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The Presbytère

New OrleansAttractionhistory museum
The Presbytère
Photo: photo source

A landmark beside the cathedral holds Louisiana stories of Mardi Gras and hurricanes, but is temporarily closed for building upgrades.

Guide's tip. The museum is closed through September 30, 2026 for building upgrades, so today this is a public exterior view only. Compare its balanced facade with the Cabildo across the cathedral. Walk 0.09 miles into Jackson Square.

On a walking tour. Stop 4 of 10 on the walking tour New Orleans, French Quarter to Frenchmen Street, every stop on a map in walking order.

Open till 16:00 · about 15 min for a visit

The story

The Presbytère was designed to balance the Cabildo on the opposite side of St. Louis Cathedral. It later served commercial and courthouse uses before joining the Louisiana State Museum. Its permanent exhibitions examine two forces central to Louisiana memory: Mardi Gras celebration and the destruction, response and continuing lessons of Hurricane Katrina.

As of September 20, 2026, the museum is closed for building upgrades through September 30. Treat this stop as a public exterior view. Compare the facade, roofline and arcades with the Cabildo, and read the closure before planning any interior visit.

When it reopens, verify the current hours and ticket rules first. Universal Gallery may support a documented costume, photograph or object, but an exterior photograph cannot confirm what is currently on display.

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Nearby in New Orleans