Presbytère

What to know

The Presbytère is an architecturally significant building located at 751 Chartres Street, facing Jackson Square in the French Quarter. Designed in 1791 to serve as the rectory for the Cathedral of St. Louis, the structure was built on the site of a former Capuchin monastery. Despite its original purpose, it never actually served as a cathedral rectory, instead being used for commercial purposes and later as a courthouse starting in 1834. As one of the finest examples of formal Spanish colonial public building architecture in the United States, the building features neo-Renaissance elements and took more than two decades to complete. It was designed to match the Cabildo, which flanks the cathedral on the opposite side of the square, creating a symmetrical aesthetic for the city's most iconic plaza. In 1911, the building became part of the Louisiana State Museum, which was founded in 1906 to preserve the state's diverse cultures. Today, it serves as a tangible reminder of New Orleans' Spanish heritage and houses interactive exhibits and artifacts that showcase the spirit of the city's residents. Visitors can explore an elaborate and exquisite collection of Mardi Gras artifacts and memorabilia, diving into the story of New Orleans' extraordinary carnival tradition. The building is designated as a National Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, ensuring the preservation of its colonial legacy.

Visitor tips

• The museum is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with the last ticket sale at 3:30 p.m.
• Adult admission is $11, while seniors, military, and students with ID pay $9, and children 6 and under are free.
• The facility is fully wheelchair accessible with elevator access to each floor.

Nearby context

The Presbytère stands as a symmetrical counterpart to the Cabildo, flanking the St. Louis Cathedral on the edge of Jackson Square in the heart of the French Quarter.