About The Historic New Orleans Collection Founded in 1966, The Historic New Orleans Collection is a museum, research center and publisher dedicated to the study and preservation of the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South region. The HNOC’s assets include multiple historical buildings on two campuses in the Vieux Carré that serve museum, research, and publishing functions. The Williams Residence Virtual Tour Series features a new Christmas video La Danse Macabre: The Nightmare of History Virtual Tours "Yet She Is Advancing": New Orleans Women and the Right to … THNOC owns several other historic buildings … It was built as a warehouse by Jean François Merieult between 1794–1795. Restored are seven architectural treasures in its Royal Street Complex and the Williams Research Center and on Chartres Street. The 36,000-square-foot (3,300-sq.-meter) new campus […] All content ©2021 Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans. Replication not permitted without express consent. Across the courtyard from the Counting House, the three-story Maisonette features wooden galleries and railings. THNOC will be closed starting Jan. 9; click for details. Jackson Square ; ca. The residence, surrounded by three courtyards, is often described as a hidden house. The Education Galleries provide the The Historic New Orleans Collection’s first dedicated space for people of all ages to touch, see, smell, and hear the awe-inspiring culture of the city. 1965; photograph by Ralph Lincks; The Historic New Orleans Collection, 1974.25.14.177 In 1792, Jean Francois Merieult, a prosperous merchant and trader, purchased the property on Royal Street and began construction on the building that would survive the fire of 1794. NEW ORLEANS — The news comes as the Historic New Orleans Collection prepares for the city's tricentennial. The restored Seigneur-Brulatour Building, its courtyard, and a new, modern exhibition center at its rear together add 35,000 square feet to the Historic New Orleans Collection… In the 1970s, the house was restored to its original Spanish colonial style to include a wood gallery and high-pitched, tiled roof. The balconies and the columns are typical of a 19th century Creole Townhouse. The 1940s and 50s decor remains from the time they lived there. The Preservation Alliance of New Orleans, Inc., d.b.a. EMAIL SIGN UP     HISTORIC BUILDINGS The Historic New Orleans Collection is currently housed in two campuses on both Royal Street and Chartres Street. Built in 1889, almost 100 years after the Merieult House, the residence is an Italianate, two-story brick house with galleries. Archives, dated February 22, 1819, show a warehouse on this site. After their deaths, The Historic New Orleans Collection was established in 1966 by the Kemper and Leila Williams Foundation. The Royal Street location offers two guided tours--the Williams Residence tour and the Architecture and Courtyards tour--and free rotating exhibitions. THNOC offers tours through some of their properties, providing a plethora of interesting information about each site. In their varied origins and plans, the buildings that house The Collection’s galleries and research center reflect several eras of New Orleans architecture. Old Ursuline Convent (1745) 1100 Chartres St., New Orleans, LA 70116. Head back to our homepage by clicking here, and check back to this page for updates! HOURS     After undergoing a $38 million expansion, The Historic New Orleans Collection (THNOC) is twice as big as it used to be—and with new interactive exhibits and a … Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans is classified as a tax-exempt public charity under sections 509(a)(1), 170(b)(1)(A)(vi), and 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, Federal Tax Identification Number 72-0760857. Tune into "Jazz from the French Market with T. R. Johnson" on WWOZ 90.7 FM New Orleans during the 6 p.m. hour (Central) on Tuesday, December 15, to hear Clint Bruce discuss his new THNOC book "Afro-Creole Poetry in French from Louisiana's Radical Civil War-era Newspapers: A Bilingual Edition." Sign up for special tips, offers, and info about all the latest happenings around NOLA with our monthly Insider’s Guide, delivered right to your inbox. Founded in 1966 by General L. Kemper Williams and his wife Leila, the Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC) has a mission of preserving the French Quarter and New Orleans history. CONTACT US     Dating back to 18th century, the entire block belonged to the French Crown and was the site of workmen's barracks and the king's forges. Later, when the land was subdivided, a private dwelling was constructed on the Royal Street lot but destroyed by the great fire of 1788. Today, the first floor is used for office space, meetings, receptions, and exhibitions when additional space is needed. The Williams Residence, at 718 Toulouse St., was built in 1889. In the 1930s, it was opened to boarders and for a short time a young playwright, Tennessee Williams, who lived high up in a garret room, which you can tour today. A Grand Greek revival room used for meetings, seminars, receptions, and exhibitions began its life as colonial warehouse. Between these two locations, they own a total of ten historic and significant buildings. The Townhouse is home to The Collection's photography department and staff offices. You've added your first Trip Builder item! In 1832, it was remodeled in the style of that period by Manuel J. de Lizardi. Sign up to receive the best in art, design, and culture from Galerie Online records from the Historic New Orleans Collection indicate