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. Built in 1813 as a matching structure for the Cabildo, which flanks the cathedral on the other side, it is one of the nation's best examples of formal colonial Spanish architecture (with many neo-Renaissance elements). It was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1970, and is now a property of the Louisiana State Museum.
The Presbytère is located on the northeast side of Jackson Square, between the cathedral and St. Ann Street. It is a two-story brick building, originally built with a flat roof that had a balustrade topped by urns. Its ground floor has a nine-bay open arcade of elliptical arches, with pilastered corners. The upper level also has arched openings, all articulated by pilasters, with multipane windows. The center three bays on both levels have engaged columns on either side, and are topped as a group by a gabled pediment. A dormered mansard roof was added in 1847, which is topped by a louvered cupola.
Beautiful museum full of history with a cheap admission price. This is an excellent stop to make if you are history buffs or just interested in NOLA history. I went to the Katrina exhibit and the NOLA history exhibits but found it to be a little boring for my taste. I prefer a more interactive experience. They had one room with a lot of interactive exhibits which was great but the rest felt lacking.
Karliegh BraswellJan 3, 2018
We visited both the Presbytère and Caplido and my preferred museum was the Presbytère but that likely depends on the exhibits. The exhibits when we visited in Feb 2018 were Hurricane Katrina-an excellent mix of photographs, video, interviews, and diagrams which explained all the events and circumstances. The other exhibit was Mardi Gras which was going on during our visit. Once again, the mixed media, wonderful displays of Queen's crowns, costumes, and explanations about every one of the customs. Well worth the visit and I would recommend getting the ticket for both museums. The Capildo has the Battle of New Orleans and some New Orleans history. Both were very good and fans of military history (like my husband) will find them fascinating. They are renovating (Capildo) right now so will likely have another good exhibit when done.
Lisa CantrellFeb 18, 2018
The Louisiana State Museum in Baton Rouge gives a better picture of Louisiana Culture than this one --visit it instead.
Ann ZacadaFeb 26, 2018
Pretty thorough museum. I really found the Katrina museum to be interesting. When the hurricane hit I was decently young and didn't see just what the city went through. It was surprising to see just all that the people of New Orleans had to go through during that time. Quite devastating. The Mardi Gras exhibits were nice too. They display a good array of costumes and costume designs, with interesting history.
1Nov 18, 2017
We had a great day here. Lots to see and learn about.
MELIA HICKSFeb 19, 2018
A nice place to spend time on a rainy or hot day. The Katrina exhibit was most definitely emotionally difficult, but I feel that learning about what happened is an important part of visiting New Orleans. Fortunately, the second floor will cheer you up with the Mardi Gras exhibit; I feel like it was put there on purpose to ensure we don't all leave the place completely depressed.
Virginie BouletMar 9, 2018
Inexpensive good learning experince about surviving Katrina & Mardi Gras
Lauren FrazierMar 17, 2018
Nice museum. Thought the Katrina exhibit could include more but still informative.
Jim McDermottMar 8, 2018
This place was neat if you want to learn a lot about Mardi Gras and all the different festival in the city. The downside is that I found the part about Katrina to be very short with not a lot to do. The information they had was good but I would not go a second time.
Mitchell GreerMay 16, 2018
I came to this museum mostly for the Katrina exhibit and it is nicely displayed, very moving. I spent a few hours in here, but I like to read every little thing. The Mardi Gras exhibit upstairs gives a good history on it from the start. They also have a discount if you’re visiting multiple state museums! I would definitely recommend.
Kaitlyn ForresterApr 29, 2018
Around 2 hours of great history about Mardi gras and then hurricane Katrina. Good for anyone curious about NOLA history. Affordable at about $6 per adult, well worth the cost.
Shelby SchouweilerMay 8, 2018
Great insight into what New Orleans went through during Katrina and a great Mardi Gras exhibit.
