A Museum On Jackson Square - The Louisiana State Museum
Designed in 1791, the Presbytère building was constructed to match the Cabildo, alongside St. Louis Cathedral, in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Originally used for commercial purposes, the building became a courthouse in 1834 and, in 1911, became part of the Louisiana State Museum. The Presbytère now houses two permanent exhibits, each telling a different side of the Louisiana story — one of celebration and one of resilience.
The Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond exhibit tells of rescue, rebuilding, and renewal. When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, it resulted in one of the worst disasters in American history, leaving 80 percent of the city flooded and hundreds dead. The exhibit documents the event, the aftermath, and the ongoing recovery. With interactive exhibits and artifacts that showcase the spirit of the city’s residents. During my visit I overheard a dad explaining to his young daughter, his experience during Katrina and the days, weeks, and months to follow. His emotion was overwhelming, choking up and in tears, his daughter hugged him and said, “Dad I am sorry you had to go through that”. Goosebumps.
I was fortunate to join two friends in volunteering at a mission in Brookhaven, Mississippi, following Hurricane Katrina. The experience was incredibly emotional. Meeting and helping families—sometimes spanning two or even three generations—who had lost their homes, clothes, and food was deeply humbling. After volunteering there, we traveled south to New Orleans, where the tables turned. We had been the ones assisting in Mississippi, but now we found ourselves in need of help.
Here are a few of my own images taken during that visit.
The following images are from the Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond exhibit.
The exhibit Mardi Gras: It’s Carnival Time in Louisiana offers a glimpse into the annual celebration and rituals of Mardi Gras, a festival that is woven into Louisiana’s way of life, and is the biggest celebration in New Orleans. The season starts on Twelfth Night, which is January 6, the Christian holy day of the Epiphany and culminates on Fat Tuesday. Known for its spectacular parades, vibrant costumes, and deep-rooted traditions, this celebration was definitely a bucket-list experience for me. There are elaborate floats, marching bands, throws like beads and cups, king cake, and a lively atmosphere throughout the city.
There are many traditions associated with Mardi Gras on display here like parade floats, balls, throws and offers a rare glimpses into the secretive social club society from which modern-day Mardi Gras krewes evolved. For more on the history of Mardi Gras click here.
To Be A Star: The Carnival Costume Designs of San Nicholas exhibit highlights a local personality who began his art education as a teenager in the 1940s before moving to New York City to study fashion design. In 1950, when Nicholas returned to New Orleans, he entered the world of Mardi Gras costume design. He started designing for the Krewe of Endymion, of which he was a founding member, the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, the Krewe of Orpheus, and the Krewe of Aquila, his last client before his death in 2018 at age 93. For more information on designer San Nicholas click here.
When most people think of Mardi Gras, they picture parades and beads, but there are other important traditions associated with it. The King and Queen of each krewe spend the entire year preparing for a spectacular ball, and their identities remain a closely guarded secret, adding to the mystique until the night of the event. Most of these balls are private and formal, with debutantes introduced at the Ball Tableau as part of their formal introduction to society. Attendance at the older, more aristocratic balls is by invitation only. In the past, ball invitations were printed in Paris, and today they are still quite colorful, often considered valuable works of art. For more information on Mardi Gras Ball Events.
Another place to visit in the French Quarter is the Germaine Cazenave Wells Mardi Gras Museum, named for the successor and daughter of Count Arnaud, opened on September 15, 1983. Wells reported reigned as queen of over twenty-two Mardi Gras balls from 1937 to 1968, more than any other woman in the history of Carnival. The museum brings together more than two dozen of her lavish Mardi Gras costumes, including thirteen queen costumes, her husband’s king costumes and children’s costumes.
In the context of New Orleans Mardi Gras, a "krewe" is a private social club or organization that sponsors balls, parades, and other festivities during the Carnival season as well as some activities during the year. Here is a list of some Mardi Gras krewes:
Krewe of Endymion is one of the "super krewes," known for its elaborate floats, plentiful throws, and celebrity Grand Marshals founded in 1967. For more information on the Endymion Krewe.
Krewe of Bacchus, is another "super krewe" founded in 1968, and broke with Carnival tradition by staging a Sunday night parade with bigger and more spectacular floats than anything previously seen in Carnival. More on the Bacchus Krewe.
Krewe of Rex is considered the "King of Carnival," Rex is one of the oldest parading krewes, founded in 1872 and is credited with establishing the official Mardi Gras colors –purple, green and gold, symbolizing justice, and faith. To read more on Krewe of Rex.
Krewe of Zulu is a historically significant krewe, rooted in the African-American community, and known for its tradition and community involvement. A moment in civil rights history occurred in 1969, the city granted the club permission to parade on Canal Street, a route that had traditionally been reserved for white carnival parades. The Zulu parade features iconic characters such as the Witch Doctor, The Big Shot, Mr. Big Stuff, Snake Man, and Jungle Jim. For more on the Zulu Krewe history.
Krewe of Muses is an all-women krewe known for their unique and creative parades. For more information on the Muses Krewe.
Krewe du Vieux was founded in 1978 and known for its unique and often irreverent parades, with a focus on tradition and community. More on Krewe du Vieux.
Krewe of Barkus is a krewe focusing on dogs, with the parade featuring dogs and their owners founded in 1968. More on the Barkus Krewe.
Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus is sci-fi themed krewe, known for its family-friendly and environmentally conscious throws. More on the Krew of Chewbacchuse.
Krewe of Orpheus is a musically themed krewe, known for its diverse membership and unique throws. Founded in 1993, and founding members include musician/actor Harry Connick, Jr. and his father, Harry Connick, Sr., former New Orleans district attorney. They were the first super Krewe to allow both male and female riders. For more on the Krewe of Orpheus.
Krewe of Hermes was founded in 1937, by a group of businessmen during the Great Depression decided a solution to the city’s woes was to throw a party. Years later, Hermes was one of the first Carnival Clubs to re-organize after the Hurricane Katrina. For more on the Hermes Krewe.
Krewe of Dionysus is a family-oriented krewe founded in 1993 with a focus on old-fashioned Mardi Gras traditions. For more on the Krewe of Dionysus.
Krewe of Centurions is a family-friendly krewe founded in 1979 with a focus on fun and community involvement. For more on the Centurions Krewe
This is what caught my eye; I hope you enjoy!
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What you should know:
Museum tickets can be purchased on-line or in person.
On the street parking, mostly metered, and parking lot options are available but can be difficult at times.
The exhibits are self-guided.
Restrooms are available.
You could spend a couple of hours exploring here, depending on your level of interest.
Check website for days and hours of operation.
Location: 751 Chartres Street, New Orleans, LA 70116
For more information: The Louisiana State Museum
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