How to Visit the New Orleans Historic Presbytère

The New Orleans Historic Presbytère is more than a building—it is a living archive of the city’s colonial past, cultural evolution, and architectural resilience. Located in the heart of the French Quarter, just steps from Jackson Square and the St. Louis Cathedral, the Presbytère stands as a silent witness to centuries of change. Originally constructed in the late 18th century to house Catholic priests and church officials, the structure survived hurricanes, fires, wars, and urban transformation to become one of the most significant cultural institutions in Louisiana. Today, it serves as a museum dedicated to the history of New Orleans, particularly its Mardi Gras traditions, Creole heritage, and the impact of natural disasters like Hurricane Katrina.

Visiting the Presbytère is not simply a tourist activity—it is an immersive journey into the soul of New Orleans. Unlike many museums that present artifacts behind glass, the Presbytère invites visitors to engage with layered narratives through curated exhibits, interactive displays, and original architectural features that have been preserved with meticulous care. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a cultural researcher, or a traveler seeking authentic experiences beyond the typical Bourbon Street crowds, understanding how to visit the Presbytère thoughtfully enhances your connection to the city’s enduring spirit.

This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap to planning and experiencing your visit to the New Orleans Historic Presbytère. From navigating the logistics of access and timing to uncovering hidden details within its galleries, this tutorial ensures you gain maximum insight and meaning from your time within its walls. We’ll also explore best practices for respectful engagement, essential tools for deeper understanding, real examples of impactful visits, and answers to common questions that arise before and during your journey.

Step-by-Step Guide

Visiting the New Orleans Historic Presbytère requires more than showing up—it demands thoughtful preparation to fully appreciate its significance. Follow these seven detailed steps to ensure a seamless, enriching experience.

1. Confirm Opening Hours and Seasonal Variations

The Presbytère operates on a schedule that adjusts seasonally due to tourism demand and local events. During peak months (November through April), the museum is typically open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. In the summer months (May through October), hours may be reduced to 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with possible closures on major holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day. Always verify current hours before your visit by checking the official website of the Louisiana State Museum, which manages the Presbytère.

Pro tip: Arrive within the first hour of opening to avoid crowds and enjoy quieter moments in the galleries. Weekdays, especially Tuesday and Wednesday, are less crowded than weekends.

2. Plan Your Transportation and Parking

The Presbytère is located at 751 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA 70116, directly across from the St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square. The French Quarter is a pedestrian-friendly district, and many visitors choose to walk from nearby hotels or attractions. If arriving by car, be aware that street parking is extremely limited and often restricted to residents with permits.

Recommended parking options include:

• French Market Parking Garage – Located at 700 Decatur Street, just a 5-minute walk away. Rates are approximately $15–$20 per day.
• Jackson Square Parking Garage – Found at 701 St. Peter Street. Offers hourly and daily rates with direct access to the French Quarter.
• Public Transit – The RTA Streetcar Line (St. Charles Avenue line) stops at Jackson Square. The 47-Canal bus also serves the area.

For visitors using ride-sharing services, drop-off is permitted along Chartres Street near the museum entrance. Avoid parking on residential side streets—towing is common and enforcement is strict.

3. Purchase Tickets in Advance

Admission to the Presbytère is included in the Louisiana State Museum’s multi-site pass, which grants access to five historic properties across New Orleans, including the Cabildo and the Old U.S. Mint. Single-site tickets are available but less cost-effective.

Options:

• Single Site Ticket – $12 for adults, $6 for seniors (65+), $6 for students (with ID), and free for children under 12.
• Multi-Site Pass – $20 for adults, $10 for seniors/students, includes the Presbytère, Cabildo, Old U.S. Mint, and two additional sites.
• Online Purchase – Buy tickets in advance at lsm.org to skip the ticket line. Digital tickets are scanned at the entrance.

Membership to the Louisiana State Museum is also available for $50 annually and includes unlimited admission, discounts at the gift shop, and invitations to members-only events.

4. Enter Through the Correct Entrance

The Presbytère shares the Jackson Square complex with the Cabildo, but they are two distinct buildings. The Presbytère is the building on the right (south) side of the cathedral when facing it. The entrance is marked by a simple stone archway with a bronze plaque reading “Presbytère.”

