1850 House
The Basics
Visitors often combine trips to the 1850 House with stops at other famous New Orleans landmarks with a multi-attraction pass or stop off at the house on a French Quarter walking tour. The museum is not intended to recreate one family’s home; instead, it features artifacts, furniture, and ornaments that reflect tastes in design 150 years ago. The collection includes a set of china owned by Louisiana politician John Slidell and porcelain pieces from Paris, among many other antiques and paintings. The oldest purpose-built apartment building in the US, the 1850 House was built by Baroness Micaela Pontalba, whose father helped finance the Cabildo building and St. Louis Cathedral.
Things to Know Before You Go
There’s an admission charge to enter the museum.
Discounted tickets are available for students, seniors, and active military; children under 6 are free.
The house is arranged over different floors accessed by stairs and may not be suitable for those with limited mobility.
How to Get There
The 1850 House is located at 523 St. Ann St., on the edge of Jackson Square in the Lower Pontalba building. It is centrally located—close to many other downtown landmarks, including St. Louis Cathedral and the French Market—and is walking distance to the Mississippi River. The 5 and 55 bus lines stop close by at Decatur and St. Peter.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The house is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4:30pm. The busiest times are in the middle of the day, so get there early to avoid the crowds. The museum is closed for some holidays—check with front desk staff if planning to visit on a major holiday.
Local Art in Jackson Square
Almost every day of the year, local artists from New Orleans set up stalls in Jackson Square displaying their artwork. From colorful street scenes to detailed black-and-white drawings, there’s plenty to appreciate here—and you might just find a unique souvenir to take home.
- The Presbytère
- Cabildo
- St. Louis Cathedral
- Jackson Square
- French Quarter
- Court of Two Sisters
- New Orleans Pharmacy Museum
- Preservation Hall
- Napoleon House
- New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum
- Bourbon Street
- New Orleans School of Cooking
- Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve
- Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC)
- Old Ursuline Convent