Across from Jackson Square in the French Quarter, the Presbytère features on many walking tours, though not all include time to go inside and see its two distinct exhibits. Mardi Gras: It’s Carnival Time in Louisiana features floats, costumes, and all sorts of other ephemera dedicated to the city's most popular event. Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond focuses on the devastating hurricane that hit the city and the city's post-storm recovery.
Even if you don’t go inside, plan to see the Presbytère from the outside—the colonial Spanish building was designed to match the Cabildo nearby.
Discounted admission is available for students, seniors, active military, groups, and AAA members. Children under 6 enter free.
Travelers with accessibility needs are requested to contact the museum in advance to make arrangements.
The Presbytère is located right on Jackson Square and is within quick walking distance of other spots in the French Quarter. The Ursulines streetcar station is about a 6-minute walk away. If you're staying in the Garden District, you can take bus 91 to the corner of North Rampart and St. Ann streets or take the streetcar to Canal Street, a 12-minute walk.
The Presbytère is open Tuesday–Sunday and closed on Mondays and public holidays. Busy times vary, but the museum tends to get fewer crowds first thing in the morning and on weekdays. Tuesday and Saturday are often a bit busier.
If you want to learn more about Mardi Gras and processional traditions in New Orleans, head over to the Backstreet Cultural Museum in the nearby Tremé neighborhood. Here you'll find all sorts of costumes, photos, and memorabilia, with a particular focus on the city's African-American community's traditions.
