1. The National World War II Museum
Officially designated by the U.S.Congress as America's National World War 11 Museum, this institution is also affiliated with the Smithsonian Institute. It is conveniently located in the Warehouse/Arts District. Some of the exhibits are reproductions of the Higgins landing craft built by volunteers, many of whom worked on these boats during the war. There's a 110-seat Auditorium where the films D-Day Remembered, an Academy Award© nominated documentary film, produced by the Museum, and Price of Peace are shown.
The National World War II Museum is located at 945 Magazine Street, corner of Andrew Higgins. The museum is open seven days a week from October through June from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. It's closed on Mondays from July through September. It's closed on Mardi Gras Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
2. The Cabildo
One of the most historical buildings in the United States, the Cabildo was built in 1795 replacing the original structure that burned in 1794. During the Spanish Colonial period it served as the seat of government in New Orleans. It is where the Louisiana Purchase was signed in 1803. This single, bloodless act nearly doubled the size of the United States at the time, and it opened the areas west of the Mississippi River for exploration, expansion, and settlement. Located on Jackson Square in the historic French Quarter, next to the St. Louis Cathedral, the Cabildo continues to showcase the rich and colorful history of New Orleans and Louisiana.
The Cabildo is located at 701 Chartres Street {Jackson Square). Telephone 504.568.6968 or 800.568.6968
3. The Presbytere
The Presbytere, or residence, was built on the site that was once the home of the Capuchin monks. Its design was intendeed to match that of the Cabildo at the time of its construction in 1791. It is located next to the St. Louis Cathedral with the Cabildo on the opposite side of the Cathedral. The building initially was used for commercial purposes until 1834 when it became a courthouse. In 1847 the structure's mansard roof was added. The Presbytere was then used by the city as a courthouse until 1911 when it became part of the Louisiana State Museum.
The Presbytere is located at 751 Chartres St. in the French Quarter, Phone: 504-568-6968 Toll-Free: 1-800-568-6968
4. The 1850's House
This is a National Historic Landmark. The Upper and Lower Pontalba Buildings, which line the St. Ann and St. Peter Street sides of Jackson Square, were built in 1850 by the Baroness Micaela Almonester de Pontalba. In 1921 the Pontalba family sold the Lower Pontalba Building to philanthropist William Ratcliff Irby who subsequently, in 1927, bequeathed it to the State Museum.
The State Museum offers a step back in time by recreating what one of the residences would have looked like during the Antebellum era when the Baroness Pontalba first opened her doors. Faithfully furnished with domestic goods, decorative arts and art of the period, the 1850 House depicts middle class family life during the most prosperous period in New Orleans' history.
It is located at 523 St. Ann St., New Orleans, LA. 70116 (lower Pontalba Building, Jackson Square). Phone: 504-568-6968 or toll free 800-568-6968
5. The Old Ursuline Convent
The Old Ursuline Convent is the oldest building in the Mississippi Valley and the only building of the original colony still standing. Authorized by King Louis XV of France in 1745, it was originally built for the Sisters of Ursula, who had settled in New Orleans in 1727. The Ursuline nuns conducted a school to educate the daughters of wealthy Creoles. One notable alumna was the Baroness de Pontalba. The nuns also educated Indian and African-American girls in special classes. In that era, a nun, Sister Francis Xavier, became the first woman pharmacist in the New World.
The convent still maintains a beautiful formal garden and behind the main building, there is a peaceful walled courtyard. In the main building is the original hand-crafted cypress staircase that Sister St. Anthony climbed so many years ago. The main lodge is filled with dozens of oil paintings of past religious, statues and bronze busts. Smaller rooms recall the building’s many functions over the years. The buildings were restored and repaired in the 1970's.
The Convent is located at 1100 Chartres Street in the French Quarter. Call (504)569-1401 or 800-535-7786 for tour information.
6. The Historic New Orleans Collection
The Collection is a museum housed in a complex of historic French Quarter buildings at 533 Royal Street. There are both permenant and changing exhibitions illustrating the history of the New Orleans and Louisiana, the Williams Residence house museum, and a museum shop.
A Research Center: Associated with the Historic New Orleans Collection is the Williams Research Center, composed of curatorial, manuscripts, and library collections, and is housed in a restored police and court building at 410 Chartres Street.
7. Louisiana State Museum
New Orleans' most prominent heritage attraction is the Louisiana State Museum, a complex of national landmarks housing thousands of artifacts and works of art reflecting Louisiana's legacy of historic events and cultural diversity.
The Museum operates five properties in the famous French Quarter: the Cabildo, Presbytere, 1850 House, Old U.S. Mint and Madame John's Legacy.