Anne MuellerApr 24, 2018
*At the time we went there, there was a promo where you can get a discounted price if you buy tickets for The Cabildo and The Presbytere at the same time. This place showcased the Hurricane Katrina tribute and the Mardi Gras exhibit. I LOVE the art installation at the lobby of this place. I love the Hurricane Katrina tribute. You'll see and hear videos of the event in one area with objects from the place. Didn't get to see everything as went there too close to the closing time. The Mardi Gras exhibit was OK. It's not the lack of objects to be displayed that's the problem, it's more of the way they displayed them. The Cabildo have a better way of displaying objects than this exhibit. But it's still nice to see the history of Mardi Gras.
Annah AJun 5, 2018
Two levels. One dedicated to Hurricane Katrina the second level Mardi Gras. Worth seeing as a locally dedicated and centric museum at $6 for an adult entry.
Simon DoubroffJun 1, 2018
Not really worth your time. The portion about Hurricane Katrina is pretty poorly done. Feels like a museum exhibit created as part of a high school senior project. Considering the vast amount of first-hand information/media available the exhibit should be much better. New Orleans deserves better. The Mardi Gras portion is better but a little disorganized.
Alex ShafferJul 1, 2018
Very active area there's street merchant selling random things. Street performers and alot of shop around. Always exercise caution not to get ripped off by any merchants or people complimenting you randomly (They're trying to shine your shoes and get money off you)
MrAsherDeistJul 15, 2018
Interesting exhibit but could of been put together better. If you’re looking to cool down for a hour,reasonably priced and in the middle of the city this is your place
starmagic6Jul 7, 2018
The Hurricane Katrina exhibit on the ground floor is educational and moving. The Mardi Gras exhibit on the second floor is flamboyant and fun. Allow at least an hour and a half.
Vanessa WilliamsJul 20, 2018
This place was neat if you want to learn a lot about Mardi Gras and all the different festivals in the city. The downside is that I found the part about Katrina to be very short with not a lot to do. The information they had was good but I would not go a second time.
Mitchell GreerJun 27, 2018
Beautiful museum full of history with a cheap admission price. This is an excellent stop to make if you are history buffs or just interested in NOLA history. I went to the Katrina exhibit and the NOLA history exhibits but found it to be a little boring for my taste. I prefer a more interactive experience. They had one room with a lot of interactive exhibits which was great but the rest felt lacking.
Karliegh BraswellJan 3, 2018
We visited both the Presbytère and Caplido and my preferred museum was the Presbytère but that likely depends on the exhibits. The exhibits when we visited in Feb 2018 were Hurricane Katrina-an excellent mix of photographs, video, interviews, and diagrams which explained all the events and circumstances. The other exhibit was Mardi Gras which was going on during our visit. Once again, the mixed media, wonderful displays of Queen's crowns, costumes, and explanations about every one of the customs. Well worth the visit and I would recommend getting the ticket for both museums. The Capildo has the Battle of New Orleans and some New Orleans history. Both were very good and fans of military history (like my husband) will find them fascinating. They are renovating (Capildo) right now so will likely have another good exhibit when done.
Lisa CantrellFeb 18, 2018
The Louisiana State Museum in Baton Rouge gives a better picture of Louisiana Culture than this one --visit it instead.
Ann ZacadaFeb 26, 2018
Pretty thorough museum. I really found the Katrina museum to be interesting. When the hurricane hit I was decently young and didn't see just what the city went through. It was surprising to see just all that the people of New Orleans had to go through during that time. Quite devastating. The Mardi Gras exhibits were nice too. They display a good array of costumes and costume designs, with interesting history.
1Nov 18, 2017
We had a great day here. Lots to see and learn about.
MELIA HICKSFeb 19, 2018
A nice place to spend time on a rainy or hot day. The Katrina exhibit was most definitely emotionally difficult, but I feel that learning about what happened is an important part of visiting New Orleans. Fortunately, the second floor will cheer you up with the Mardi Gras exhibit; I feel like it was put there on purpose to ensure we don't all leave the place completely depressed.
Virginie BouletMar 9, 2018
Inexpensive good learning experince about surviving Katrina & Mardi Gras
Lauren FrazierMar 17, 2018
Nice museum. Thought the Katrina exhibit could include more but still informative.
