Today we’re going to take a look at five historic sights in New Orleans. This includes one renowned cathedral and four well-known museums -- all five have one thing in common: long, colorful histories and an astounding ability to keep going through thick and thin. I truly believe this is a lesson for us – after our calamitous 2020. All these sites are in the French Quarter and include: (1) The St. Louis Cathedral, (2) The Presbytère Museum, (3) The Cabildo Museum, (4) The New Orleans Jazz Museum and (5) The Historic New Orleans Collection.  

St. Louis Cathedral

Located at 6195 Pere Antoine Alley

(Overlooks Jackson Square)

The Cathedral’s triple steeples tower above the Presbytère and the Cabildo while looking down on Andrew Jackson astride his bronze horse and the block-long Pontalba Buildings with their elegant ironwork. This is definitely the heart of old New Orleans.

New Orleanians have worshipped on this site since 1727. But, 61 years after the current one was founded – a fire started by a candle – destroyed it. Amazingly, six years later a new house of worship rose from the ashes.

The Presbytère

 Located at 751 Chartres Street

(Between St. Louis Cathedral & St. Ann St.)

The architecturally important Presbytère was built in 1791 (as a matching structure for the Cabildo, which flanks the St. Louis Cathedral on the other side). Said differently, the order from left to right is: the Cabildo, St. Louis Cathedral and the Presbytère.

The Presbytère’s two permanent exhibits tell two sides of the ongoing Louisiana story — one of celebration and one of resilience. You can also view, “Living With Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond” an exhibit that recounts the rescue, rebuilding and renewal of The Big Easy. Hurricane Katrina was catastrophic.  As we all know.  

In 2005, the cupola atop the Presbytère was replaced. It had been missing since the Category #4 New Orleans Hurricane of 1915 where 11 major churches lost their steeples.

The Cabildo

Located at 701 Chartres Street

Visit this elegant Spanish colonial building to view many rare artifacts of America’s history. It was the site of the Louisiana Purchase transfer ceremonies in 1803 (the size of the United States was doubled). The three floors of the Cabildo museum cover the history of Louisiana. Artifacts such as documents, paintings and 3D objects are displayed.  

In 1988 the Cabildo was severely damaged in a fire. Within six years, the museum was restored with 600-year-old French timber framing techniques and was reopened in 1994.

The New Orleans Jazz Museum

Located at 400 Esplanade Avenue

This museum is housed in the historic Old U.S. Mint building (built in 1835) that you’ll find at the intersection of the French Quarter and Frenchmen Street – this museum’s collection of artifacts is the largest and most comprehensive in the world. The museum also holds annual festivals and concerts.  

The Historic New Orleans Collection

Located at 520 Royal Street

It’s also known as THNOC and serves as a museum, research center and publisher dedicated to preserving the history and culture of New Orleans. It strives to help folks understand New Orleans’ multicultural history through exhibits, books, periodicals and articles. It also offers an extensive array of material for teachers and students of all grades.

WHY RATHBONE MANSIONS? If you’re in here on a Sunday and want to go to church from Rathbone Mansions – take a look: St. Patrick’s Church (Catholic), 724 Camp St. is SEVEN MINUTES away (Central Business District), Berean Presbyterian Church, 1629 Simon Bolivar Ave. is FIVE MINUTES away (Garden District) and Beulah Baptist Church, 517 Upperline St. is ELEVEN MINUTES away (Garden District).

PLEASE PHONE, USE EMAIL OR CHECK THE WEB for the current status of whatever cathedral/church/museum you choose.

Shaun Nelson-Henrick