The Presbytère is a Louisiana State Museum on Jackson Square, beside St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Its two permanent exhibitions explore Mardi Gras traditions and the impact of Hurricane Katrina, giving you a view of both the city’s celebrations and its recovery after the 2005 storm. Look for parade costumes, historical throws and interactive displays. The museum occupies a colonial-era building designed to match the Cabildo across the cathedral, so the architecture adds another layer to a visit.
A matching landmark beside the cathedral
The Presbytère stands on Jackson Square, beside St. Louis Cathedral and opposite the Cabildo. Designed in 1791 to match the Cabildo, it is one of the pair of historic buildings that flank the cathedral. Its name refers to the clergy residence once associated with the site. Although it was intended as a home for clergy, the building was not used as a religious residence.
The Presbytère later served as a courthouse under Spanish and American rule. It became part of the Louisiana State Museum in 1911. Its colonial Spanish design and place on Jackson Square make the building part of the visit, even before you enter the exhibitions.
Mardi Gras and Carnival traditions
The exhibition Mardi Gras: It’s Carnival Time in Louisiana follows the history and traditions of Carnival. Its displays include parade floats, costumes and historical throws, along with material about the krewes, the social groups behind Mardi Gras parades. The exhibition also covers traditions beyond the city’s main celebrations, including the Cajun Courir de Mardi Gras.
Look for Rex ball costumes and Zulu coconut throws among the objects connected to New Orleans Carnival. The displays offer a way to understand how the festival’s pageantry and customs developed, as well as the role of the krewes in organizing parades.
Living with hurricanes
The second permanent exhibition, Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond, documents Hurricane Katrina, the storm’s effects and the recovery that followed. Interactive displays and artifacts help explain the events leading up to and during the disaster, and the long aftermath for the city.
The exhibition’s focus on recovery sits alongside the Mardi Gras displays in the same museum. Taken together, the two exhibitions connect a major celebration with a difficult chapter in New Orleans’ recent history. The subject matter is serious, and the displays give you material to consider beyond a quick walk through.
Perguntas frequentes
What exhibitions are at The Presbytère?
The museum has two permanent exhibitions: one on Mardi Gras traditions in Louisiana and one on Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath.
Where is The Presbytère?
It is at 751 Chartres St on Jackson Square, beside St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans’ French Quarter.
Is The Presbytère part of the Louisiana State Museum?
Yes. The building became part of the Louisiana State Museum in 1911.
Can you buy tickets in advance?
Yes. Advance ticket purchase is recommended.