Jim McDermottMar 8, 2018
This place was neat if you want to learn a lot about Mardi Gras and all the different festival in the city. The downside is that I found the part about Katrina to be very short with not a lot to do. The information they had was good but I would not go a second time.
Mitchell GreerMay 16, 2018
I came to this museum mostly for the Katrina exhibit and it is nicely displayed, very moving. I spent a few hours in here, but I like to read every little thing. The Mardi Gras exhibit upstairs gives a good history on it from the start. They also have a discount if you’re visiting multiple state museums! I would definitely recommend.
Kaitlyn ForresterApr 29, 2018
Around 2 hours of great history about Mardi gras and then hurricane Katrina. Good for anyone curious about NOLA history. Affordable at about $6 per adult, well worth the cost.
Shelby SchouweilerMay 8, 2018
Great insight into what New Orleans went through during Katrina and a great Mardi Gras exhibit.
Anne MuellerApr 24, 2018
*At the time we went there, there was a promo where you can get a discounted price if you buy tickets for The Cabildo and The Presbytere at the same time. This place showcased the Hurricane Katrina tribute and the Mardi Gras exhibit. I LOVE the art installation at the lobby of this place. I love the Hurricane Katrina tribute. You'll see and hear videos of the event in one area with objects from the place. Didn't get to see everything as went there too close to the closing time. The Mardi Gras exhibit was OK. It's not the lack of objects to be displayed that's the problem, it's more of the way they displayed them. The Cabildo have a better way of displaying objects than this exhibit. But it's still nice to see the history of Mardi Gras.
Annah AJun 5, 2018
Two levels. One dedicated to Hurricane Katrina the second level Mardi Gras. Worth seeing as a locally dedicated and centric museum at $6 for an adult entry.
Simon DoubroffJun 1, 2018
Not really worth your time. The portion about Hurricane Katrina is pretty poorly done. Feels like a museum exhibit created as part of a high school senior project. Considering the vast amount of first-hand information/media available the exhibit should be much better. New Orleans deserves better. The Mardi Gras portion is better but a little disorganized.
Alex ShafferJul 1, 2018
Very active area there's street merchant selling random things. Street performers and alot of shop around. Always exercise caution not to get ripped off by any merchants or people complimenting you randomly (They're trying to shine your shoes and get money off you)
MrAsherDeistJul 15, 2018
Interesting exhibit but could of been put together better. If you’re looking to cool down for a hour,reasonably priced and in the middle of the city this is your place
starmagic6Jul 7, 2018
The Hurricane Katrina exhibit on the ground floor is educational and moving. The Mardi Gras exhibit on the second floor is flamboyant and fun. Allow at least an hour and a half.
Vanessa WilliamsJul 20, 2018
This place was neat if you want to learn a lot about Mardi Gras and all the different festivals in the city. The downside is that I found the part about Katrina to be very short with not a lot to do. The information they had was good but I would not go a second time.
Mitchell GreerJun 27, 2018
Beautiful museum full of history with a cheap admission price. This is an excellent stop to make if you are history buffs or just interested in NOLA history. I went to the Katrina exhibit and the NOLA history exhibits but found it to be a little boring for my taste. I prefer a more interactive experience. They had one room with a lot of interactive exhibits which was great but the rest felt lacking.
Karliegh BraswellJan 3, 2018
We visited both the Presbytère and Caplido and my preferred museum was the Presbytère but that likely depends on the exhibits. The exhibits when we visited in Feb 2018 were Hurricane Katrina-an excellent mix of photographs, video, interviews, and diagrams which explained all the events and circumstances. The other exhibit was Mardi Gras which was going on during our visit. Once again, the mixed media, wonderful displays of Queen's crowns, costumes, and explanations about every one of the customs. Well worth the visit and I would recommend getting the ticket for both museums. The Capildo has the Battle of New Orleans and some New Orleans history. Both were very good and fans of military history (like my husband) will find them fascinating. They are renovating (Capildo) right now so will likely have another good exhibit when done.
Lisa CantrellFeb 18, 2018
The Louisiana State Museum in Baton Rouge gives a better picture of Louisiana Culture than this one --visit it instead.
