Here in New Orleans, we love a museum; it almost seems like there’s one around every corner. While we all know about the more popular museums in town like NOMA and The Ogden, we also have a great selection of more curated museums, as well. Here are the top 5 “hidden” museums that you might want to explore, the next time you’re looking for a learning adventure in New Orleans.
The Free People of Color Museum- Le Musée de f.p.c.
2336 Esplanade Ave.
https://www.lemuseedefpc.com/
Free People of Color (f.p.c.) is the term used to describe Blacks who were born free or freed before the Civil War. The presence of f.p.c. in New Orleans is recorded back to 1722 and New Orleans was home to one of the largest populations of f.p.c. Le Musée de f.p.c. honors those artists, artisans, entrepreneurs, educators, physicians, journalists, business owners and professionals who made New Orleans what it is today. This beautiful house displays artwork and history of f.p.c. in New Orleans and honors the contributions they made to the City.
Price and booking: https://www.lemuseedefpc.com/tours
$20/person and discounts for group tours
Algiers Folk Art Zone & Blues Museum
207 Leboeuf St.
https://folkartzone.org/
Located in the heart of Algiers, Algiers Folk Art Zone was founded in 2000 by artist Charles Gillam and features work that pays tribute to Louisiana’s rich musical heritage and stands as one of the South’s few “living” folk art environments. This quirky museum, located in an unassuming house, features work by Roy Ferdinand, Lonnie Holley, and Mr. Imagination, as well as Gillam, himself. The museum also features an annual Folk Art Fest that showcases regional art and live music; paintings, sculptures, mixed media arts, collage, pottery, jewelry, and other creative works on display and available for purchase.
Price and booking: https://folkartzone.org/visit/
Donations appreciated/appointment only
New Orleans Jazz Museum
400 Esplanade Ave.
New Orleans is known as the birthplace of jazz, so it’s only fitting that a list of museums includes the New Orleans Jazz Museum. New Orleans Jazz Museum contains five rotating exhibits on themes relating to jazz history and culture. Current exhibits include: Drumsville: Evolution of the New Orleans Beat; The Wildest! Louis Prima Comes Home; New Orleans Music Observed: The Art of Noel Rockmore & Emilie Rhys; and Rick Olivier: Great-ish Hits. Exhibits include listening stations, films, instruments, a recording studio and a dance floor.
Price and booking: https://nolajazzmuseum.org/visit
$8/adult, $6/students, senior citizens, active military, Children 12 and under are free
Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture
1010 Conti St.
https://www.themardigrasmuseum.com/
Celebrate Mardi Gras year-round at The Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture! Here you will view the private collection of Carl Mack, an accomplished performer known as The Xylophone Man, an entertainment provider and costumer. His collection includes costumes from Carnival ball royalty, Mardi Gras Indians, Cajun Mardi Gras, Carnival in Brazil, Gay Carnival Krewes, Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs, Walking Clubs and much more. You will learn what makes New Orleans Carnival so special and why it’s such an integral part of New Orleans’ culture.
Price and booking: https://www.showclix.com/event/costume-culture-tour
$15/person
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
514 Chartres St.
https://www.pharmacymuseum.org/
The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum is located in the former home and apothecary of the first licensed pharmacist in the United States, Louis J. Dufilho, Jr. Here you will be able to view an extensive collection of apothecary jars with original ingredients, medical instruments, prosthetic devices, surgical tools and more. You will also learn about Dufilho whose work played a vital role in promoting public health. According to their website, the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum showcases its extensive collection and provides interpretive educational programs to present and preserve the rich history of pharmacy and healthcare in Louisiana; past and present. Want to learn about this museums’ haunted past? Click here to read the story.
Price and booking: https://www.pharmacymuseum.org/book-online
$10/person, $7/65 and older and military personnel with valid ID
