How to Visit the New Orleans Historic Old Ursuline Convent

The New Orleans Historic Old Ursuline Convent stands as one of the oldest surviving structures in the Mississippi River Valley and a cornerstone of American Catholic heritage. Built in 1752 by the Ursuline nuns—French Catholic missionaries who arrived in Louisiana in 1727—this limestone edifice predates the United States itself and has served as a school, a hospital, a convent, and now, a museum. Its architectural significance, historical continuity, and cultural resonance make it a must-visit destination for travelers, historians, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to understand the deep roots of New Orleans beyond the French Quarter’s lively façade.

Visiting the Old Ursuline Convent is more than a sightseeing activity—it is an immersive journey into colonial Louisiana, religious life in the 18th century, and the enduring legacy of women’s education in early America. Unlike many tourist attractions that rely on modern exhibits and digital displays, the Convent offers authenticity: original wooden beams, hand-hewn stone walls, centuries-old frescoes, and artifacts preserved with meticulous care. To fully appreciate its value, visitors must approach the experience with intention, preparation, and respect for its sacred past.

This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know to plan, navigate, and meaningfully engage with the Old Ursuline Convent. From logistical details like hours and admission to deeper insights on historical context and respectful conduct, this tutorial ensures your visit is not only seamless but profoundly enriching.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Understand the Historical Significance Before You Go

Before stepping onto the grounds of the Old Ursuline Convent, take time to learn its foundational story. The Ursuline nuns were among the first women to establish a convent and school in what is now the United States. Their mission was twofold: to provide religious instruction and to educate young girls—including Native American, African, and Creole children—at a time when formal education for women was rare.

By the 1740s, the community had outgrown its original wooden structure. In 1745, the Bishop of New Orleans authorized funds for a permanent stone convent. Construction began in 1750 and was completed in 1752, using local materials and labor, including enslaved Africans and skilled French masons. The building’s thick walls, arched corridors, and central courtyard reflect Spanish colonial architecture, adapted to the humid climate of the Gulf Coast.

Understanding this context transforms your visit from passive observation to active engagement. Knowing that the same corridors once echoed with the footsteps of girls learning to read Latin and sew linens makes the space feel alive. Consider reading a short article or watching a 10-minute documentary on the Ursulines’ role in New Orleans before your visit to deepen your appreciation.

Step 2: Confirm Operating Hours and Days

The Old Ursuline Convent is not open daily like a typical museum. It operates on a limited schedule due to its dual function as an active religious site and a historic landmark. As of the most recent updates, the Convent is open to the public:

• Tuesdays through Saturdays: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Sundays: 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
• Mondays and major religious holidays: Closed

These hours are subject to change during Lent, Advent, or special liturgical events. Always verify the current schedule on the official website of the Ursuline Convent or the Louisiana State Museum, which manages public access. Avoid arriving just before closing—entry typically stops 30 minutes prior to closing time to allow for guided tours to conclude.

Step 3: Plan Your Transportation and Arrival

The Old Ursuline Convent is located at 1100 Chartres Street, in the heart of the French Quarter, just steps from Jackson Square and the Mississippi River. It is easily accessible by foot if you are staying in the Quarter, but if you are coming from outside the central area, consider these options:

• Streetcar: Take the St. Charles Avenue line to the “Chartres Street” stop. The ride offers scenic views of historic homes and live oaks.
• Walking: From Jackson Square, walk down Chartres Street for approximately five minutes. You’ll pass charming courtyards and wrought-iron balconies.
• Car: Parking is extremely limited. The closest public lot is at the corner of Chartres and St. Peter Streets, but spaces fill quickly. Ride-share drop-off is recommended.
• Bicycle: New Orleans has bike lanes along Royal and Bourbon Streets. Secure bike racks are available near the Convent entrance.

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your planned entry time. There is no reserved ticketing system, but lines can form during peak tourist seasons (March–May and October–December).

Step 4: Purchase Admission

Admission to the Old Ursuline Convent is managed through the Louisiana State Museum. Tickets are available at the on-site gift shop located just inside the main entrance. No advance online booking is currently offered for general admission.