Ann ZacadaFeb 26, 2018
Pretty thorough museum. I really found the Katrina museum to be interesting. When the hurricane hit I was decently young and didn't see just what the city went through. It was surprising to see just all that the people of New Orleans had to go through during that time. Quite devastating. The Mardi Gras exhibits were nice too. They display a good array of costumes and costume designs, with interesting history.
1Nov 18, 2017
We had a great day here. Lots to see and learn about.
MELIA HICKSFeb 19, 2018
A nice place to spend time on a rainy or hot day. The Katrina exhibit was most definitely emotionally difficult, but I feel that learning about what happened is an important part of visiting New Orleans. Fortunately, the second floor will cheer you up with the Mardi Gras exhibit; I feel like it was put there on purpose to ensure we don't all leave the place completely depressed.
Virginie BouletMar 9, 2018
Inexpensive good learning experince about surviving Katrina & Mardi Gras
Lauren FrazierMar 17, 2018
Nice museum. Thought the Katrina exhibit could include more but still informative.
Jim McDermottMar 8, 2018
This place was neat if you want to learn a lot about Mardi Gras and all the different festival in the city. The downside is that I found the part about Katrina to be very short with not a lot to do. The information they had was good but I would not go a second time.
Mitchell GreerMay 16, 2018
I came to this museum mostly for the Katrina exhibit and it is nicely displayed, very moving. I spent a few hours in here, but I like to read every little thing. The Mardi Gras exhibit upstairs gives a good history on it from the start. They also have a discount if you’re visiting multiple state museums! I would definitely recommend.
Kaitlyn ForresterApr 29, 2018
Around 2 hours of great history about Mardi gras and then hurricane Katrina. Good for anyone curious about NOLA history. Affordable at about $6 per adult, well worth the cost.
Shelby SchouweilerMay 8, 2018
Great insight into what New Orleans went through during Katrina and a great Mardi Gras exhibit.
Anne MuellerApr 24, 2018
*At the time we went there, there was a promo where you can get a discounted price if you buy tickets for The Cabildo and The Presbytere at the same time. This place showcased the Hurricane Katrina tribute and the Mardi Gras exhibit. I LOVE the art installation at the lobby of this place. I love the Hurricane Katrina tribute. You'll see and hear videos of the event in one area with objects from the place. Didn't get to see everything as went there too close to the closing time. The Mardi Gras exhibit was OK. It's not the lack of objects to be displayed that's the problem, it's more of the way they displayed them. The Cabildo have a better way of displaying objects than this exhibit. But it's still nice to see the history of Mardi Gras.
Annah AJun 5, 2018
Two levels. One dedicated to Hurricane Katrina the second level Mardi Gras. Worth seeing as a locally dedicated and centric museum at $6 for an adult entry.
Simon DoubroffJun 1, 2018
Not really worth your time. The portion about Hurricane Katrina is pretty poorly done. Feels like a museum exhibit created as part of a high school senior project. Considering the vast amount of first-hand information/media available the exhibit should be much better. New Orleans deserves better. The Mardi Gras portion is better but a little disorganized.
Alex ShafferJul 1, 2018
Very active area there's street merchant selling random things. Street performers and alot of shop around. Always exercise caution not to get ripped off by any merchants or people complimenting you randomly (They're trying to shine your shoes and get money off you)
MrAsherDeistJul 15, 2018
Interesting exhibit but could of been put together better. If you’re looking to cool down for a hour,reasonably priced and in the middle of the city this is your place
starmagic6Jul 7, 2018
The Hurricane Katrina exhibit on the ground floor is educational and moving. The Mardi Gras exhibit on the second floor is flamboyant and fun. Allow at least an hour and a half.
Vanessa WilliamsJul 20, 2018
This place was neat if you want to learn a lot about Mardi Gras and all the different festivals in the city. The downside is that I found the part about Katrina to be very short with not a lot to do. The information they had was good but I would not go a second time.
Mitchell GreerJun 27, 2018
Monday | Closed |
Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
Thursday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
Friday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
Sunday | 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM |
Wander is a travel search engine that allows you to find the perfect travel destination that fits your budget and preferences.