This museum has some fascinating exhibits encompassing both art and history. Unfortunately, our experience was overshadowed by a docent who, unprompted, started asking us about ourselves (which is totally fine). When he uncovered that we were neither tourists nor natives but dreaded transplants, he gave us a huge passive aggressive guilt trip about gentrification (not so fine). I don't know if it was supposed to be educational but I found it pretty presumptuous. We are a mixed race couple of modest means visiting the Historic New Orleans Collection that day because we were on staycation, the museum was free and we enjoy learning about local history. Not every transplant is a wealthy gentrifier - some of us are just ordinary working class people who care about our adopted city and want to learn more about it. We've lived in New Orleans for two years now and this was the first time anyone has ever personally let us know we're unwelcome here :(.
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Free museum with super nice people working there (or volunteering?... I'm not sure). From the outside you could easily walk by and miss this place, in fact I almost did. I walked in just out of curiosity (not quite sure if it was a gift shop, art gallery, or what) and I found what seemed to be a tiny two room museum/gift shop. I was greeted by a friendly lady who told me to check out the collection upstairs first as they were closing soon. So I go upstairs and wow... it's a whole museum, not just a little room or two. Sure it's a lot of paper products (maps, paintings, and the like) but it's well laid out with tablets full of information. I only had about 20 minutes so I rushed through it, but you could easily spend at hour in here. If you are looking to do New Orleans on a budget, or just want some culture before you start drinking, check this place out!

ThIf you weren’t looking for this museum, you could easily pass it by walking down Royal Street, and that would be a real shame. The Historic New Orleans Collection is such a high-quality, engaging, fantastic museum!! And, it’s free! The exhibit on the history of New Orleans/the French Quarter was so fascinating to learn about. There was also a special exhibit on democracy and elections in the US, which was very interesting and well-done. The museum guide, Winston, was so kind and knowledgeable!! We had some really nice conversations about the citizenship test and election history in America. Due to various scheduling reasons, I wasn’t able to spend as much time here as I’d have liked, but will definitely plan accordingly if I’m able to visit the city again! Make sure to add this place to your sightseeing list!

The Williams Residence guided and self-guided tours each provided fantastic views into the lifestyle of the rich which was truly fabulous for its time. When in that house, after having seen a few movies from the era, you can easily imagine how everything would have worked and the comings and goings of staff as they attended to the Williams family and their guests. The tour felt well coordinated and our guide was knowledgeable and happy to answer the questions that came up. Please note that this is not a museum where everything is protected in display cases. You will in some cases be walking through and around the actual artifacts they have no issue reminding you that certain things can not be touched. I highly recommend a visit when you are in New Orleans.

The Historic New Orleans Collection, 520 Royal Street, free admission, was host to “Notre Dame de Paris: The Augmented Exhibition” during our visit. We spent more than 2 hours using a trademarked touchscreen tablet to explore the history of the construction of Notre Dame, the tragic and devastating 2019 fire, and the reconstruction that will culminate in the cathedral’s reopening planned for December, 2024. Unfortunately, this exhibit closed on March 19 but be on the watch for it at a museum near you.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

Best free museum experience EVER. The folks working there are so invested in the history and had a ton of knowledge about the museum pieces as well as extra historical facts and context. Just go there and talk to them, you'll learn as much from them as you would on a walking tour. PLUS the nicest restrooms in the French Qtr! lol They closed a little early for parades, so double check the times with them to make sure you don't miss it depending on what season your visit is in.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

I'm a local, and often revisit the HNOC when they have a new special exhibit, which is often. They have friendly docents that will be happy to explain a piece in the collection. The Historic New Orleans Collection is a great introduction to our city if you are visiting, or as in my case to reminisce on history of my ancestors. They often have special events. Did I mention it's free to the public? (but, please consider a donation or becoming a member if you enjoyed it)
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

This place includes a home of 1790's vintage. And much more than that. Changing exhibits. An aeolian pipe organ in a lovely room. The buildings themselves are of interest. One housed a TV station. Lee Harvey Oswald was on the morning talk show! The couple who made this place possible, Leila &Kemper Williams both from old LoUiSiAna families wanted locals and visitors to learn about New Orleans. Do not miss a visit here. It will be the best orientation a visitor could have.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

What a wonderful collection! Why haven't I come in the past? Very detailed history of the city with some exhibit that are permanent, others rotating. I came recently for the 50 year celebration of Tennessee Williams Streetcar Named Desire for the six faces of Blanche and it was wonderful. All of the employees were wonderful and full of information that they were more than happy to share freely with anyone who wants to know. I will be back in the future!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
$11–15

