The Presbytère
4.6(756)google
4.4(126)yelp
HistoryCarnival
Overview
The Presbytère is an architecturally important building in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. It stands facing Jackson Square, adjacent to the St. Louis Cathedral.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration2-3.5 hours
Best TimeWonderful year-round, specifically early afternoon (1:30 PM - 4:30 PM). Standing as the architectural twin to the Cabildo, this museum houses two world-class interactive exhibits: the ground-floor Mardi Gras history display and the upper-floor Hurricane Katrina resilience chronicle. Late afternoon provides ample quiet time to process the media.
Getting TherePositioned directly to the right of St. Louis Cathedral at 751 Chartres Street within the pedestrian-only Jackson Square plaza. Driving is impossible. Take the Riverfront Streetcar to either the Jackson Square or French Market stops, and walk 3 minutes toward the Cathedral; the matching Spanish baroque building on the right is the site.
Travel Tips
- The permanent Katrina exhibition utilizes loud sirens and graphic flood trauma loops that may trigger severe sensory or psychological discomfort.
- Located adjacent to the cathedral, the front plaza hosts loud street brass bands; choose early morning slots to avoid extreme outdoor decibels.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- Closed Mondays; the 2nd-floor Mardi Gras royal regalia display operates in low ambient light, and electronic flash photography is strictly illegal.
Reviews
Positive
- It houses two world-class permanent exhibitions; the ground floor Mardi Gras gallery is stunningly lavish, displaying dazzling royal coronation gowns and elaborate carnival masks.
- The second-floor Hurricane Katrina interactive gallery packs immense emotional punch, using authentic rescue logs, diaries, and gripping videos to showcase NOLA's resilience.
- Mirroring the Cabildo, this Spanish colonial structure is expansive and impeccably maintained, equipped with smooth accessible lifts, wide halls, and spotless, plentiful restrooms.
- Ticket pricing is highly reasonable and bundles with other state museums; situated right on Jackson Square, it's an unmissable, high-value cultural treasure trove.
Heads up
- The Hurricane Katrina exhibit's live disaster videos and blaring storm sound effects feel extremely heavy and raw, which might trigger distress in sensitive guests or frighten young toddlers.
- The carnival gallery utilizes low, focused lighting to accent regal jewel clusters; some informational text blocks are placed too low and use tiny fonts, making it tough for elderly readers.
- The facility operates no internal cafe or custom snack bar; when tired from walking both deep exhibitions, you must step outdoors into the heat to search French Quarter strips for a drink.
- Peak weekend hours bring dense foot traffic and carriage lines outside, making the perimeter chaotic; vehicles cannot approach this pedestrian block, forcing reliance on remote garages.