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The Historic New Orleans Collection

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Learn about New Orleans history in the heart of the French Quarter. See an exhibition or program, explore our historic buildings, or shop and relax.

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Current Exhibitions

A photo shows a museum visitor using a Histopad to view Washington crossing the Delaware in augmented reality.
Colonial Wars & Conflicts

American Revolution: The Augmented Exhibition

March 20, 2026 to January 17, 2027
Black and white photo of people in line for voting registration outside a building. Two men are seated near a Voting Applications sign, and several individuals are standing in line, some wearing hats and summer clothing.
The Civil Rights Movement

The Trail They Blazed

June 6, 2025 to June 7, 2026
A group of people sits at a diner counter. A woman drinks from a soda bottle, while another eats a burger. A man is smoking a cigarette. The counter is filled with plates and glasses, and the background shows shelves with various items.
The Civil Rights Movement

The Trail They Blazed (Traveling)

January 6 to April 19, 2026
Antique map of a city grid with detailed plots, streets, and buildings. It includes a compass rose and features ships sailing on the river at the bottom. The layout is intricate, showcasing a geometrically organized urban plan.
French Quarter Life

French Quarter Galleries

Ongoing
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Tours & Daily Programs

A courtyard with three people standing in the center. The building has an upper balcony with green railings and large arched windows. There are several round tables with chairs, plants, and a staircase in the background.

Shop & Relax

The Shop

The Café

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Our Campus

Getting Here

HNOC’s museum is located at 520 Royal Street in the French Quarter, on Royal Street between Toulouse and St. Louis. The Williams Research Center is located at 410 Chartres Street.

From I-10 East (MSY airport, Baton Rouge, and west)

  1. At the I-10/610 split, bear right to stay on I-10 East.
  2. Take Exit 235 for Orleans Avenue / Vieux Carre.
  3. Merge onto Basin Street.
  4. Use the U-turn lane to make a U-turn by the police station. After making the U-turn, take a slight right onto Toulouse Street. Proceed into the French Quarter.
  5. Turn right onto Royal Street.

From I-10 West (Slidell, Mississippi, and east)

  1. Take exit 235A for Orleans Avenue / Vieux Carre.
  2. Turn left onto Orleans Avenue. Continue onto Basin Street.
  3. Use the U-turn lane to make a U-turn by the police station. After making the U-turn, take a slight right onto Toulouse Street. Proceed into the French Quarter.
  4. Turn right on Royal Street.

From the North Shore (Mandeville, Covington)
Note: This route has tolls.

  1. Take the Causeway Bridge south across Lake Pontchartrain.
  2. Continue on North Causeway Boulevard.
  3. Use the right lane to merge towards New Orleans on I-10 East.
  4. At the I-10/610 split, bear right to stay on I-10 East.
  5. Take Exit 235 for Orleans Avenue / Vieux Carre.
  6. Merge onto Basin Street.
  7. Use the U-turn lane to make a U-turn by the police station. After making the U-turn, take a slight right onto Toulouse Street. Proceed into the French Quarter.
  8. Turn right onto Royal Street.

From the West Bank

  1. Take Business 90.
  2. Take Exit 13C and merge onto I-10 East.
  3. Take Exit 235 for Orleans Avenue / Vieux Carre.
  4. Merge onto Basin Street.
  5. Use the U-turn lane to make a U-turn by the police station. After making the U-turn, take a slight right onto Toulouse Street. Proceed into the French Quarter.
  6. Turn right onto Royal Street.

Paid parking is recommended, via a number of nearby lots or hotels. Rates average around $8-15 per hour, and we do not validate. Click here for a map of nearby options.

Street parking is available in the French Quarter, but beware of street cleaning and loading-zone times. Street cleaning occurs Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8 a.m. to noon. Meters are $3 an hour, or free on Sundays. Download the ParkMobile app to easily pay for street parking.

By Bus

The following bus routes provide easy access to the French Quarter. Check the RTA website for current schedules and a route planner.

  • No. 11–Magazine
  • No. 32–Leonidas-Treme
  • No. 52–Paris-Broadmoor
  • No. 55–Elysian Fields
  • No. 91–Jackson-Esplanade
  • No. 57–Franklin-Freret

By Streetcar

  • St. Charles Avenue line (green)
  • Canal Street line (red)

New Orleans has dedicated bike lanes on or parallel to most major thoroughfares. For a complete list, consult Bike Easy’s map of bike lanes.

Blue Bikes are available to rent at a number of locations throughout the city. To see a map of locations and to see rates, visit bluebikesnola.com or download the Blue Bikes appOpens in new tab.

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Group Experiences

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Field Trips

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Community Partnerships

A modern lobby with two people looking at a digital display table. Behind them, a vibrant mural covers the wall. To the left, a receptionist stands behind a wooden counter. The space has a minimalist design with brick flooring and large windows.

Upcoming Events

Saturday
10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Community Day
Join us for live music, gallery talks, and hands-on activities at our annual day of family fun.
Community Day
Wednesday
6–7:30 p.m.
27th Annual Bill Russell Lecture
Hear the shared musical legacy of Cuba and New Orleans in this lecture and concert featuring author and historian Ned Sublette, joined by legendary percussionist Bill Summers and his supergroup, CUBANEXION.
Signature Program, Lecture, Concert
Thursday
2–4:30 p.m.
HNOC and Postmambo Studies copresent “Tierra Sagrada,” a thrilling documentary offering a rare look at Afro-Cuban music and cultural traditions.
Film
Saturday
1–4 p.m.
Join HNOC and host Nick Spitzer for a discussion and birthday celebration honoring legendary New Orleans music producer Cosimo Matassa.
Panel Discussion, Reception
Friday
5–7 p.m.
Courtyard Sessions
HNOC kicks off its Courtyard Sessions concert series with a tribute to the Great American Songbook.
French Quarter Fridays, Concert, America 250
People explore a museum gallery featuring framed historical maps on white walls. The space has a wooden floor and a skylight ceiling. Some visitors examine the displays closely, while others walk through the hallway.
410 Chartres Street

Visit the Williams Research Center

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Williams Residence

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