Stunning architecture and beautiful courtyards welcome you into this New Orleans museum, publisher, and research center in the heart of the French Quarter. This educational institution is definitely a hidden gem filled with wondrous treasures and stories. The shop offers a fabulously curated selection of whimsical items as well as unique pieces designed by local artists. Add this culturally decadent spot to your itinerary when visiting NOLA!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Excellent, yet unassuming, museum stop for NOLA visitors. You can tell the curators took time to e case the complexities within the city’s history: migration, colonization, celebrations, slavery, food and culture, etc. The result is a space enough for at least 3-4 engaging exhibits (during my time it was Mardi Gras, history of French Quarter, and photography). They’re closed in the evening, so make this a morning/afternoon stop.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Excellent art collection. For $5 you can choose from various tours. They are currently offering the Same Macabre Tour. It is free to visit the museum. There is a cafe in the courthouse. Unfortunately, one of the security guards was not very nice. He yelled at me for sitting outside the museum - a few minutes before my tour was scheduled to start. If you have ever been to NOLA, you know how unusual this is. I was actually shocked. When I explained I had a ticket and was just organizing my bag and looking for said ticket. He did not apologize

Absolutely worth the visit to gain a lot of knowledge on the history of New Orleans. Very beautiful exhibits and floors with a ton of artifacts around a multitude of categories. Best of all, admission is free, although there may be an additional cost for special exhibits. There are even guides who can help answer questions and provide context. If you walk by, consider stopping in. Their gift shop is also great!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Great museum & FREE! I honestly don’t know why more people don’t know about it...it provides a whole history of New Orleans for out-of-towners, sitting right on Royal St. Brand new, has great interactive exhibits, and an excellently curated collection of modern art. Pays homage to everything from Native Americans, slavery, the elites, the Mississippi River, different communities that were formed over hundreds of years. Highly informative, and I would recommend this to anyone visiting for the first time.

The exhibit on American democracy is exquisite. There's a stunning mural on the third floor that alone is worth seeing. It provides a truly fair and balanced view of the good and bad of our Democratic electoral system. It does not shy away from the warts but it also allows the gleaming facets to shine in the light of democracy that shines through the clouds trying to obscure it.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

I'm embarrassed that I've not visited The Historic New Orleans Collection until 2023. This FREE museum has the greatest history of New Orleans of any museum I've visited. The exhibits answered so many questions I've had for years. There are many permanent and temporary exhibits to enjoy. The staff is knowledgable and friendly. Take a break from Bourbon Street and be amazed!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

The regular exhibitions are nice but the Notre Dame virtual reality experience is mind blowing, I had been to Notre Dame in Paris but have not learned nearly enough compared from the exhibition, which reviews the history and design of Notre Dame from 12th century, all the way to the recent fire in 2019 and the restoration efforts. It’s also free! Plan to spend about 2 hours on this exhibit alone, as it’s dense with information. A bit crowded and may be a bit exhausting to stand all the way.

I'm giving the exhibit a 4 star rating because Art is in the eye of the beholder. I enjoyed the exhibit as an opportunity to experience the artistic inspiration of many New Orleanean artists. Their impressions and inspiration from significant moments, people, textures, spaces, and time itself in the history of this city are on display. The museum has free admission and that should invite everyone to visit and consider making a contribution to keep these types of cultural centers alive.

We found this by mistake. It was free! French Quarter. Staff was kind, informative and courteous. Clean establishment. So much to read/see/learn. There was a gift shop. There was a courtyard with a cafe. It was child-friendly and wheelchair accessible. Great find. They currently have a Notre Dame (Paris) collection to see as well. Would recommend.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
Free

Wonderful way to learn more about Louisiana and its rich history. The building itself is gorgeous and the exhibits are nicely displayed and informative. We went across the street where the collection continued after visiting this building first, but there wasn't nearly as much to learn and see over there except friendly staff/volunteers!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

This museum is hosted in an old New Orleans house. The permanent collection contains many maps, letters and pictures of New Orleans and its battles since the times of the French colony. The volunteers were all very helpful and shared interesting stories about New Orleans and some about their curious lives as well. The entrance is free and the museum is in a great location, so there's no reason to skip this one!

