What is the Marigny Opera House known for?

It is a non-denominational "church of the arts" and a former church used for performing arts, weddings, private celebrations, and community events. It hosts over 60 performances annually, including opera, jazz, classical music, musical theatre, and dance.

What is the history of the building?

Built in 1853 as a Baroque German Catholic Church (Holy Trinity Catholic Church) designed by architect Theodore Giraud, the building was closed by the Archdiocese of New Orleans in 1997. After renovation, it reopened as the Marigny Opera House in 2011 and officially opened on January 2, 2012.

Can I host a wedding there, and how many guests does it hold?

Yes, the venue offers wedding and private event rentals, with a capacity of approximately 150 to 200 guests for wedding receptions.

How do I book a wedding at the Marigny Opera House?

Wedding bookings are typically made 6 to 18 months in advance and are handled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Is the venue accessible?

Yes, the main entrance, which is located on Dauphine Street, has a handicap-accessible ramp.

What should I check before going?

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

Marigny Opera House in New Orleans

What to know

The Marigny Opera House is a Baroque architectural gem located at 725 St. Ferdinand Street. Originally constructed in 1853 as Holy Trinity Catholic Church, the building was designed by architect Theodore Giraud to serve German Catholic immigrants in the Faubourg Marigny neighborhood, an area once popularly known as Little Saxony. After decades of service, the Archdiocese of New Orleans closed the church in 1997 due to dwindling attendance. The structure remained dormant until it underwent extensive renovations to preserve its historic features and reopened in 2011 as the Marigny Opera House. It officially opened its doors to the public on January 2, 2012, transitioning from a place of worship to a non-denominational neighborhood church of the arts. Today, the venue functions as a vibrant community hub and non-profit arts organization. It hosts over 60 performances annually, spanning classical music, jazz, opera, and musical theatre. Since 2014, it has served as the home for the Marigny Opera Ballet, a resident professional contemporary ballet company. The space is also utilized for charitable meetings, workshops, and the acclaimed annual Fringe Festival in November. Beyond its role as a performance space, the building is highly regarded as a wedding venue, capable of hosting 150 to 200 guests. Rentals of the space directly support the venue's mission to sustain artist residencies and cultural programming in the heart of New Orleans.

Visitor tips

Enter through the main entrance on Dauphine Street to find the handicap-accessible ramp.
Check the venue's schedule for one of their 60+ annual performances of jazz, opera, or ballet.
If visiting for a wedding or private event, note that bookings are typically made 6 to 18 months in advance.

Nearby context

Situated in the Faubourg Marigny, the Marigny Opera House is just six blocks from the French Quarter, placing it in a historic neighborhood known for its unique residential architecture and artistic spirit.

Quick facts