TravelHost: Shedding Light on the New Orleans Storyville Museum

"New Orleans-centric museum tells glorious tales of a vibrant city"

TravelHost Magazine

December / Winter 2024 Issue

New Orleans is a city unlike any other, where the sound of jazz drifts through the air and the scent of Creole cuisine entices you from every corner. Known for its blend of French, Spanish, and African influences, the city's rich history and cultural vibrancy are evident at every turn. While Mardi Gras is its most famous celebration, there's more to uncover beyond the parades. For those eager to delve deeper into the essence of New Orleans, a visit to its unique museums offers a journey into the heart of the city's culture.

New Orleans has always been a city rich in history and culture, and now there's a new way to experience its storied past. The New Orleans Storyville Museum, open in the French Quarter at 1010 Conti Street, offers over 7,000 square feet of immersive exhibits that bring the city's infamous red-light district, known as Storyville, back to life. The district, originally conceived to confine prostitution to a controlled area, was a hub of early jazz, gambling, entertainment and vice from 1897 to 1917.

The museum, a passion project of New Orleans native Claus Sadlier, delves into the raucous area with a unique blend of history and technology. Visitors can explore lifelike sets and holograms created by local artists and theater professionals, providing an engaging and educational experience. Exhibits trace the city's evolution from its founding in 1718 through the golden age of vice in the 1800s, culminating in Storyville's creation in the early 1900s. The museum is open to adults 18 and older from Thursday through Monday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.