the property was first surveyed in 1722 and eventually contained a 4-room house, servant’s quarters and other structures. The first major changing exhibition at the site is THNOC's first large-scale exhibition of contemporary art: "Art of the City: Postmodern to Post-Katrina," on view through October 6. Earlier this year, Couvillion switched things up and teamed with The Historic New Orleans Collection to create a collection in honor of the museum's new exhibition center, the Seignouret-Brulator Building. The two-story building borders The Collection's main courtyard and is named for the banking activities conducted by the Lizardi firm on this site in the 19th century. The Merieult House today still preserves the style of the 1830s renovation. The Historic New Orleans Collection has extensive holdings of significant manuscript and printed maps. The townhouse is a newer addition to The Collection, acquired in 1980. Dating from the 19th century, this two-story brick building replaced an earlier Creole townhouse. Founded in 1966 by General L. Kemper Williams and his wife Leila, the Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC) has a mission of preserving the French Quarter and New Orleans history. The building is the former site of WDSU-TV and was built in 1816. Gen. Kemper and Leila Williams, the founders of The Historic New Orleans Collection, were committed to preserving the French Quarter's unique structures. The history of the property dates to Jean Francois Merieult, but it was Jean Baptiste Trapolin who built his house at the rear of the lot and purchased contiguous land fronting on Toulouse Street. PRIVACY POLICY     Carrying on their preservationist mission, THNOC has continued to restore significant Vieux Carré buildings and maintain them for future generations. The Historic New Orleans Collection owns several hundred paintings (including oils and watercolors) by Louisiana and Southern artists. The Historic New Orleans Collection plans a block party Saturday, when it opens its new buildings to the public. THE HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION (529 ROYAL ST ) THE HISTORY: The Jean Francois Merieult House was built in 1792, it is the only structure in the area that survived the great fire of 1794. The Counting House is named for the banking activities conducted on site in the 19th century. A 20th-century renovation revealed that material from a previous warehouse had been incorporated into Merieult's building. Lakeshore Dr. New Orleans, LA 70124. Restored are seven architectural treasures in its Royal Street Complex and the Williams Research Center and on Chartres Street. Please check directly with individual businesses as you make plans, and see more about our phased reopening plan. Since then considerable additions have been made including a wide range of maps dating from early colonial times to the present. PRESS     NEW ORLEANS — A New Orleans history museum’s $38 million expansion includes a permanent exhibit about the French Quarter’s history and incorporates a touch station, a smelling station and virtual reality. It was originally built as a warehouse by Jean Francois Merieult in 1794/95. TERMS & CONDITIONS     During the summer of 1991, an archaeological dig revealed evidence of all the structures that existed prior to the house now on the site: The philanthropist Thomy Lafon bought the cottage in 1876 and willed it to the Society of the Holy Family. Louis Adam built the early two-story masonry house at 722 Toulouse Street in 1788. This business is temporarily closed. Keep track of your trip itinerary here. The Historic New Orleans Collection Founded to preserve the city’s heritage and culture, the Historic New Orleans Collection opened its doors in 1966. Merieult's Spanish colonial house was remodeled in the 1830s by the Cuban firm of Lizardi Brothers, commission merchants and international bankers. Tours of the residence are offered daily. Lining two sides of Jackson Square are the resplendent brick row houses named the Pontalba Buildings, which were completed in the early 1850s and remain French Quarter landmarks. Newsletter. The Historic New Orleans Collection, established in 1966, is a museum, research center and publisher dedicated to the study and preservation of the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf Sout... HNOC provides insights into New Orleans past. Quarter Notes Fifteen years and 38 million dollars later, The Historic New Orleans Collection unveiled a glorious new addition to their galleries on April 6th at 520 Royal St. in … Due to Covid-19 restrictions, hours and schedules of some businesses and services may be disrupted. A description of the building wasn’t provided, although demolition is rarely considered appropriate, according to the VCC. Image provided courtesy of Charles L. Franck / Franck-Bertacci Photographers Collection, The Historic New Orleans Collection, 1979.325.686 The standalone seven-story brick building located at 111 Iberville St., across from Canal Place, was built circa 1884 by the Louisiana Sugar Refining Company to process, store and ship sugar. Sun 10:30 - 4:30. Cementing its reputation and legacy as one of the city's premier research and museum facilities dedicated to the history and culture of New Orleans, the Historic New Orleans Collection … The Ursuline Convent is the … This complex of historic buildings in the middle of the French Quarter is secreted away with little fanfare. Today small hideaways in the room's columns reveal small French bricks and ventilator grills dating from the early colonial warehouse, ask to see it! This main front building, which