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New Orleans, Orleans Parish / Theaters and music

Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts

A premier 2,100-seat cultural landmark in Louis Armstrong Park, dedicated to the legacy of gospel singer Mahalia Jackson and hosting world-class Broadway and live entertainment.

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Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts
MusikAnimal, CC BY-SA 4.0

Where is the Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts located?

The theater is located at 1419 Basin St., New Orleans, LA 70116, in the Treme neighborhood and the heart of Louis Armstrong Park.

What is the theater known for?

It is a premier destination for Broadway in New Orleans and a cultural center that hosts world-class touring productions and top-tier talent, including acts like Diana Ross and John Mulaney.

Who was the theater named after?

The venue was renamed on December 1, 1993, in honor of Mahalia Jackson, a famed gospel singer who was born in New Orleans.

What are the hours for the box office and phone lines?

The box office is open only on show days, starting two hours before showtime. Phone hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM CT.

When do the doors open for performances?

Doors generally open one hour before the performance time unless otherwise stated.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts is a cornerstone of New Orleans' cultural landscape, situated in the heart of Louis Armstrong Park. Originally opening in January 1973 as the New Orleans Theater of the Performing Arts, the venue was inaugurated by New Orleans-born bass-baritone Norman Treigle, who performed Giuseppe Verdi’s Messa di Requiem with the New Orleans Symphony. On December 1, 1993, the City Council renamed the venue in honor of the famed gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, who was born in New Orleans. This 2,100-seat theater has since become a premier destination for Broadway in New Orleans, bringing world-class touring productions to the city. The theater's history is marked by resilience. After being ravaged by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the facility remained closed for several years. It eventually reopened in January 2009, continuing its role as a cultural center for the city's unique artistic community. Throughout its tenure, the theater has hosted a diverse array of legendary acts, including Diana Ross, Bryan Adams, Evanescence, Lil Baby, and John Mulaney, cementing its status as a landmark of live entertainment in the Louisiana capital.

Visitor tips

  • Check the official box office for upcoming Broadway shows and touring acts.
  • The box office is open on show days only, starting 2 hours before showtime.
  • Doors generally open one hour before performance time unless otherwise stated.
  • Allow extra time to explore the surrounding Louis Armstrong Park.

Nearby context

Located in the Treme neighborhood, the Mahalia Jackson Theater is nestled within Louis Armstrong Park, providing a blend of artistic performance and urban greenery.

Sources

Evidence and links