Staffs were knowledgeable and friendly. I went on the free self guided tour and enjoyed it . You’ll probably spend 30 minutes to an hour here. Great spot in the French quarter to learn more about the Louisiana purchase. It’s not too big... just about right, so you don’t feel like you’re skipping out on history, but you’ll still have time to do other activities in New Orleans .

Seriously enjoyed this museum, and best of all, it's absolutely free! Definitely stop by to look at the art and history exhibits; the building itself is lovely, too. Clean and modern facilities, including bathrooms. Perfect pitstop if you're in the French Quarter!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

This place/places is a great place to spend an afternoon. The two free exhibition spaces are free and full of amazing artifacts of history. I can tell that everyone that works here is very passionate about the history of NO! Talk to one of them and ask them questions; they are full of information about everything. If I had more time I would have taken their tour of the house.

Very interesting museum. We highly recommend, especially the current temporary exhibit; which is Notre-Dame de Paris. This was very informative, but was also very entertaining with the augmentation...lost track of time and didn't quite finish the exhibit. In addition to the changing exhibits, they have permanent exhibits focused on The French Quarter. Again, highly recommend.

Well worth an afternoon in the City. Make sure to leave a donation because it's free to enter. Current (as of 9.16.23) on democracy, women's suffrage, and the history of the French quarter are worth it. It's air conditioned and informative. Closed on Mondays
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

A treasure trove of history, artifacts and interesting stories about this wonderful city. Do yourself a favor and visit. You will realize how many amazing places you probably walked past dozens of times and didn't realize how historical they were.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
Free

I don't know what the interests were of the people who gave this museum and it's staff anything less than 5 stars. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and interested in NO and it's history. They brought to life the maps, pictures and artifacts in the exhibit. If you have only a passing interest in NO and American history, visit this museum. You will love it!

Wow what a gem! An amazing, informative, and well-run museum in the heart of the French Quarter. I wish we had more time to check it all out! The Notre Dame exhibit was incredible and so unexpected. It was interesting and very interactive. And best of all - the whole museum was free. Don't miss it!
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
Free

This museum was recommended to us by our tour guide so we made sure to stop by before we left. We are so glad we did! This was the only museum we went to that was free, and it was so great! It was well done, and the staff was extremely friendly and helpful. We learned so much about the history of New Orleans. We definitely recommend this museum to others.

The exhibition with snippets of literature and paintings of New Orleans is one of the best museum exhibitions I've ever seen. No plaques with useless description, the words of real word brings New Orleans to life in the best possible way.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

This is a really authentic New Orleans experience. The exhibits were informative and designed for mature, educated people (but it's not snooty, just meaning it doesn't 'dumb down' the content). The museum is located in an house built in 1792, so going in (for free, no admission!) Allows access to the beautiful and really New Orleans style inner courtyard.

This is a great interactive museum and usually not crowded. One of the best kept secrets in New Orleans. This free museum is very well done and has great French Quarter content. A great place to start your visit to the French Quarter.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

An excellent, FREE museum that lays out a brief history of New Orleans. The entire collection is contained in beautifully preserved historic buildings connected by a gorgeous courtyard. The docents are very knowledgeable and friendly, and the entire museum takes between a half-hour and an hour-and-a-half depending on how much you like to read.

This free museum is small, but has a lot of interesting pieces from New Orleans' past that you can go through in an hour. There are museum guides sitting in various rooms to give you tidbits of information. Too bad it did not have more items on slavery, considering the city was such a major center for human trafficking. It is worth your time!

Was honored to be invited by Action Jackson,last year To an exhibit of culture and history of s&p clubs. Beautiful place, every school, in New Orleans should attend, the kids might see someone, family member in the exhibit, History, History they might know or a Relative. I learned a lot from the exhibit,still learning. It's a cool place.

This collection is housed in a beautiful historic home. They are in the process of restoring and renovating in time for the tricentinial of New Orleans. That will open at the end of February. There are many knowledgeable guides positioned through out the home to give information on the family that lived there and donated the home.

Great place to explore the historic culture of New Orleans and Louisiana. Have original documents pertaining to The Louisiana Purchase and interesting exhibits on all of the buildings the HNOC owns and maintains
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
Yes
Price for adult entry
Free

Great museum, really really helpful passionate staff who were so keen to tell you even more, and free entry! I learnt so much about the rich history of New Orleans. An idea to improve - I feel it could probably do section about Hurricane Katrina, given the enormous impact that had on the city. But they're pretty limited in space!

This museum showcases the rich and turbulent history of New Orleans all the way from 15 century (I think?) to the present day. I was surprised that there were so few people on a weekend during the Jazz festival when the admission is completely free. Well worth your time if you are somewhat interested in history.

