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New Orleans, Orleans Parish / History

The Degas House

The only home of Edgar Degas open to the public worldwide, this historic New Orleans mansion serves as a museum and an intimate bed-and-breakfast.

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The Degas House
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What is The Degas House known for?

It is the only home of Edgar Degas open to the public anywhere in the world and is recognized as a Maison des Illustres, one of only two in the United States.

What can I do there?

The house functions as a museum that offers guided tours, hosts special events and wedding ceremonies, and operates as a bed-and-breakfast hotel.

What is the history of the house?

Built in 1852 by Benjamin Rodriguez, the house was once home to the Musson family and later served as a finishing school for young women.

Why did Edgar Degas stay here?

Degas visited New Orleans in the fall of 1872 to see his mother's family, living and working in his uncle's home where he produced 18 paintings, four drawings, and five letters.

What are the amenities for overnight guests?

Guest stays include a Creole gourmet breakfast, free sherry, free parking, free Wi-Fi, and a small refrigerator in the room.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

Located at 2306 Esplanade Avenue, the Degas House is a landmark of the Esplanade Ridge neighborhood. Built in 1852 by architect Benjamin Rodriguez, the mansion dates from the early 1850s and was part of the original development of the area. Over the decades, the property has undergone various transformations, serving as a home for the Musson family and later as a finishing school for young women. In the fall of 1872, a depressed Edgar Degas left France to visit his mother's family in New Orleans. During his stay, he lived and worked in his uncle's stately home, where he produced 18 paintings, four drawings, and five letters. These works, which mostly depicted his cousins and Creole life during Reconstruction, helped him regain his self-confidence before returning to Paris in the spring of 1873. Today, the house is recognized as a Maison des Illustres, one of only two such designations in the United States and one of 236 worldwide. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is distinguished by the French Ministry of Culture. The restored portion of the house contains Degas's bedroom and studio, allowing visitors to see where the artist lived and worked. Beyond its role as a museum, the property operates as a historic hotel and inn. Guest rooms are located on the second and third floors, offering a European experience in the heart of New Orleans. Guests are provided with amenities such as a Creole gourmet breakfast and free sherry.

Visitor tips

  • Book a guided tour to access the restored bedroom and studio of Edgar Degas.
  • Explore the Esplanade Ridge neighborhood's architecture while walking to the house.
  • If you are staying as a guest, enjoy the Creole gourmet breakfast and free sherry provided.

Nearby context

The Degas House is a cornerstone of the Esplanade Ridge neighborhood, reflecting the early 1850s development of the area and the architect's influence on the original ridge development.

Sources

Evidence and links