Mahalia Jackson Theater for the Performing Arts is a live-performance venue at 1419 Basin Street, inside Louis Armstrong Park in New Orleans. Named for the New Orleans-born gospel singer, it hosts a varied program that includes opera, ballet, musicals, concerts and modern dance. The mid-size auditorium gives performances an intimate feel, and the theater has also hosted film screenings with live orchestras. Check the current program before you go, then leave time to find your seat: rows can be snug, especially if you are sitting in the middle.
A theater in Louis Armstrong Park
The theater stands at 1419 Basin Street in Louis Armstrong Park. Its namesake, Mahalia Jackson, was a gospel singer born in New Orleans. The venue reopened in 2009 after damage from Hurricane Katrina.
Its program spans several performing arts: opera, ballet, modern dance, musicals and concerts. Film screenings with a live orchestra have also been held here. Check the event calendar to see what is on during your visit.
Getting to your seat
The auditorium has a capacity of 2,100. The scale can feel more intimate than a very large arena, but rows are snug. If your seat is in the middle, getting there before the performance starts makes it easier to settle in without interrupting others.
Parking arrangements can be unclear around the theater, particularly for daytime events. Give yourself time to find the event entrance and a suitable spot. The theater has wheelchair-accessible seating, an elevator, an entrance, restrooms and parking.
FAQ
Where is Mahalia Jackson Theater?
It is at 1419 Basin Street in Louis Armstrong Park, New Orleans.
What kinds of performances are held there?
The program includes opera, ballet, modern dance, musicals and concerts. Film screenings with live orchestras have also been held at the theater.
Is the theater wheelchair accessible?
The venue has wheelchair-accessible seating, an elevator, an entrance, restrooms and parking.
How early should I arrive?
Arrive early if you have a middle seat in a row, since the space between seats is snug. Allow extra time to find parking and the event entrance.