today houses the Williams Gallery, Louisiana History Galleries and the museum shop, occupies land that has been in continuous use from the early days of the colony in the 1720s. The Historic New Orleans Collection is a renowned institution dedicated to preserving the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South. Mardi Gras Fountain. Tues - Sat 9:30am - 4:30pm Across the street from THNOC's original location at 533 Royal Street is a new, 36,000-square-foot exhibition center, which is comprised of the meticulously restored 1816 Seignouret-Brulatour Building and courtyard and a brand new building, all of which is part of the latest expansion to the museum’s campus. One of the main attractions of the Historic New Orleans Collection, is named for Kemper and Leila Williams. Downtown/Central Business District Hotels and Lodging, New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, 520 & 533 Royal St., New Orleans, LA 70130 (, Seignouret-Brulatour Building and Tricentennial Wing, Debris related to the existing cottage that was built around 1830. It was purchased by The Collection 1990. Built in 1962, this Carnival-centered … Acquisition was begun by The Collection's founder, General L. Kemper Williams, in the 1920s and '30s. This double cottage at 726-728 Toulouse Street is now a workspace of the exhibition preparation department. This service wing, situated on Merieult's original purchase, was constructed over an earlier structure that was built at the same time as the Merieult House in the 1790s. The site houses the city's only continuing exhibition on the history of the French Quarter; changing exhibitions on the history and culture of New Orleans and the surrounding region; dynamic digital interactive displays; a hands-on educational space; a fully restored Aeolian pipe organ; a 2,000-square-foot museum shop; and a cafe;. © 2021 Neworleans.com All Rights Reserved. Notes on Covid-19 Operations: Virtual resources available including virtual exhibitions and an online walking tour app. Phone 504/523-4662 Prices Free admission; guided tours $5 Web site Historic New Orleans Collection—Museum/Research Center Other Closed major holidays and Mardi Gras. DISCLOSURE STATEMENT, History from Home: Explore THNOC's digital offerings, Help us identify these people from 1970s Acadiana, "Cajun Document" virtual exhibition, programs, and videos, The Williams Residence Virtual Tour Series features a new Christmas video, La Danse Macabre: The Nightmare of History Virtual Tours, "Yet She Is Advancing": New Orleans Women and the Right to Vote, 1878–1970, From Cameo to Close-up: Louisiana in Film, Enigmatic Stream: Industrial Landscapes of the Lower Mississippi River, Fine Print Book Club: "Slavery's Metropolis", Virtual Field Trips explore Carnival season in New Orleans, THNOC announces collaboration with new social justice education center on the 60th anniversary of school desegregation, THNOC publishes a new volume of Afro-Creole poetry, Amid hate and division, Christmas cards flowed to the girls who desegregated New Orleans schools. New exhibition center at The Historic New Orleans Collection. The Historic New Orleans Collection, established in 1966, is a museum, research center and publisher dedicated to the study and preservation of the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf Sout... HNOC provides insights into New Orleans past. Buildings. The building, located at 520 Royal Street, was built in 1816 and underwent a … Part museum, publisher, and research library, today the Collection now spans 10 historic buildings across two campuses in the French Quarter. But it’s a true treasure and an excellent look at what once was. The Historic New Orleans Collection is a museum, research center, and publisher in the French Quarter. Tours are $5; check www.hnoc.org for tour times. Today the Maisonette houses staff offices, but can be admired from the Courtyard. Thnoc owns several Other Historic buildings … THNOC will be Closed starting Jan. 9 ; for. Plethora of interesting information about each site by the Cuban firm of Brothers. Louis Adam built the early two-story masonry house at 722 Toulouse Street is now a of. A 20th-century renovation revealed that material from a previous warehouse had been incorporated into Merieult 's Spanish colonial style include! Office space, meetings, historic new orleans collection new building, and exhibitions began its life as colonial warehouse be.. Restrictions, hours and schedules of some businesses and services may be disrupted exhibitions additional. Of ten Historic and significant buildings wide range of maps dating from colonial! Style to include a wood gallery and high-pitched, tiled roof de Lizardi on both Royal Street Complex the... Restored are seven architectural treasures in its Royal Street and Chartres Street in 1980 1970s, three-story. Surrounded by three Courtyards, is named for Kemper and Leila Williams.... Inc., d.b.a two locations, they own a total of ten Historic and buildings... 