House museums offer a glimpse into the fascinating past of any place. Unlike traditional museums, which have carefully selected exhibits in modern facilities, house museums are like a slice of frozen time. I was so fascinated by them in the past that I joined the North American Mutual Museum Association (NARM) and the Australian National Trust, which grants free admission to many museums and historic sites around the world, as well as one in Melbourne, Australia. I have also volunteered as a tour guide at historic buildings.
Learning about the history of a home and its occupants over the years feels a little more intimate than learning about dates and important events. You will feel like you are walking through history. What I love about this collection of 10 New Orleans historic home museums is that you don’t have to go far from your French Quarter hotel to find one.
1. Historic New Orleans Collection
Located in the French Quarter, this 1889 two-story Italianate brick townhouse features a formal dining room, two parlors, a study accented with Louisiana cypress, and two courtyards. In 1938, General L. Kemper and Leila Hardy Moore-Williams purchased and redevelop the property, and from 1946 he lived there until 1964.
The Williams Residence is a legacy of the owners’ commitment to preserving the French Quarter. Inside, the meticulous décor features original mid-20th century furniture, antiques, and artwork that reflects the couple’s Louisiana roots and world travels. Established in 1973 as one of New Orleans’ historic home museums, it is the only home in the French Quarter open to the public with original furnishings intact. In addition to the house, the collection features a variety of exhibits about Louisiana history displayed throughout the year.
2. Hermann Grima’s house
of Hermann Grima House is one of New Orleans’ most meticulously restored historic home museums. Built in 1831, the courtyard Federal-style mansion is a National Historic Landmark and one of the best-preserved Federal-style buildings in the French Quarter. It features a functional hearth kitchen, and cooking demonstrations are held twice a month from November to April.
Additionally, it has the only stables remaining original and intact in the French Quarter. This house and its outbuildings offer visitors a glimpse into the 19th century life of its owner and the enslaved people who lived and worked there. If you’re a movie fan, you’ve probably seen the interior at least once. Madame Lalaurie’s mansion in American Horror Story: Coven.
3. Garie House
Designed in 1860 by architect James Gallier Jr., the Gallier House is a historic New Orleans home known for innovative features such as indoor plumbing and double skylights. The refined taste of the Gallier family is reflected through the decorative arts of the time. The history of the house also acknowledges the contributions of enslaved individuals and domestic servants.
The house hosts cultural events throughout the year, including the Gallier Gathering series of lectures and exhibitions on themes such as summer dress, Creole death and mourning, and holiday decorations. Notably, it appeared on AMC. interview with vampire As the residence of Louis, Lestat and Claudia.
4. Pito House
of pitot houseBuilt in 1799 by Spanish merchant Bartolomé Bosque, this museum is one of New Orleans’ historic residential museums in the Fairgrounds District. Over the years, the church has been home to 11 different families, served as a convent for the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart, and is cherished for its architectural and historical significance.
Located in one of the earliest European settlements in the area, prior to the founding of New Orleans, this home stands on land originally granted to French settlers in 1708. In particular, this house is primarily associated with James Pitot, who purchased the house from Edgar Degas in 1810. her great-grandmother, Mme. Marie Tronquet Lillieu; A tour of the grounds provides insight into colonial life, including the important role of Native American tribes, European settlers, and the Pitot, the first mayor of New Orleans after its founding in 1804 can do.
5. Longview House and Garden
Although the mansion is primarily known for its beautiful gardens, tours of the historic mansion are also offered, giving visitors a glimpse into life in 20th century New Orleans. Although it looks like a fairly old house, the land was purchased in the 1920s and the current house was completed in 1942. Owners Edward and Edith Stern could not decide which style of facade they wanted, so each side of the house was different.
The west facing facade is Longue View House Inspired by Palladian design. The south-facing facade is modeled after the Beauregard Keyes House in the French Quarter. The east-facing facade takes inspiration from Shadows on the Tech in New Iberia, Louisiana, and the north-facing facade is a classic Georgian revival with the addition of a fire escape. These unique designs give each side of the building its own character. Events such as jazz picnics, yoga and tai chi are often held in the garden.
