Overlooking Jackson Sq, the Presbytère was originally designed in 1791 as a place of residence for Capuchin monks. That never panned out, and the building switched between commercial and civic use for decades, finally becoming a museum in 1911. Today’s exhibitions showcase unique aspects of local life, documenting everything from fashion to art to music.
It’s Carnival Time in Louisiana
The wonderful permanent exhibit on Mardi Gras exhaustively explores the city’s most famous holiday. Here you’ll find there’s more to Fat Tuesday than wanton debauchery, through an encyclopedia's worth of material on the krewes (parade marching clubs), secret societies, costumes and racial histories that are the threads of the complex Mardi Gras tapestry. Climb up a parade float, see some blingy costumes, watch videos and listen to the brassy, drum-pounding roar of marching bands – the real highlight of Mardi Gras. You can almost imagine yourself waiting for throws on St Charles Ave as you duck inside one of the porta-potties (a bit of whimsy hiding a real bathroom inside) that are as rare as spun gold on Mardi Gras day.
Katrina & Beyond
The "Living with Hurricanes" exhibit is the best of the many spaces in New Orleans dedicated to explaining the impact of Katrina. It tackles the issue of how the city survives (and thrives) within the hurricane zone. Multimedia displays, stark photography, several attics' worth (literally) of found objects and a thoughtful layout combine to create a powerful multisensory experience.