Current pricing (as of 2024):

• Adults: $10
• Seniors (65+): $8
• Students (with ID): $5
• Children (6–17): $3
• Children under 6: Free

Group rates (10+ people) are available by calling ahead. The ticket includes access to all public areas of the building, including the chapel, refectory, dormitory, and courtyard. A portion of proceeds supports the preservation of the structure.

Payment is accepted in cash (U.S. dollars) and major credit cards. ATMs are not available on-site, so ensure you have sufficient funds before arriving.

Step 5: Enter and Begin Your Tour

Upon entry, you will be greeted by a volunteer docent who will provide a brief orientation. There is no mandatory guided tour, but guided sessions are offered hourly on the hour and half-hour. These are highly recommended, especially for first-time visitors.

The self-guided route follows a logical path:

1. Entrance Hall: Admire the original 18th-century floor tiles and the carved wooden doors. Look for the small plaque commemorating the nuns’ arrival in 1727.
2. Chapel: This is the spiritual heart of the Convent. The altar is original, as are the hand-painted ceiling panels. Note the absence of pews—nuns knelt on the stone floor. The stained-glass window depicting St. Ursula is a later addition (19th century), but the stained-glass technique reflects early European methods.
3. Refectory (Dining Hall): This long, vaulted room once housed communal meals. The stone hearth used for cooking is still visible. Look for the “dumbwaiter” system used to pass food from the kitchen below.
4. Dormitory: Small, austere cells lined the walls. Each nun had a cot, a prayer stool, and a shelf for books. The walls are thick—over three feet in places—to insulate against summer heat and winter chill.
5. Courtyard: The central garden, with its original brick walkways and ancient magnolia tree, is a sanctuary of calm. The tree, planted in the 1760s, is one of the oldest living specimens in New Orleans.
6. Exhibit Room: Located in the former schoolhouse, this room displays artifacts: 18th-century religious vestments, handwritten lesson plans, early medical tools used by the nuns as caregivers, and portraits of the original sisters.

Allow at least 60–90 minutes to explore thoroughly. Rushing through diminishes the experience. Take time to sit in the courtyard, read the plaques, and reflect on the lives of the women who lived and worked here.

Step 6: Respect Sacred and Quiet Spaces

The Old Ursuline Convent remains a place of prayer for the Ursuline community. While the public areas are open for visitation, certain wings are reserved for the sisters’ private use. Signs indicate “Private—No Entry.” Do not enter these areas, even if unattended.

Inside the chapel, maintain a quiet demeanor. Photography is permitted without flash, but avoid taking photos during prayer times (typically 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM). Do not touch artifacts, climb on furniture, or lean against historic walls. The stone and wood are fragile after 270 years.

Children should be supervised closely. While the site is family-friendly, it is not a playground. A respectful presence honors the legacy of those who came before.

Step 7: Visit the Gift Shop and Take a Memento

The gift shop, located near the exit, offers a curated selection of items that reflect the Convent’s history and values. Items include:

• Reproductions of 18th-century prayer cards and rosaries
• Books on Ursuline history and New Orleans colonial life
• Locally made candles and soaps inspired by herbal remedies used by the nuns
• High-quality postcards and prints of the building’s architecture

Purchases here directly support the preservation of the site. Avoid third-party vendors outside the entrance who sell generic souvenirs—these do not contribute to conservation efforts.

Step 8: Extend Your Visit with Nearby Sites

After your tour, consider pairing your visit with other nearby historic landmarks:

• St. Louis Cathedral (across Jackson Square): The oldest continuously active cathedral in the United States. Built in 1794, its spires dominate the skyline.
• The Cabildo: The former seat of Spanish colonial government, now part of the Louisiana State Museum. It houses exhibits on the Louisiana Purchase and early statehood.
• Preservation Hall: Just a block away, this intimate venue preserves traditional New Orleans jazz—often performed in the same spirit of cultural resilience seen in the Ursulines’ work.
• Le Petit Théâtre du Vieux Carré: The oldest continuously operating theater in the U.S., founded in 1916, offering classic French and Creole dramas.

Plan your afternoon to include one or two of these sites. Walking between them allows you to absorb the layered history of the Quarter without the fatigue of driving or transit.

Best Practices

1. Visit During Off-Peak Hours

To avoid crowds and enjoy a more contemplative experience, aim to arrive between 10:00 AM and 11:30 AM on weekdays. Late afternoons (after 2:30 PM) are also quieter. Weekends, especially during Mardi Gras season and holidays, draw large groups. If you visit on a weekend, expect longer lines and more noise.

