Cultural & Historical Destinations in New Orleans, United States

New Orleans, United States, New Orleans, Destination & Trip Type Pages, Cultural & Historical Destinations

Cultural & Historical Destinations in New Orleans, United States

1. French Quarter

Iconic neighborhood filled with colorful buildings, vibrant nightlife, and rich history dating back to the 18th century.
  • Historic Architecture: Features well-preserved colonial buildings showcasing French, Spanish, and Creole influences.
  • Cultural Diversity: Home to a diverse mix of art galleries, music venues, restaurants, and unique shops.
  • Lively Nightlife: Famous for its bustling bars and lively streets, especially during Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest.

2. St. Louis Cathedral

Iconic cathedral overlooking Jackson Square, featuring a rich history and stunning Gothic architecture.
  • Religious Significance: The seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of New Orleans.
  • Architectural Beauty: Features a beautiful facade with twin bell towers, a testament to its French and Spanish roots.
  • Historical Importance: Has stood as a symbol of faith and resilience since the early 18th century.

3. National WW2 Museum

Interactive museum showcasing the American experience in World War II through artifacts, oral histories, and immersive exhibits.
  • Educational Experience: Provides a comprehensive understanding of WW2 through engaging and interactive exhibits.
  • Military History: Offers insights into the strategies, events, and personal stories of the war.
  • Immersive Experience: Features a 4D theater experience and restored military aircraft for visitors to explore.

4. The Cabildo

Historic building located in Jackson Square, housing the Louisiana State Museum.
  • Historical Significance: Served as the seat of the Spanish colonial government and the site of the Louisiana Purchase.
  • Museum Experience: Displays artifacts and exhibits showcasing the history, culture, and natural resources of Louisiana.
  • Architectural Beauty: Features a unique Creole architectural style with a beautiful courtyard and wrought-iron balconies.

5. Preservation Hall

Iconic jazz venue in the French Quarter featuring traditional New Orleans jazz performances.
  • Live Music Experience: Offers nightly shows by local musicians preserving the traditions of New Orleans jazz.
  • Historic Significance: Has been a staple in New Orleans music scene since 1961.
  • Cultural Preservation: Serves as a hub for preserving and sharing the unique musical heritage of New Orleans.

6. Garden District

Residential neighborhood known for its beautiful antebellum mansions and historic architecture.
  • Architectural Beauty: Features stunning examples of Greek Revival, Italianate, and Victorian architectural styles.
  • Historical Significance: Many of the homes date back to the 19th century and were built by wealthy sugar refiners.
  • Picturesque Streets: Stroll along tree-lined streets filled with colorful homes and beautiful gardens.

7. Ogden Museum of Southern Art

Museum dedicated to the visual arts and culture of the American South.
  • Southern Cultural Immersion: Offers insights into the diverse artistic traditions and cultures of the American South.
  • Rotating Exhibits: Features a variety of temporary exhibitions showcasing different aspects of Southern art.
  • Permanent Collection: Houses an extensive collection of works by Southern artists, including paintings, photographs, and folk art.

8. Voodoo Museum

Museum dedicated to the history, culture, and traditions of Voodoo in New Orleans.
  • Spiritual Exploration: Offers insights into the spiritual beliefs, practices, and symbolism associated with Voodoo.
  • Historical Perspective: Explores the role of Voodoo in the history and culture of New Orleans and its connections to Africa and Haiti.
  • Artifacts and Exhibits: Displays artifacts, costumes, and other items associated with Voodoo practices and figures.

9. Mardi Gras World

Facility where Mardi Gras floats are designed and built, offering tours and insights into the festival's history.
  • Craftsmanship Demonstrations: Offers a unique look at the artisanal craftsmanship behind Mardi Gras floats.
  • Mardi Gras History: Provides insights into the history, traditions, and cultural significance of Mardi Gras.
  • Interactive Experience: Allows visitors to learn about float design and participate in a mini-parade with a Mardi Gras float.

10. Longue Vue House and Gardens

Historic home and gardens showcasing the lifestyle of the American South in the mid-20th century.
  • Period Room Interpretations: Features rooms decorated to reflect specific historical periods, showcasing the evolution of Southern style.
  • Garden Tours: Offers guided tours of the beautiful gardens, featuring native plants and unique sculptures.
  • Art and Architecture: Features a collection of American art and European decorative arts, as well as examples of modernist architecture.

11. New Orleans Pharmacy Museum

Museum dedicated to the history of pharmacy and medicine in New Orleans.
  • Medical History: Explores the evolution of medicine, pharmacy, and public health in New Orleans.
  • Historical Apothecary: Features a historical apothecary showcasing traditional remedies and medical tools.
  • Cultural Impact: Highlights the role of pharmacy in New Orleans' diverse cultural history, including its connections to voodoo practices.

12. Laura Plantation

Historic sugar plantation featuring Creole architecture and the stories of its enslaved African-American inhabitants.
  • Creole Architecture: Features a beautiful Creole plantation house surrounded by gardens, outbuildings, and slave cabins.
  • Slave History: Explores the lives of enslaved African-Americans on the plantation and their role in its history.
  • Plantation Life: Offers insights into the lifestyle, economy, and social structure of a sugar plantation.

13. Backstreet Cultural Museum

Museum dedicated to the history and culture of New Orleans' brass bands and African-American funeral traditions.
  • Music History: Explores the history, evolution, and cultural significance of New Orleans brass bands.
  • Funeral Traditions: Offers insights into the unique African-American funeral traditions of New Orleans, including jazz funerals.
  • Artifacts and Exhibits: Features artifacts, costumes, and other items associated with brass bands and funeral traditions.

14. Jazz National Historical Park

National park dedicated to the history and influence of jazz music in New Orleans.
  • Music History: Explores the origins, evolution, and impact of jazz on American and global music.
  • Interactive Experience: Offers a variety of educational programs, including guided tours and musical performances.
  • Cultural Preservation: Serves as a hub for preserving and promoting the rich musical heritage of New Orleans.

15. Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses

Pair of historic Creole townhouses showcasing the lifestyle and culture of wealthy New Orleans families in the early 19th century.
  • Historic Architecture: Features beautifully preserved examples of Creole townhouse architecture.
  • Period Room Interpretations: Offers a glimpse into the daily lives and lifestyle of wealthy New Orleans families.
  • Cultural Immersion: Provides insights into the unique cultural traditions and customs of Creole society.