What is the Musson-Bell House known for?

It is a large pink Greek Revival/Italianate mansion in the Garden District, recognized as one of the best examples of Italianate architecture in New Orleans. It is also notable for being one of the few Creole-built mansions in a largely American neighborhood.

Who built the Musson-Bell House?

The house was commissioned by Michael Musson, a wealthy tobacco grower, cotton merchant, and New Orleans postmaster, who was also the maternal uncle of artist Edgar Degas.

When was it built and who designed it?

The house was completed between 1850 and 1853, with the design attributed to the renowned New Orleans architect James Gallier Jr.

What are the architectural features of the house?

The mansion features an arched doorway, an ornate wrought-iron balcony, and intricate cast-iron detailing. Its first- and second-story verandahs include lacy galleries and a diamond-motif frieze.

Are there any interesting stories associated with the house?

The artist Edgar Degas briefly lived at the house after the Civil War. Additionally, Michael Musson's blind daughter, Estelle, married her first cousin René de Gas, who was Degas's brother.

What should I check before going?

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

Musson-Bell House in New Orleans

What to know

The Musson-Bell House is a prominent landmark at 1331 Third Street, distinguished by its bold pink exterior. Completed around 1850 to 1853, the home was commissioned by Michael Musson, a wealthy tobacco grower, cotton merchant, and President of the Cotton Exchange. Musson was one of the few French Creoles to build a mansion in the predominantly American Garden District during this era. The residence's architecture is a blend of Greek Revival and Italianate styles, with designs attributed to the renowned architect James Gallier Jr. The house is celebrated for its intricate cast-iron detailing, featuring lacy galleries on the first and second-story verandahs, a diamond-motif frieze, and an ornate wrought-iron balcony. An arched doorway serves as a focal point of the elegant historic façade. Historical ownership shifted after the Mussons left in 1869. The second owner, Charles Morgan Whitney, modified the home in 1884 by removing the original first-floor bays and adding the galleries that define its current look. Later, the house was owned by Bryan Bell, a businessman and D-Day veteran who co-founded the National World War II Museum. The home's legacy is deeply tied to the arts. Michael Musson was the maternal uncle of the French artist Edgar Degas, who briefly lived with him here after the Civil War damaged Musson's fortunes. A poignant family anecdote recalls that Musson's blind daughter, Estelle, married her first cousin, René de Gas, the brother of Edgar Degas, and frequently had a neighbor read to her.

Visitor tips

Look closely at the diamond-motif frieze and the lacy cast-iron galleries for the best architectural details.
Bring a camera to capture the pink facade against the backdrop of the Garden District's greenery.
Allow extra time to walk through the neighborhood to see other nearby historic mansions like the Buckner Mansion.

Nearby context

The Musson-Bell House is situated in the heart of the Garden District, surrounded by historic mansions such as the Buckner Mansion and the Women's Opera Guild Home.