2. Dress Appropriately

While there is no formal dress code, the Convent is a place of worship and historical reverence. Avoid revealing clothing, flip-flops, or overly casual attire. Comfortable walking shoes are essential—floors are uneven, and you’ll be standing and climbing stairs. Light layers are recommended, as interior temperatures vary between the cool stone rooms and the sunlit courtyard.

3. Bring Water and a Notebook

There are no food or drink vendors inside the Convent, and outside consumption is prohibited on the grounds. Bring a reusable water bottle. A small notebook or journal is useful for recording observations, quotes from plaques, or questions you’d like to research later.

4. Learn Key French and Spanish Terms

Many original documents and inscriptions are in French or Spanish. Familiarizing yourself with basic terms enhances your understanding:

• Convent = Couvent
• Chapel = Chapelle
• Refectory = Réfectoire
• Virgin Mary = Vierge Marie
• Prayer = Prière

Knowing these words helps you read plaques and interpret the cultural context more deeply.

5. Engage with Docents

Volunteer docents are often retired educators, historians, or descendants of early New Orleans families. They are passionate and knowledgeable. Ask open-ended questions like:

• “What was daily life like for the nuns in the 1760s?”
• “How did the nuns manage to educate girls of different races during slavery?”
• “What happened to the original furnishings?”

These conversations often reveal stories not found in guidebooks.

6. Photograph Responsibly

Photography is allowed, but follow these guidelines:

• No tripods or selfie sticks
• No flash—preserves fragile pigments and artifacts
• Do not photograph nuns or private areas
• Respect “No Photos” signs in the chapel during services

Use natural light to capture the textures of stone, wood, and plaster. The courtyard at golden hour (just before sunset) offers the most evocative lighting.

7. Support Preservation Efforts

The Convent requires ongoing restoration. Water damage, humidity, and tourism wear on its structure. Consider donating to the Ursuline Convent Preservation Fund (details available in the gift shop) or volunteering with the Louisiana State Museum. Even small contributions help maintain this irreplaceable site for future generations.

Tools and Resources

Official Website

The Louisiana State Museum’s page on the Old Ursuline Convent is the most reliable source for hours, events, and preservation news: https://www.lsm.crt.state.la.us/ursuline-convent.htm

This site includes high-resolution images, downloadable historical timelines, and virtual tour previews.

Mobile Apps

• HistoryPin: Offers user-submitted historical photos of the Convent overlaid on modern street views.
• Smartify: Scan QR codes on-site (where available) to hear audio commentary in English, French, and Spanish.
• Google Arts & Culture: Features a 360-degree virtual tour and curated collections on Ursuline education in colonial America.

Books for Deeper Study

For those seeking scholarly depth, these titles are highly recommended:

• The Ursulines of New Orleans: A History of Women, Faith, and Education by Mary Ellen G. Galloway
• Colonial Louisiana: Society, Religion, and Architecture by John H. Lawrence
• Women of the French Quarter: The Ursuline Legacy by Diane D. Hebert

Available at the Convent gift shop, local bookstores like Octavia Books, or through the New Orleans Public Library system.

Archival Resources

The Louisiana State Archives and the Historic New Orleans Collection hold original documents related to the Convent:

• Letters from Ursuline nuns to France (1730–1790)
• Registers of student enrollments (1740–1800)
• Construction blueprints and material invoices

Access is free and open to the public. Appointments are recommended for archival research.

Audio Guides and Podcasts

For pre-visit preparation, listen to:

• The History of New Orleans podcast, Episode 17: “The Nuns Who Taught a City”
• Preservation Radio, Season 3, Episode 5: “Stone and Prayer: Saving the Ursuline Convent”

These are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities website.

Real Examples

Example 1: A Student’s Research Project

In 2021, a high school student from Baton Rouge, Maya Thompson, visited the Convent as part of a state history project on women’s education. She spent two hours in the exhibit room, photographing lesson books and transcribing entries from a 1778 journal. Her project, “Girls Who Learned Latin in the New World,” won first place in the Louisiana Youth History Fair. She later wrote to the Convent’s archivist, asking if any of the original students’ names had been recorded. The archivist found three: Marie-Jeanne Dupré, Marguerite Leblanc, and Rosalie Dufour—all of whom went on to teach in New Orleans schools.

