Exchange Place, Pedestrian zone in French Quarter, New Orleans
Exchange Place is a pedestrian passage connecting Royal Street with Chartres Street in the French Quarter, lined with 1800s buildings that feature ornate ironwork balconies and detailed architectural flourishes. The narrow walkway showcases the craftsmanship of the era, with every structure displaying the layered design elements typical of the neighborhood.
The passage was created in 1831 as Passage de la Bourse to provide access to the Merchants' Exchange Building, commissioned by banker Samuel Jarvis Peters. It emerged from the need to connect major commercial streets as the city expanded its trading operations in the early 19th century.
In the 1800s, young Creole men gathered here to train under celebrated fencing instructors, making it a social hub for the city's elite families. You can still sense this lively tradition when walking through the narrow passage and observing how people gather in the shops and courtyards today.
The passage offers direct access to restaurants, shops, and hotels scattered throughout the French Quarter, making it a convenient route between two major streets. Walking here is straightforward, though the narrow corridor can become crowded, so early morning visits provide a more relaxed experience.
The passage was designed by architect James Gallier Sr., who also created Gallier Hall and the Pontalba Buildings, two other iconic structures in the city. His signature approach to proportion and detail is visible in every corner of this intimate walkway, though few visitors realize they are walking through one of his designs.
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