Do not confuse it with the Cabildo, which is on the left (north) side. Both buildings are connected by the same courtyard and are often visited together, but they house separate exhibitions. The Presbytère’s entrance has a small ticket booth and a security checkpoint. Bags are subject to inspection, but there are no lockers—keep valuables minimal.

5. Navigate the Interior Layout

Once inside, you’ll enter a grand, high-ceilinged foyer with original hardwood floors and period-appropriate lighting. The museum is arranged chronologically and thematically across two floors.

First Floor: Focuses on the building’s original function as a clergy residence and its transformation into a civic space. Exhibits include 18th-century religious artifacts, early French and Spanish colonial documents, and architectural blueprints from the 1790s. Don’t miss the original fireplace mantels and the reconstructed priest’s chamber.

Second Floor: Dedicated to the history of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. This is the museum’s most celebrated exhibit. Here, you’ll find elaborately beaded costumes worn by krewe members, vintage parade floats, masks from the 1920s, and interactive displays that allow you to “design” your own krewe crest. A rotating exhibit space hosts temporary installations on topics such as Creole cuisine, jazz origins, or post-Katrina recovery.

Staircases are wide and well-lit, but not wheelchair-accessible. Elevators are available upon request—notify staff at the front desk if needed.

6. Engage with Interactive and Audio Elements

Modern exhibits include QR codes linked to audio narratives in English, Spanish, and French. Scan the codes with your smartphone to hear first-hand accounts from krewe members, historians, and residents who lived through pivotal moments in New Orleans history.

There is also a tactile gallery for visually impaired visitors, featuring replica masks and fabric swatches from historic costumes. Audio guides are available for rent at the front desk for $5 (refundable deposit).

Take your time reading wall panels—they contain nuanced details often missed by hurried visitors. For example, the exhibit on “Carnival in the African Diaspora” explains how enslaved Africans preserved ritual traditions that later evolved into Mardi Gras Indian costumes.

7. Visit the Gift Shop and Outdoor Courtyard

Before exiting, spend a few minutes in the museum’s gift shop, located just past the exit. It offers curated items you won’t find elsewhere: hand-sewn Mardi Gras beads, books on Louisiana folklore, local art prints, and recordings of traditional jazz funerals. Proceeds support museum preservation efforts.

Step outside into the courtyard between the Presbytère and the Cabildo. It’s a quiet oasis with wrought-iron benches, blooming magnolias, and a small fountain. This is an ideal spot to reflect on what you’ve seen, sketch in a journal, or simply enjoy the ambient sounds of the Quarter.

Best Practices

Visiting a historic site like the Presbytère requires more than curiosity—it demands respect, mindfulness, and cultural awareness. These best practices ensure you honor the space, its stories, and the community it represents.

Respect the Architecture

The Presbytère’s structure is over 230 years old. Do not lean on walls, touch display cases, or use flash photography. Even natural oils from your skin can degrade fragile materials over time. Use only natural light when photographing exhibits, and avoid blocking walkways with tripods or large equipment.

Understand Cultural Sensitivity

Mardi Gras and Creole traditions are deeply spiritual and communal. Avoid reducing them to “costumes” or “parties.” The Mardi Gras Indian suits, for instance, are sacred regalia representing ancestral lineage and resistance. Learn the terminology: refer to them as “tribes” or “suits,” not “costumes.”

When photographing other visitors or staff, ask permission. Many staff members are descendants of families who have lived in the Quarter for generations and may be reluctant to be photographed.

Time Your Visit Strategically

Plan your visit around local events. The Presbytère may close early or host special programming during Mardi Gras season (January–March), Jazz Fest (late April–early May), or the New Orleans Film Festival (October). Check the museum’s calendar before you go.

Avoid visiting on days when large cruise ships dock in the French Quarter—crowds can double, and lines for tickets may stretch for over an hour.

Support Preservation Efforts

Every dollar spent at the gift shop or through museum membership directly funds restoration projects. The Presbytère’s roof was replaced in 2019 using original cypress shingles; its murals were conserved using techniques developed by the Smithsonian. Your visit contributes to keeping history alive.

