as the “Friends of Historical Pharmacy” took over the financial responsibility of the museum and saved the day. The building is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm.

Located in the French Quarter on Royal Street, the Historic New Orleans Collection focuses on the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South region. The collection was established in 1966 by General and Mrs. L. Kemper Williams. The museum includes the Merieult House, William Gallery, the Louisiana History Galleries, a museum shop, and the Williams Residence. Other buildings on the site include the Counting House, Maisonette, Townhouse, Louis Adams House, and Creole Cottage. In addition, the Williams Research Center on Charles Street allows researchers to view the documents, library items, manuscripts, photographs, prints, drawings, paintings, and other artifacts. The museum shop sells books, prints, jewelry, stationery, gift cards, and other items. Displayed collections include the William Russell Jazz Collection, the William C. Cook War of 1812 in the South Collection, the Tennessee Williams Collection, and the Clarence John Laughlin Collection. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm and on Sunday from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm. Tours of the galleries and the Williams Residence are at 10 am, 11 am, 2 pm, and 3 pm. Groups of eight or more people must make a reservation in order to receive a tour.

One cannot visit New Orleans without seeing the Cabildo. The Cabildo was the original seat of the New Orleans colonial government. Located along the Jackson Square next to the Saint Louis Cathedral, this building is an important part of American and Louisiana history. The Louisiana Purchase transfer ceremonies were held at this location. The original building was constructed in 1769. The current structure was raised in 1798 to replace the old building that was destroyed by fire. The local government used the building until the mid 1850s. Currently, the Cabildo is a museum that tells the history of Louisiana from the time of the Native Americans until the Reconstruction Era. Many of the exhibit’s displays give you a glimpse into the daily lives of the locals. The museum also holds an exhibit that tells the story of music. Visitors should make sure to view the death mask of Napoleon that was donated to the museum by his doctor. The Friends of the Cabildo offers tours Tuesday through Sunday at 10 am and 1:30 pm. No tours are given on Mondays or state holidays. They also provide monetary support, publish books about the many historical buildings in New Orleans, and augment museum staff.

The Presbytere, originally named the Casa Curial, is located on the site of the former Capuchin monk’s residence. Although the building was supposed to house the clergy, it never did. Currently, it houses exhibits from the Louisiana State Museum. It is located in the French Quarter near the Saint Louis Cathedral along Jackson Square.

Construction began in 1791 and was completed in 1813. The building was originally used for commerce until 1834. In 1834, the building was used by the Louisiana Supreme Court. In 1853, the cathedral was sold to the city. In 1908, the city sold the building to the state. In 1911, the museum became part of the Louisiana State Museum. In 1970, the structure was declared a National Historical Landmark.

One of the most interesting displays is the Hurricane Katrina exhibit. Hurricane Katrina was a major hurricane whose effects are still seen and felt in New Orleans today. There is also a Mardi Gras exhibit that tells the story of Fat Tuesday and its many traditions from beginning to end. Two of the highlights of the Mardi Gras exhibit are the realistic costumes and the float recreations. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm. Groups are welcome, but reservations are required in advance.

Strange, unique, spooky, fun and scary, the New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum provides the curious an introductory look into the world of Voodoo. Established in 1972 by artist Charles Massicot Gandolfo, the museum is located in the French Quarter between Bourbon Street and Royal Street. The museum’s focus is Louisiana Voodoo which is also known as New Orleans Voodoo. Voodoo is an ancient religion, of spirits, whose roots are based in Western Africa. When the slaves landed on the shores of Louisiana, they brought this mysterious and often misunderstood practice with them. The Voodoo religion eventually merged with native French and Spanish culture to create its own distinct branch of the faith. Although the museum only consists of two rooms, it is jam packed with items. There are skulls, altars, and masks everywhere. The local priestess will even give you a psychic reading in person or by phone. For those who wish to take the experience further, ritual services with local practitioners can be arranged. These services range from blessings and curse removals to weddings. The gift shop sells love potions, books, chicken feet, gris-gris (amulet) bags, snake oils, books, dolls, candles, and other mementoes. There is also a Voodoo Cemetery Walking Tour that takes you to the tomb of the great Marie. They are open seven days a week from 10 am to 6 pm.

The Old US Mint is the only building in the United States that was used to manufacture money for the United States and Confederate government. Architect William Strickland designed the Greek Revival building which opened in 1835.

During the Civil War, the mint was captured by Confederate troops and used to make their money. Once Federal troops arrived in New Orleans, the mint was returned to the United States government and production of American currency resumed.

In 1966, the building became property of the state of Louisiana and was opened to the public as part of the Louisiana State Museum. Today, the museum holds several exhibits such as the Jazz Exhibit, the Newcombe Pottery and Crafts Exhibit, and the Mississippi and the Making of a Nation Exhibit. In addition, the first floor of the museum has a series of displays that honor the buildings monetary beginnings.

The Jazz Exhibit tells the story of Jazz from its inception until modern times. Visitors will be able to view the instruments, sheet music, and other memorabilia of the many artist. The Newcomb Pottery and Crafts Exhibit presents the pottery, paintings, metalwork, and book bindings of students from the H. Sophie Newcomb College at Tulane University. The Mississippi and the Making of a Nation Exhibit features displays based on the National Geographic book of the same name.

The Louisiana Historical Museum, which is also a part of the building, is open to researchers Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 10 am 12 pm and 1 pm to 4 pm. The Old US Mint is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 am to 4:30 pm. They are closed Monday and state holidays.

Located in the Tremé community in Tremé Villa, the New Orleans African American Museum presents the life, culture, music, and history of the New Orleans African American community. Tremé is one of the oldest surviving black communities in the United States and it is only fitting that the exhibition hall be located there. The building design reflects West Indies and French-colonial architecture.
The museum was built between 1828 and 1829 by Simon Meilleur and is located on the site of a former plantation. The artwork of established and up-and-coming artists is beautifully displayed throughout the building. The site features three courtyards and a gazebo in the center of the yard that everyone will enjoy when they visit.

Variety is the theme at the museum with the exhibits changing frequently. One of the best exhibits is the Louisiana-Congo: The Betrand Collection that displays an assortment of jewelry, clothing, masks, artifacts, and musical instruments from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The exhibit allows visitors to see some of the parallels between African and African American culture. They are open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm and by special appointment on days they are closed. It is strongly recommended to take the bus tour offered by the museum.