Amazing museum if you want to know more about New Orleans history and culture, there is a lot to see, learn and the entrance is free!!! Also the people working there are lovely and willing to share their knowledge with you! Honestly a very good place to visit!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

First this is free to go in and everybody should we saw their backstage at the streetcar named desire exhibit it was an excellent exhibit also the Mardi Gras exhibit was very good the staff is very nice and friendly they also have a café which was nice for a cuppa coffee and a piece of cake or lite bite More

Wonderful Museum and for free!! Way bigger on the inside than I thought on the outside. They have a rotating exhibition space that is wonderful. Every space has a tour guide who will help if need be, and there bathrooms are very very clean and nice! Definitely a stop for tourists or locals alike!

A wonderful snapshot of New Orleans history. Well curated and not overwhelming, the exhibits upstairs are in chronological order and the museum guide was impressively well informed. So much history in the breadbox of the city-blocks from the chaos lays this highly recommended experience.

Michael and Kurt were just fantastic. Really enjoyed their awesome history lessons and stories. The gallery is just beautiful. We felt very welcomed there and it was wonderful that the staff were so willing to tell us about Louisiana history, and a little bit about some of the pieces.

The night I was there, they projected Phantom of the Opera and had a French piantist play along. It was a beautiful performance and got to check some of paintings out after. If you're in town for the weekend, hopefully they have another event or you can at least see the free exhibits

I went to visit The Historic New Orleans Collection. There is work being done so we had to go across the street to enter. The staff there was very knowledgeable. I enjoyed everything about this experience and learned a lot about New Orleans. This is a great place for everyone More

In terms of the museum being free, it’s probably worth a visit. There was interesting history of New Orleans, cool maps and artwork, and the organ demonstration was good as well. Sports fans will like the sports exhibit - for me, seeing the 2010 NFL Lombardi Trophy was very cool.

Take the guided tour, it is absolutely worth it! We had a very knowledgeable historian walk us through the history of New Orleans using the fine collection of artifacts at the museum to bring to life key milestones and details. The tour made the history much more understandable.

This is a fantastic free museum! In the heart of the French Quarter it takes you through the ages in a fantastic journey of New Orleans and its history. You will absolutely enjoy this museum. Brand new building on Royal St. but they also have a great collection on Chartres St.

One of the best museums I’ve visited! Located in the center of French quarter. Very informative about history of NO, with great artifacts. Garden is peaceful. Could easily spend half a day here. The notre dame exhibition is interactive and interesting, highly recommend!

Love that it’s free with great artifacts including a Code de Noir, a letter from Susan B. Anthony, and cue cards for Mahalia Jackson. A must do!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Everyone, no surprise, it's so friendly. Ask to get a demo of the organ! They'll totally do that for you! And it's so worth it. If you've never heard a pipe organ played? Do it. If you have any you miss it (like me?) Do it! The art in this area is simply amazing.

Knowledgeable and quirky docents have knowledge and passion that helps makes this a lovely place to stop in! We were there to enjoy the excellent Tennessee Williams/Streetcar Named Desire exhibit, the Mardi Gras exhibit and the permanent French Quarter exhibit.

Randomly found this spot in google searches and popped in!. The staff were very kind, knowledgeable, and proud of the New Orleans history. Can’t believe it was a free museum; I learned so much and it was a wonderful way to escape the heat. Definitely recommend!

Very nice FREE museum! And the place was air conditioned and wheel chair friendly. I liked that they had artifacts about free people of color.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Too many people walk right by this gem of a museum, located on Royal Street. Devoted to celebrating and preserving the history and cultural roots of New Orleans, this museum provides visitors with an intimate view of this city. Put this on your must see list.

A great museum, combining history of New Orleans and local art. Michael Mae was a wonderful docent, providing great background on the history of the building and the featured artists. Well worth a visit, and it's free! A real treasure in the French Quarter.

This is a great place to learn about the history of New Orleans via various exhibits that are maintained with care. The staff members (especially Jacob) are very enthusiastic and helpful. Great way to escape the busy streets and learn a thing or two.

Lots of information on the history of New Orleans. Staff were enthusiastic and very knowledgeable. The building is stunning too!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Spectacular French Quarter permanent exhibit and revolving exhibits well worth the visit. May be the best museum in New Orleans.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
1 hr+
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

When I was there the lady covered wit tattoos was so rude and disrespectful always asking personal questions. The rest of the staff was pretty much the same. As a janitor I was made to feel below average and from what I could see Security too

Wonderful tour about Free People of Color. The extra information about colonial New Orleans was great. THNOC has the best staff♥️ Enjoyed hearing the Aeolian organ play and even looked through the sports exhibit and Industrial Photo display.