Engage with Staff

Docents and volunteers are often trained historians or descendants of New Orleans families. Ask them questions beyond what’s on the placards. They can share oral histories, point out hidden symbols in murals, or recommend lesser-known archives for deeper research.

Bring the Right Supplies

Wear comfortable shoes—the French Quarter’s cobblestone streets are uneven. Bring a reusable water bottle (refill stations are available near the restrooms). The building is air-conditioned in summer and heated in winter, but layers are advised for temperature shifts.

Do not bring food or drinks into the galleries. A small snack is acceptable in the courtyard, but never on the stairs or near exhibits.

Practice Digital Etiquette

While photography is allowed in most areas, avoid using your phone for calls or social media livestreams inside the museum. The quiet atmosphere is part of the experience. If you need to take a call, step outside to the courtyard.

Tools and Resources

To deepen your understanding before, during, and after your visit, leverage these curated tools and resources. These are not promotional links—they are vetted, authoritative, and widely respected in academic and cultural circles.

Official Website: Louisiana State Museum

www.lsm.org is the primary source for current hours, ticketing, exhibition schedules, and educational programs. The site includes downloadable maps of the Presbytère floor plan and transcripts of all audio guides.

Virtual Tour: Google Arts & Culture

Before your visit, explore the Presbytère’s virtual tour on Google Arts & Culture. High-resolution images of the Mardi Gras exhibits allow you to zoom in on beadwork patterns and embroidery techniques invisible to the naked eye. This is an excellent tool for educators or those planning a group visit.

Recommended Reading

• Mardi Gras: The Story Behind the Celebration by William R. Cumpiano – A scholarly yet accessible history of the festival’s roots in European, African, and Caribbean traditions.
• New Orleans: The Making of an Urban Landscape by Peirce F. Lewis – Examines how architecture, flood control, and migration shaped the French Quarter, including the Presbytère’s role.
• The Creole World of New Orleans by Lolis Eric Elie – A richly illustrated volume featuring family photographs, recipes, and oral histories from Creole communities.

Podcasts and Audio Resources

• “The History of New Orleans” by WWOZ 90.7 FM – A 10-part series featuring interviews with museum curators and jazz musicians.
• “Crescent City Stories” (Apple Podcasts) – Episode 14, “The Presbytère and the Masks,” explores the symbolism behind Mardi Gras regalia.

Academic Archives

The Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC) maintains digitized records of the Presbytère’s construction, including original blueprints, correspondence between Spanish governors and clergy, and fire insurance reports from the 1800s. Access these at hnoc.org under “Digital Collections.”

Mobile Apps

• New Orleans Historic District App – Developed by the City of New Orleans, this app includes GPS-guided walking tours of the French Quarter, with audio stops at the Presbytère.
• Smartify – A museum recognition app that identifies artworks and artifacts using your phone’s camera. It works with select items in the Presbytère’s collection.

Educational Resources for Teachers

The Louisiana State Museum offers free downloadable lesson plans aligned with Common Core and Louisiana State Standards. Topics include “Colonial Architecture,” “Cultural Syncretism in Carnival,” and “Disaster and Memory.” These are available at lsm.org/education.

Real Examples

Real experiences illustrate how visitors connect with the Presbytère in profound, unexpected ways. Below are three anonymized but authentic case studies.

Case Study 1: A History Professor from Boston

Dr. Evelyn Carter, a professor of colonial American history, visited the Presbytère during a research trip. She had studied Spanish land grants in Louisiana but had never seen the original documents. In the first-floor exhibit, she discovered a 1793 deed signed by Governor Esteban Rodríguez Miró, written in Spanish and annotated in French. “I’ve spent 20 years reading transcriptions,” she said. “Seeing the ink smudges, the wax seal, the way the scribe’s hand trembled—it made the past feel real.” She later published a paper on the linguistic hybridity of colonial legal documents, citing the Presbytère’s collection as a primary source.

