A group of people stand in a sunlit room with wooden floors, observing a display titled Wine and Wood. The room features a large organ and a fireplace. Some people are reading the display, while others look around the space.

Louisiana History Museum

Explore the history and culture of New Orleans at the only free Louisiana history museum in the French Quarter!

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Free Admission

Whether you’re new to New Orleans or a local, explore our Louisiana history museum offering permanent and rotating exhibitions. Admission is always free!

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A man and woman stand in an exhibit, looking at a shiny silver trophy displayed in a glass case. The room is decorated with framed photos and documents on the walls. The atmosphere appears quiet and contemplative.

Exhibitions

Our free exhibitions offer many ways to explore vibrant Louisiana history and culture.

Colonial Wars & Conflicts

American Revolution: The Augmented Exhibition

March 20, 2026 to January 17, 2027

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Poster for Chihuahua: King Of New Orleans Dogs, 1981, by Bunny Matthews.

Visual Art & Artists

Bunny Matthews: His Life, Art, and Obsessions

September 18, 2026 to May 9, 2027

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Music & Musicians

New Orleans Musicians in Art: Selections from the Permanent Collection

November 4, 2025 to May 16, 2027

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Free Black man wearing a turban (detail), 1835, oil painting by Julien Hudson.

Visual Art & Artists

Two Portraits by Julien Hudson

Ongoing

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Illustration of a brown pelican perched on a branch with green leaves in the background. The bird has a long beak and distinctive brown, white, and yellow plumage. The botanical details add a naturalistic setting.

Land Loss & Climate Change

A Vanishing Bounty: Louisiana’s Coastal Environment and Culture

Ongoing

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French Quarter street scene showing at 710 Toulouse Street, and corner of shuttered building at 714 Toulouse, with a man walking along the street in the darkness, his shadow falling upon the wall. Shows cat beside colonnette supporting balcony, a street light, double doorway of the gateway, laundry hanging on second floor of 710 Toulouse, and ironwork balcony of 714 Toulouse. Shows partial view of balcony and building at corner of Toulouse and Royal Streets.

French Quarter Life

French Quarter Life: People and Places in the Vieux Carré

Ongoing

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Antique map of a city grid with detailed plots, streets, and buildings. It includes a compass rose and features ships sailing on the river at the bottom. The layout is intricate, showcasing a geometrically organized urban plan.

French Quarter Life

French Quarter Galleries

Ongoing

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Tours & Daily Programs

Get the ultimate Louisiana history museum experience with a tour or daily program led by our expert staff.

People explore an art gallery with framed maps on white walls. A child interacts with a touchscreen display. The room has a wooden floor and overhead lighting, with several visitors viewing the exhibits.

New Orleans Mosaic Tour

Get to know New Orleans’s oldest neighborhood in this guided tour of HNOC’s French Quarter Galleries.

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French Quarter Architecture Walking Tour

Uncover the architectural legacy of New Orleans in this walking tour exploring historic buildings at HNOC and throughout the French Quarter.

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Aeolian Organ Demonstrations

Hear the latest in luxury home entertainment—circa 1920—with free, daily demonstrations of our Aeolian organ.

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A group of people listens to a man speaking in a room. The man is gesturing with his hands, standing next to a large touchscreen table. The room has a warm ambiance with a brick wall in the background.

Shortcut Talks

Enjoy free, daily talks that explore Gulf South history and culture through the lens of our exhibitions.

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Upcoming Events

Check out upcoming events at our Louisiana history museum, many of which are free and open to the public.

Saturday

October 17, 2026

10 a.m.–12 p.m.

For Educators, Workshop

Educator Workshop: “American Revolution”

Educators are invited to a free workshop to learn about how to deepen their students’ understanding of the American Revolution in Louisiana.

For Educators, Workshop

A museum visitor explores "American Revolution: The Augmented Exhibition" at the Historic New Orleans Collection

Friday

October 23, 2026

5–7 p.m.

Live Music, French Quarter Fridays

Courtyard Sessions

Performing the Devil’s Music: Dr. Michael White and the Original Liberty Jazz Band

Break out your devil horns and don your dancing shoes for Courtyard Sessions, featuring Dr. Michael White and the Original Liberty Jazz Band.

Live Music, French Quarter Fridays

Image of a fantastic creature with bat wings, a fly-like face, and pointed devil tail flying over a stylized skyline of New Orleans. Visible are the Superdome, St. Louis Cathedral, skyscrapers, the Mississippi River and bridges, and vessels on the river.

Thursday

October 29, 2026

6–9 p.m.

Reception, Fundraiser

Save the Date

Cheers to 60 Years! Presented by Ryan Gootee General Contractors

Join us in celebrating HNOC‘s 60th birthday with an unforgettable evening in the French Quarter.

Reception, Fundraiser

An illustration of a pageant design entitled "Twelfth Night Revelers." Dancing champagne bottles, cakes, teacups and more are depicted.

Saturday

October 31, 2026

10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Students & Families, Chess Club

HNOC Chess Club Presents

Chess Fest 2026

Our annual celebration of chess and community returns, hosted by HNOC’s Chess Club.

Students & Families, Chess Club

A middle aged woman plays chess with a child at Chess Fest. Another women smiles nearby as she watches the game.

Saturday

November 7, 2026

9:30 a.m.–7 p.m.

Signature Program

2026 Food Forum

Gumbo!

Headlined by renowned food historian Dr. Jessica B. Harris, this year’s forum will examine the origins, variations, and deep community connections of Louisiana’s official state dish.

Signature Program

A courtyard with three people standing in the center. The building has an upper balcony with green railings and large arched windows. There are several round tables with chairs, plants, and a staircase in the background.

Shop & Relax

More than just a Louisiana history museum, shop our award-winning store or enjoy a coffee in our historic courtyard.

The Shop

Our award-winning museum shop offers gifts by local artists, HNOC books, merchandise inspired by objects from our holdings, and much more.

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Exterior view of the courtyard cafe at the Historic New Orleans Collection.

The Café

Relax and recharge while enjoying a coffee or pastry in our historic and picturesque Brulatour Courtyard.

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Join Today

Become an HNOC member and enjoy free access to dozens of local museums that explore Louisiana history, every August.

Museum Month

This August, enjoy special experiences at HNOC and unlock free access to dozens of participating New Orleans museums with any HNOC membership.

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Become a Member

Plan Your Visit

Hours & Location

520 Royal Street
Tuesday–Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m .
Sunday, 10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

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Admission

Admission is free but tickets are required. Stop by the front desk or reserve tickets online. Ticket includes admission to all exhibitions and regular daily programs.

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