The Presbytère New Orleans
Explore Mardi Gras splendor and Hurricane Katrina's impact at this historic New Orleans state museum.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
The Presbytère New Orleans
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Mardi Gras splendor and Hurricane Katrina's impact at this historic New Orleans state museum. 
"Absolutely INCREDIBLE experience. Amazing history highlight tragedy and celebration!! "
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time by purchasing your admission tickets in advance.
🚶♀️ Allow 1-2 Hours
You'll need at least this much time to explore both exhibits thoroughly.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mardi Gras: It's Carnival Time in Louisiana
Second Floor
Immerse yourself in the vibrant history, traditions, and dazzling costumes of New Orleans' most famous celebration.
Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond
First Floor
A poignant look at Hurricane Katrina's impact and the resilience of the people of South Louisiana.
Jackson Square Views
Exterior
Enjoy beautiful views of Jackson Square and the Mississippi River from the museum's surroundings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat & Crowds
Focus Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time by purchasing your admission tickets in advance.
🚶♀️ Allow 1-2 Hours
You'll need at least this much time to explore both exhibits thoroughly.
🧥 Beat the Heat
Use the museum as a cool escape from New Orleans' humidity.
🎭 Mardi Gras Focus
The Mardi Gras exhibit is a major draw with incredible costumes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time by purchasing your admission tickets in advance.
🚶♀️ Allow 1-2 Hours
You'll need at least this much time to explore both exhibits thoroughly.
🧥 Beat the Heat
Use the museum as a cool escape from New Orleans' humidity.
🎭 Mardi Gras Focus
The Mardi Gras exhibit is a major draw with incredible costumes.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find The Presbytère to be an incredible experience, highlighting the well-preserved Mardi Gras costumes and the informative Hurricane Katrina exhibit. While some found the Katrina exhibit less impactful, most agree the modest admission price offers great value for the historical insights and beautiful views of Jackson Square.
"Absolutely INCREDIBLE experience. Amazing history highlight tragedy and celebration!! Loved seeing the vintage mardi gras costumes so well preserved. Definitely a must visit for New Orlean’s extensive history, it’s worth the money.
I reserved tickets in advance for my trip and was sold a faulty one, the worker at the front desk was nice and let me in to see the museum regardless."
zaetna . .
"Underwhelming. $9. Two floors, one about the hurricane, and the other about mardi gras. Old news. They could have done better."
Kerby Rials
"Their current exhibition of Mardi Gras is amazing for anyone who doesn't know a thing about this crazy tradition. Everything from its origins and structure, costume design and jewels to popular themes and modern satire. The first floor of the museum is dedicated to hurricanes, also very informative."
JitkaKac
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Presbytère is located in the French Quarter, easily accessible by foot, streetcar, or taxi/rideshare. It's situated right next to Jackson Square.
While there isn't dedicated parking, several public garages are available in the French Quarter, such as the Jax Brewery Garage or the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel Garage.
Yes, the historic streetcar lines run near the French Quarter, offering a scenic and affordable way to get close to the museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is typically around $9 for adults, with discounts for seniors and children. It's a modest price for the historical insights offered.
It's recommended to buy tickets in advance, especially during busy periods, to avoid potential queues. However, walk-ins are usually accommodated.
The museum is generally open Tuesday through Sunday, with hours typically from 10 AM to 4:30 PM. It's always best to check their official website for the most current hours.
The museum is generally accessible, with elevators available to reach both floors. It's advisable to contact them directly for specific accessibility needs.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Presbytère features two primary exhibits: 'Mardi Gras: It's Carnival Time in Louisiana' on the second floor and 'Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond' on the first floor.
Most visitors spend about 1 to 1.5 hours exploring both exhibits. You could easily spend more time if you're deeply interested in the details.
Absolutely! It offers deep dives into significant aspects of Louisiana's history, from vibrant celebrations to devastating natural disasters.
This exhibit provides an informative and often emotional account of Hurricane Katrina's impact, featuring eyewitness accounts and details about the recovery efforts.
Prepare to be amazed by a vast collection of Mardi Gras costumes, artifacts, and information detailing the evolution and traditions of this iconic celebration.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but flash photography is usually prohibited to protect the exhibits. Always check for posted signs.
The vibrant Mardi Gras costumes and the historical artifacts offer fantastic photo opportunities. The views of Jackson Square from outside are also picturesque.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider focusing on the Mardi Gras section if you have younger children, as it's more lighthearted. For families interested in history, both exhibits provide valuable learning opportunities. The museum's location in the French Quarter also means you can easily combine your visit with other family-friendly activities nearby, like exploring Jackson Square or enjoying beignets.
🏛️ History Enthusiasts
The Hurricane Katrina exhibit presents a critical historical narrative, exploring the event's devastation and the subsequent recovery with compelling personal stories and factual accounts. It’s an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by the region. The museum's setting in a historic building also adds to the immersive historical experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Mardi Gras Exhibit
Visitors often rave about the sheer scale and beauty of the costumes, noting how well-preserved they are. It's a fantastic way to understand the cultural significance and the immense effort that goes into each year's festivities. Whether you're a Mardi Gras aficionado or a first-time visitor to New Orleans, this exhibit provides an engaging and visually stunning introduction to the heart of Louisiana's Carnival.
Mardi Gras Artifacts and Insights
Beyond the costumes, the exhibit features various artifacts, floats, and detailed explanations that bring the history of Mardi Gras to life. You can learn about the different krewes, the social aspects of the celebration, and how it has adapted over time. It’s an immersive experience that captures the joy and pageantry of this unique cultural phenomenon.
Understanding Hurricane Katrina's Impact
The exhibit doesn't shy away from the tragedy but also highlights the incredible resilience, strength, and perseverance of the people of South Louisiana. It covers the levee failures, the immediate aftermath, and the long road to rebuilding communities. For many visitors, this exhibit is a somber but essential part of understanding the modern history of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast.
Katrina's Legacy and Lessons
'Living with Hurricanes' also explores the ongoing challenges and preparedness measures related to hurricanes in the region. It provides valuable insights into water management, levee systems, and the continuous efforts to protect the city from future storms. While some find this part less visually engaging than the Mardi Gras exhibit, its educational value and historical importance are undeniable.
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