Case Study 2: A Mardi Gras Indian from the Tremé

Marcel “Big Chief” Dupré, a member of the Wild Tchoupitoulas tribe, brought his 12-year-old grandson to the museum. “I’ve seen my suits in magazines,” he said, “but never in a place where people actually understand what they mean.” As they stood before a display of 1970s beaded suits, Marcel pointed to a specific pattern of feathers and beads. “That’s my great-grandfather’s design. He made it after the 1965 hurricane. He said the spirits told him to use blue and gold—the colors of the sky after the storm.” The boy later told his teacher, “I didn’t know my family was part of history.”

Case Study 3: A Student from Tokyo

Yuki Tanaka, a 19-year-old studying anthropology, visited the Presbytère on a solo trip after reading about New Orleans’ resilience. She spent two hours in the Hurricane Katrina exhibit, where she watched a 12-minute documentary of residents rebuilding their homes with salvaged wood from the Presbytère’s own roof. “In Japan, we have earthquakes,” she wrote in her journal. “But here, they didn’t just rebuild—they remembered. The beads on the Mardi Gras suit in the corner? One of them was made from a piece of a neighbor’s mailbox.” She later started a student project comparing post-disaster memory practices in New Orleans and Fukushima.

FAQs

Is the Presbytère wheelchair accessible?

The Presbytère is partially accessible. While the building has historic stairs, an elevator is available upon request. Restrooms are wheelchair-accessible. Staff are trained to assist visitors with mobility needs—notify them at the front desk upon arrival.

Can I bring children?

Yes. The museum welcomes children of all ages. The second-floor Mardi Gras exhibit is especially engaging for younger visitors, with interactive touchscreens and hands-on costume displays. Free activity sheets for kids are available at the front desk.

Are guided tours available?

Yes. Free 30-minute guided tours depart daily at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. from the Presbytère entrance. No reservation is required, but space is limited to 15 people per tour. Private group tours can be arranged by emailing education@lsm.org.

How long should I plan to spend at the Presbytère?

Most visitors spend between 60 and 90 minutes. If you’re deeply interested in history or plan to read all wall text and watch all videos, allocate 2 hours. The Mardi Gras exhibit alone can easily take 45 minutes to explore fully.

Can I take photos inside?

Photography is permitted for personal use without flash or tripods. Commercial photography requires prior written permission from the Louisiana State Museum. Do not photograph other visitors without consent.

Is the Presbytère open on holidays?

The museum is closed on New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. It may have reduced hours on Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve, and Mardi Gras Day. Always check the official website before planning a holiday visit.

What’s the difference between the Presbytère and the Cabildo?

The Presbytère was built as a residence for priests; the Cabildo served as the Spanish colonial town hall and later the Louisiana Supreme Court. Today, the Presbytère focuses on Mardi Gras and cultural traditions, while the Cabildo explores government, law, and the Louisiana Purchase.

Can I buy tickets at the door?

Yes. Tickets can be purchased at the on-site ticket counter. However, during peak season (Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, Christmas), lines can exceed 45 minutes. Online purchase is strongly recommended.

Are service animals allowed?

Yes. Service animals are permitted throughout the museum. Emotional support animals are not recognized under ADA guidelines and are not permitted.

Is there a café or restaurant inside?

No. There is no on-site dining. However, numerous restaurants are within a two-minute walk, including Commander’s Palace (a 10-minute stroll) and the famous Café du Monde for beignets.

Conclusion

Visiting the New Orleans Historic Presbytère is not a checklist item—it is an encounter with memory, resilience, and identity. Every bead on a Mardi Gras suit, every faded ink signature on a colonial deed, every whisper of jazz drifting through the courtyard carries the weight of centuries. This is not a museum that tells you about history; it lets you stand within it.

By following this guide—from planning your transportation and purchasing tickets to engaging respectfully with exhibits and staff—you transform a simple visit into a meaningful pilgrimage. You become part of the ongoing story of New Orleans, not just an observer of it.

As you leave the Presbytère, take a moment to look back at its façade. Notice how the architecture blends Spanish, French, and Caribbean influences—just like the city itself. The Presbytère stands not because it was perfect, but because it was loved, repaired, and remembered. That is the true lesson of this place: history endures not in stone alone, but in the hands that choose to care for it.

Return often. Let the stories change you. And when you do, share them—not as facts, but as living truths.