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New Orleans, Orleans Parish / Museums

Pitot House

A rare colonial West Indies-style retreat on Bayou St. John, this 1799 home served as the residence of New Orleans' first mayor and now stands as a preserved window into Creole history.

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Pitot House
www.pitothouse.org, og_image_www.pitothouse.org

What is Pitot House known for?

Pitot House is one of the few remaining colonial West Indies-style houses in Louisiana and the only colonial Creole country home in New Orleans open to the public.

What are the visiting hours?

Public visiting hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Are guided tours available?

Yes, guided tours are offered Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., with the last tour starting at 2:00 p.m.

How much does it cost to visit?

While standard admission is not listed, special off-hours group tours may be available at a rate of $20 per person.

What is the history of the house?

Built in 1799 by Spanish merchant Bartholome Bosque as a country retreat, the house was later purchased in 1810 by James Pitot, the first mayor of incorporated New Orleans. It also served as a convent for the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart before being saved from demolition and purchased by the Louisiana Landmarks Society in 1964.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

Built in 1799 by Bartholome Bosque, a Spanish merchant and ship owner, Pitot House is one of the oldest surviving Creole country homes open to the public in New Orleans. Located on the banks of Bayou St. John, this West Indies-style residence served as a country retreat during the Spanish Colonial Period. It is named after James Pitot, the first mayor of the incorporated city of New Orleans, who purchased the home in 1810 and resided there until 1819. The architecture provides a tangible connection to the past. The ground floor features white plaster walls, brick floors, and an exposed wood beam ceiling. Moving upstairs, visitors find wide wood plank flooring and carved wood mantels, accented by paint colors influenced by Creole and Caribbean styles. The exterior is complemented by a 19th-century parterre garden and a meadow lined with cypress and magnolia trees, designed in the 1960s by landscape architect Christopher Friedrichs and architect Samuel Wilson Jr. The house has survived several transformations and narrowly escaped destruction. After being used as a convent by the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart, the building was slated for demolition in 1963. The Louisiana Landmarks Society purchased the structure in 1964 and moved it 220 feet to its current location on flatbed trucks. This move uncovered original decorative elements that guided the subsequent restoration, allowing the house to open to the public in 1973 and earn a place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.

Visitor tips

  • Plan your visit between Wednesday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • If taking a guided tour, arrive early as the last tour starts at 2:00 p.m.
  • Parking is available for those driving on Moss Street.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes as the house is within walking distance of City Park and the New Orleans Museum of Art.

Nearby context

Pitot House is situated in a scenic area along Bayou St. John, one block from the intersection of North Carrollton and Esplanade Avenues. It is conveniently located within walking distance of the Canal Streetcar, City Park, and the New Orleans Museum of Art.

Sources

Evidence and links