6. 1850 House
Part of the Lower Pontalba Buildings in New Orleans, the 1850 House is a museum that provides insight into life in mid-19th century New Orleans. This New Orleans historic house museum is part of the Pontalba tenements and was funded by Baroness Micaela Almoester de Pontalba, who was born into a French Creole and Spanish aristocratic family. Her father, Don Andres Almone Star Irojas, played an important philanthropic role in supporting landmarks such as the Congress, the St. Louis Cathedral, and the Presbyterian Church.
Michaela’s life changed dramatically after she married Joseph Xavier Célestin Delfour de Pontalba and moved to Paris. There she faced the tyranny of her husband and her father-in-law, who coveted her vast fortune. In her tragic incident, her stepfather attempted to take her life, resulting in her injuries. Although she sought legal separation from her husband, she did not officially divorce.
7. Madame John’s Legacy
In an area known as the “French Quarter,” you would expect to see many French-style buildings, but in reality, the architecture you see bears little resemblance to French colonial architecture. In 1794 a fire destroyed many buildings in the area. When it was rebuilt, it featured a variety of architectural styles, including Creole and a mix of French and Spanish design. One of his only surviving examples of the French colonial style is Madame John’s Legacy House, built in 1788, at 632 Dumaine Street.
This house was featured in the 1994 movie interview with vampire This is an example of a Creole who lived in the 18th century. It’s only published irregularly, so it’s a good idea to check it out. Website If you are planning to visit.
8. Beauregard Keyes House
Located opposite Ursuline Monastery—A must-see for history buffs—This historic home in the French Quarter was once the home of Confederate PGT Beauregard General and author Francis Parkinson Keyes. Known for its beautiful courtyard and period furniture, it is featured in the new His AMC series. Interview with a Vampire.
Built in 1826, the site is a National Historic Landmark. The raised center hall villa combines elements of Creole and American architecture, with the purpose of taking advantage of the airflow from the Mississippi River. Beauregard Keyes House’s rich history spans nearly two centuries and encompasses the lives and work of the people who lived here.
9. Edgar Degas’s House
Primarily known for its association with famous artist Edgar Degas, this historic New Orleans home museum dates back to 1852 and delves deep into the history of Creole life in 19th-century New Orleans. The Edgar Degas Foundation’s main mission is to preserve the legacy of the famous French Impressionist. It also functions as a valuable cultural resource for the people. He stayed here from October 1872 until March 1873, when Degas visited his maternal relatives, the Musson family.
Located on Esplanade Avenue, 11 blocks from the French Quarter, this unique property stands as Degas’s only publicly accessible home and studio in the world and has been meticulously restored for visitors to enjoy. The House Museum offers painting and drawing classes, unique breakfasts and house tours.
10. Broel’s House
The Broel family boasts a unique architectural history that combines pre-Civil War and High Victorian architecture. It was extensively remodeled in 1850 by George Washington Squires, with his second floor and his third floor added on. In 1884, the Renault family renovated the entire house to create luxurious entertaining spaces, including a grand ballroom and luxurious parlor. The house displays fine woodwork from both eras, highlighted by a huge mirror decorated with tobacco leaf trim, added in the 1890s by Simon and his Hernsheim Company. .
The original gas pump in the center hall is still functional and features an arm that allows the flow of gas to be adjusted. The ballroom is decorated with ornate chandeliers, mirrors and fireplaces and serves as a venue for lavish weddings and parties. The House of Broel offers guided tours by appointment, where visitors can learn about the history of the house, the Dollhouse Museum, and the Fashion Museum. Located in the New Orleans Garden District.
- Specialties: Travel, History, Food
- Education: Monash University, Australia
- Over 400 articles published in newspapers, magazines and on the web
Lee Winter is a multi-talented journalist from Australia, currently based in New Orleans. Her passion for solo travel is evident as she expertly tracks down amazing flights and accommodations and shares her wide range of travel experiences with her readers. With her master’s degree in journalism and her bachelor’s degree featuring a double major in history and literature, she brings her unique blend of skills to her own work. Her historical expertise extends to the world of architectural history, and she has worked as a tour guide at historic building museums. But her journey doesn’t end there. She has delved into the art of coffee as a barista and has become a true connoisseur of coffee preparation, running her coffee van at events and markets. Now, Ree leverages her own insights and her expertise to share these topics with her Wealth of Geeks readers.
