Shortly after the French founded New Orleans in 1718, a formal city plan established what is now known as the French Quarter. The park’s French Quarter Visitor Center features films and exhibits highlighting the history, cultures, and music of New Orleans and Louisiana’s lower Mississippi River Delta.

Craft and cooking demonstrations and performances by musicians, dancers, storytellers, and actors bring the traditions of the area to life. A bookstore offers music and books from history to cookbooks to children’s stories. Park rangers lead daily walks to the Mississippi River, just over the levee from the visitor center, to share the story of how it all began. Rangers are on duty daily to answer visitor questions. Special programs are available by reservation.

For program listings for specific dates, see schedule of events.

For directions to the French Quarter Visitor Center, see map.

419 Decatur Street, New Orleans
504-589-2636 ext. 1
Open daily 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Closed December 25 and Mardi Gras

Click for a printable self-guided walking tour of the French Quarter (tour courtesy of the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau). For a guide to historic homes and museums in the French Quarter, click here.