As we were waking and trying time find some place to spend some time, we stumbled upon this exhibit that was free. We were welcomed in and thru a series of rooms plotted the life of Andrew Jackson and the history of New Orleans. This is a

Go go go! The best museum of NOLA, nothing more to say about it. I don’t know how this place gets only a few reviews!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Fantastic free museum in the French Quarter. Be sure to check out the VR Notre Dame exhibit. Allow at least 2 hours.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Been visiting New Orleans for many years and finally visited this museum....glad we did. It was a fun place with a ton of history. We also purchased a tour of one of the houses they offer and was very glad we did. Wonderful few hours.

Stumbled across this museum with free admission! No line. No wait. Was not crowded. Staff was friendly and welcoming. Would recommend for others to check out. They also have their LEED plaque as well (IYKYK)!
Visited on
Weekend

A must see for all visitors to New Orleans! Lots of original documents, artwork, and artifacts that showcase hundreds of years of history. The docents are friendly and well informed, plus it's free! Can't beat that with a stick!

Little Gem in French Quarter! Great exhibits to learn about about the history of New Orleans. The collection includes multiple sites and an art gallery. During our visit there was also an exhibit on A Streetcar Named Desire.

A detailed history of New Orleans presented with a fabulous mixture of portraits, hand written documents, furniture, artwork and artifacts in two separate buildings across the street from one another. Admission is free!

We came across the gem while wandering New Orleans. Everyone who worked there was knowledgeable and very friendly. Worth the visit!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Price for adult entry
Free

Excellent historic record of New Orleans. Very knowledgeable staff and impeccable presentation.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

It was the best museum about New Orleans’ history that we visited in the French Quarter. It has a good art collection and is a well preserved building too. Organized, clean, and the staff was extremely friendly.

It’s free admission. The place is well taken care off. Great friendly staff that are there to answer anything you might wanna know about what they have there. It’s just a good place to visit if you visiting.

Hard to believe this is free! It's top-notch museum with immaculate displays of a wealth of history from New Orleans' storied past. Brand-new facility too! Cafe' Cour in the courtyard has historic food even.

Would definitely come back! Zoe treated us so good for my birthday weekend! Super quiet area and very good price!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Yes

Free admission includes two different locations of the museum. Rich in New Orleans history has letters, maps, paintings and other artifacts. There is a fun interactive activity. 2 - 3 hours recommended.

It is a comfortable and pleasant place to enjoy. I saw and felt a lot of things.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

We got king cake in the gift shop on the epiphany. Cool experience!
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
Up to 10 min
Reservation recommended
Not sure
Price for adult entry
Free

Awesome stuff and super nice tour people. Cool info with videos and artifacts
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Interesting museum. Loved this history lesson
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Wonderful! Late though they close early!
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No
Price for adult entry
Free

Every now and again they offer unique first showings. They also offer a beautiful courtyard. Original art showing the history of New Orleans over 300 years.

If you are interested in the history of Louisiana and New Orleans it’s a must go. Good content, helpful people and it’s free. Guided tour is paid but cheap.

The s museum is a must while your in the French Quarter and it's Free.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

I think their timeline organized better than carilo. The entrance is a bit hard to find, so I totally missed them a few times. Highly recommended.

The free exhibition of Notre Dame reconstruction & of New Orleans life is very well done. We enjoyed it thoroughly

I didn't get to visit the museum itself but love their gift shop. Great selection of distinctive gifts@ More

Jackson Square is the vibrant centre of New Orleans French District with its Street artists and performers

it’s a short time glance for 20 minutes because we don’t know close at 16:30. hope can visit again!

Excellent Very capable Staff can serve up Grad School Level historic information and anecdotes.

Very cool. Awesome history upstairs. Extra $5 architectural tour was fascinating as well!

This museum is super cool with a delicious Cafe. The new Notre Dame exhibit was amazing

Amazing free museum with lots of good information. Love the iPad idea. So smart!

Great collection and gift shop with unique items.
Visited on
Weekday

free museum for those visiting new orleans. right in the french quarter

Best FREE museum and gift shop all about the local culture.

Made large donation and wish I hadn't. They suck!

What a nice private museum!