The Presbytère, History museum in French Quarter, New Orleans, US.
The Presbytère is a history museum in a colonial Spanish building with two main galleries, featuring exhibits about Hurricane Katrina and Mardi Gras celebrations. The building stands on Jackson Square next to the St. Louis Cathedral and presents its collections across two distinct spaces.
The building was constructed between 1789 and 1794 as part of the St. Louis Cathedral complex. It served as a courthouse starting in 1834 before later becoming part of the Louisiana State Museum system.
The museum displays carnival floats, costumes, and throws that show how Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans have evolved over time. Visitors can see these traditions up close and learn why they matter so much to the city.
The museum sits in the French Quarter along Chartres Street and is accessible during standard daytime hours on most days. It helps to arrive early in the day to explore the galleries without crowds.
The building features a symmetrical design with a bell tower and large arched windows that make it an exact architectural mirror of the Cabildo across the square. This intentional design pairing was created to emphasize the harmony of Jackson Square.
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