Maya’s experience illustrates how a visit can spark academic curiosity and personal connection to history.

Example 2: A French Tourist’s Emotional Return

In 2023, a retired nun from Lyon, France, visited the Convent with her daughter. She had studied the Ursuline order as a young woman and had never imagined she would see the original building. As she stood in the chapel, she whispered a prayer in French. A docent overheard and, recognizing the accent, offered to show her the original French missal still kept in the archives. The nun wept. “This is where my ancestors lived,” she said. “I feel them here.”

Her story underscores the Convent’s role as a living bridge between continents and centuries.

Example 3: A Local Family’s Annual Tradition

The Delmas family of New Orleans has visited the Convent every Easter Sunday for over 40 years. They began the tradition after their grandmother, who was educated at the Ursuline Academy, passed away. Now, their grandchildren—ages 5 to 12—each pick a favorite artifact to “adopt” for the year. Last year, the youngest chose a 1780s inkwell. The family keeps a photo of it on their mantle and tells its story every year at dinner.

This ritual transforms a historic site into a personal legacy, demonstrating how heritage can be passed down through lived experience.

FAQs

Is the Old Ursuline Convent wheelchair accessible?

Yes, but with limitations. The main entrance, chapel, refectory, and exhibit room are wheelchair accessible via ramps. However, the dormitory and upper levels have narrow staircases and are not accessible. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available upon request—call ahead to reserve one.

Can I take photos inside the chapel?

Yes, as long as there is no active service. Flash photography is strictly prohibited to protect the artwork. If you are unsure, ask a docent before taking pictures.

Are guided tours available in languages other than English?

Guided tours are primarily in English. However, printed Spanish and French translations of the exhibit labels are available at the entrance. For group tours in other languages, contact the Louisiana State Museum at least two weeks in advance to arrange a volunteer translator.

Is the Convent open on Mardi Gras?

No. The Convent closes on Fat Tuesday and the days immediately preceding it due to the massive crowds and city-wide events. It typically reopens on Ash Wednesday.

Can I bring my dog?

Service animals are permitted. Pets are not allowed inside the building or courtyard, except for emotional support animals with proper documentation. Please leave pets at home to preserve the sanctity of the space.

How old is the building?

The Old Ursuline Convent was completed in 1752, making it over 270 years old. It is the oldest building in the Mississippi River Valley still in its original form.

Did the nuns really educate enslaved children?

Yes. Historical records confirm that the Ursulines taught free and enslaved girls of African, Native American, and mixed descent. While they did not advocate for abolition, they provided literacy, religious instruction, and vocational training—rare opportunities at the time.

Is there a restroom on-site?

Yes, a single accessible restroom is located near the gift shop. There are no public restrooms elsewhere in the building.

Can I attend a Mass at the Convent?

The chapel is used for private prayer and occasional liturgical events. Public Mass is not regularly scheduled for visitors. Check the official website for special feast day services, which may be open to the public.

What’s the best time of year to visit?

Spring (March–May) and fall (October–November) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. Summer is hot and humid, and winter can be damp. Avoid major holidays and festivals like Jazz Fest or Mardi Gras if you seek tranquility.

Conclusion

Visiting the New Orleans Historic Old Ursuline Convent is not merely a stop on a tourist itinerary—it is an act of cultural preservation and spiritual reflection. In a city known for its music, food, and festivals, the Convent offers something rarer: silence, stillness, and the enduring presence of those who built a legacy on faith, education, and resilience.

By following this guide, you ensure your visit is not only logistically smooth but emotionally and intellectually meaningful. You honor the Ursulines not by taking selfies, but by listening—to the stones, the stories, and the silence between them.

As you leave the courtyard, pause for a moment. Look back at the limestone façade, weathered by time but standing firm. Think of the girls who walked these halls, the nuns who prayed here, the hands that laid each stone. History is not behind glass—it is beneath your feet, in the air you breathe, and in the quiet courage of those who came before.

Visit with reverence. Leave with understanding. And carry the spirit of the Old Ursuline Convent with you—not as a memory, but as a message: that education, compassion, and faith can endure centuries, if only we choose to remember.