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 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.

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 Saint Louis Cathedral is one of the oldest cathedrals that still in continuous use in the United States. It was dedicated to King Louis IX of France in 1718. The place of worship is located in the French Quarter and features Spanish Colonial and Renaissance architecture. It is also a building that is most associated with the city of New Orleans.

Originally constructed in 1718, the church has over 6,000 members. The current cathedral was built in 1789. A renovation in 1850 completely changed the look of the house of worship to the design we see today.

The church was visited by Pope John Paul in 1987 and the plaza was renamed in the pope’s honor to celebrate his visit. The cathedral is a popular building and has been frequently photographed and featured in many movies, television shows, and other presentations. Mass is celebrated on Saturdays at 5 pm, on Sundays from 9 am to 11 am, and weekdays at noon.

Visitors will admire the Rococo-style, gilded altar and stained glass windows. Tours are available Wednesday through Saturday from 1 pm to 4 pm. Two gifts shops sell religious items and gifts with the proceeds going towards the upkeep and maintenance of the church.

Jackson Square, originally known as the Place d’Armes or Plaza de Armas, is a major and important cultural attraction in New Orleans. Because of its proximity to the Mississippi River, Saint Louis Cathedral, and the Cabildo, it was and is a popular meeting spot. Architect and landscape architect Louis H. Pilié designed the plaza in 1721. The square received its current name in 1850.

The square was named after President Andrew Jackson. President Jackson was a hero of the War of 1812 and a statue of him on horseback is in the center of the square. The statue is one of four identical statues in the United States. The square was a hubbub of activity in colonial times and is where the militia performed drills, vendors sold their wares at the open-air market, and public hangings and beheadings occurred.

No longer the site of hangings or beheadings, today’s visitors can have their portrait or caricature drawn by an artist or be entertained by the colorful dancers, mimes, clowns, or singers. In addition, they can buy the works of the many artists who line the walkways. The site has been the location of many movies, festive events, television shows, and is a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike.

The French Quarter, also known as the Vieux Carré or the Quarter, is one of the oldest neighborhoods in New Orleans. Located on high ground, it virtually escaped major damage during Hurricane Katrina. The area is a National Historical Landmark.

Colorful buildings that reflect French, Spanish, Creole, and American influence line the streets. The locals are friendly and will take the time to greet visitors as they walk through the streets. The area is full of life because of the people and it is because of this vibrancy that the French Quarter thrives. It is a magnate for celebrities, artists, and businesses alike.

The French Quarter is much more than what it seems to the naked eye. An excellent mix of stores, museums, and restaurants await those who visit. Some of the jewels you will see when you come to Vieux Carré are the 1850 House, the French Market, the Musee Conti Wax Museum, and the St. Louis Cathedral.
Of the dozens of restaurants available to your pallet, you should definitely sample the Café de l'Opera, Tujague's, and the Magnolia Grill. Whether you take a casual stroll, just to enjoy the scenery, or sit by the Mississippi River and watch vessels sail by, there is something for everyone at the French Quarter.

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 Gallier House is one of New Orleans finest examples of great architecture. The Gallier family built many important structures in New Orleans, including the French Opera House, the Gallier Hall, the Pontalba Apartments, the Leeds Building, and the St. Charles Hotel.

Built in 1857 by architect James Gallier, the house features an indoor kitchen and hot and cold running water in the bathroom, a rare luxury at the time of construction. The house is located in the French Quarter on Royal Street and was made a National Historic Landmark in 1974.

Beautiful design is what you will see when you visit the Gallier House. The exterior of the house features a carriage-way and a balcony decorated with ornate millwork, while the interior of the house is decorated with elaborate cornices and detailed millwork. There are also several portraits of the family throughout the structure.

The house also observes a custom known as Summer Dress. During the summer months, furniture, rugs, and linens are covered or replaced with lighter weight fabrics to help cool the house during hot summer months.

In addition to tours of the house, the museum offers camps for children and a special exhibit regarding the African American experience in New Orleans. The Taste of History Camp allows children to participate in the Creole cooking process and includes a trip to the local farmer’s market. The Dig-It Archaeology Camp allows students to study the lives of New Orleans residents.

The Urban Black Experience: 19th Century New Orleans is a tour that illustrates the struggles, accomplishments, and contributions the African American Community have made to the city of New Orleans. The house is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 3 pm. Group tours occur on Tuesday and Thursdays at 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm.

Part mansion and part hell, the LaLaurie Mansion is known as one of the most haunted dwellings in New Orleans. It was place of residence Madame Delphine LaLaurie and her physician husband. Madame Delphine LaLaurie was a beautiful and prominent Creole socialite who held a very dark secret, she and her husband tortured her slaves. When the townspeople discovered this, as they were helping to rescue the inhabitants of her mansion during a fire, Madame LaLaurie and her husband reportedly fled to Paris where she later died.

It is said that after the LaLaurie’s fled that sounds of spirits in distress could be heard throughout the house and that the house seem to hiss and moan. In addition, people would often see the ghost of a young slave girl leaping to her death from the balcony. In the 1950s, a buyer bought the house. The paranormal activity, which had long been forgotten, began again. The activity was so extreme that the owner committed himself to a psychiatric hospital.

Following the Civil War, the mansion briefly became an integrated school and later a music conservatory before falling into decay in the 1890s. It also served as a bar and furniture store. In 2007, actor Nicholas Cage bought the house and it was later reposed in 2010. Today, the current owner reports that there is no paranormal activity whatsoever.