French Quarter Visitor Center

Exhibits in the French Quarter Visitor Center highlight south Louisiana culture, nature, history, and (of course) food.

 

WHAT'S HAPPENING:

TEMPORARILY CANCELLED History talk - 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Join a ranger or park volunteer to discover New Orleans' history and culture. No talk on federal holidays or on Mardi Gras when the visitor center is closed. Free.

TEMPORARILY CANCELLED From the Wilds of Ireland to the Wilds of Louisiana: The Irish Experience - 1:00-2:00 p.m. Saturday, March 21. Laura D. Kelley, Ph.D., Tulane University ethnic historian, and director of Tulane's Summer in Dublin program, shares the history of Irish immigration to New Orleans and the continuing vibrancy of the Irish-American community in the city. Free.

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Shortly after the French founded New Orleans in 1718, engineers drew up a formal city plan for Nouvelle Orleans---the area that we now call the French Quarter. The city quickly expanded beyond those original boundaries to become an important American port. People arrived from all over the world, joining the early inhabitants of the area to create a distinct culture rich in food, music, and tradition.

Jean Lafitte's French Quarter Visitor Center shares the history and traditions of the city and the lower Mississippi River delta through visitor center exhibits and a film. Kids can earn a badge with the Junior Ranger program. The center's park store has CDs, videos, collectibles, and books from history to cookbooks to children's stories. Admission is free. Follow these links for the park's calendar of events, exhibits, and programs; for directions and transportation options; and for accessibility information. Note that there is no parking available at the French Quarter Visitor Center but that there are several pay-to-park lots available within easy walking distance.

419 Decatur Street, New Orleans
504-589-3882 ext. 221
Open Tuesday-Saturday 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Closed on federal holidays and Mardi Gras. Links to useful information like maps, public transportation, pets, permits for special uses, etc., are available on the basic information page.

Special programs by reservation:

• Field trips for schools and other groups by reservation.

For more about New Orleans, see

• guide to historic homes and museums in the French Quarter
• New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park

 

The French Quarter Visitor Center is full of maps, images, and interactive exhibits that share the Louisiana delta's history.