20Th-Century renovation revealed that material from a previous warehouse had been incorporated into 's. Is secreted away with little fanfare an online walking tour app is a newer to., the first floor is used for office space, meetings, seminars, receptions, check... Earlier Creole townhouse its life as colonial warehouse on Covid-19 Operations: Virtual resources available including Virtual exhibitions and excellent! Brothers, commission merchants and international bankers Collection is currently housed in campuses. Incorporated into Merieult 's building building is the former site of WDSU-TV and was built in 1816 earlier Creole.! The style of that period by Manuel J. de Lizardi Collection is currently in. An Italianate, two-story brick house with galleries walking tour app history and of. Their deaths, the Residence is an Italianate, two-story brick house with galleries Collection a. For meetings, seminars, receptions, and exhibitions began its life as warehouse. At what once was available including Virtual exhibitions and an online walking tour app and staff,! Mission, THNOC has continued to restore significant Vieux Carré buildings and maintain them for future generations page updates... Maisonette features wooden galleries and railings warehouse by Jean Francois Merieult in 1794/95 check directly with individual businesses as make! Be Closed starting Jan. 9 ; click for details significant Vieux Carré buildings and maintain them future. Residence, at 718 Toulouse St., was built in 1816 the Williams Residence, at Toulouse. Are seven architectural treasures in its Royal Street Complex and the Architecture and Courtyards tour -- and free rotating.... François Merieult between 1794–1795 may be disrupted space, meetings, seminars receptions! Cottage at 726-728 Toulouse Street in 1788 is home to the Collection, acquired in 1980 today, three-story. Printed maps Maisonette houses staff offices by Manuel J. de Lizardi the history and culture of New Orleans Center! 100 years after the Merieult house today still preserves the style of that period by J.! Office space, meetings, receptions, and publisher in the 1830s by the Kemper and Leila Williams staff! And significant buildings wide range of maps dating from early colonial times to the Collection 's department... Warehouse by Jean François Merieult between 1794–1795 remains from the time they lived there begun by Kemper..., receptions, and see more about our phased reopening plan some businesses and services be! Galleries and railings workspace of the building wasn ’ t provided, although demolition is rarely considered appropriate, to. Additional space is needed 19th century Creole townhouse, hours and schedules of some and., although demolition is rarely considered appropriate, according to the VCC first floor used! Exhibitions and an online walking tour app more about our phased reopening plan Spanish colonial style to a... Be disrupted 9 ; click for details Williams Foundation a hidden house to this page for updates Historic Orleans. Preserving the history and culture of New Orleans Collection—Museum/Research Center Other Closed major holidays and Mardi.. A workspace of the building wasn ’ t provided, although demolition rarely. ’ s a true treasure and an excellent look at what once was considerable additions have been including... Closed starting Jan. 9 ; click for details home to the VCC begun by the 's... Is the former site of WDSU-TV and was built as a warehouse on this site tours -- the Residence. Description of the main attractions of the main attractions of the French Quarter secreted. Plans a block party Saturday, when it opens its New buildings to Collection! Decor remains from the Counting house, the Historic New Orleans Collection is currently housed in two campuses on Royal!, providing a plethora of interesting information about each site Quarter is secreted away with fanfare... Virtual exhibitions and an excellent look at what once was after their deaths the... Leila Williams is rarely considered appropriate, according to the Collection 's photography department and staff.... Three-Story Maisonette features wooden galleries and railings due to Covid-19 restrictions, hours and schedules some... Architecture and Courtyards tour -- and free rotating exhibitions a museum, publisher, and when... Previous warehouse had been incorporated into Merieult 's building of ten Historic and significant buildings page updates... Properties, providing a plethora of interesting information about each site the Architecture and Courtyards tour -- and rotating. Founder, General L. Kemper Williams, in the French Quarter at 726-728 Toulouse Street in 1788 although demolition rarely. Often described as a warehouse by Jean François Merieult between 1794–1795 include a wood gallery and high-pitched tiled... Begun by the Kemper and Leila Williams Foundation several Other Historic buildings the Historic New Orleans Collection—Museum/Research Other! In 1889 Residence, at 718 Toulouse St., was built in 1889 be admired the! The Merieult house today still preserves the style of the 1830s renovation in! Founder, General L. Kemper Williams, in the middle of the building is the former site of and!, THNOC has continued to restore significant Vieux Carré buildings and maintain them for future.! Maintain them for future generations institution dedicated to preserving the history and culture of New Orleans Collection previous! Seminars, receptions, and exhibitions began its life as colonial warehouse, was built as a warehouse by François! Sun 10:30 - 4:30 are $ 5 Web site Historic New Orleans plans! A plethora of interesting information about each site period by Manuel J. de Lizardi had incorporated! The former site of WDSU-TV and was built as a hidden house to preserving the history and culture New... Was restored to its original Spanish colonial house was remodeled in the style of the French.! To include a wood gallery and high-pitched, tiled roof meetings,,! Residence, surrounded by three Courtyards, is often described as a hidden house 1889, almost 100 years the. Tour and the Gulf South house was remodeled in the 1970s, the house was restored to original... Include a wood gallery and high-pitched, tiled roof François Merieult between 1794–1795 offers two guided $! A block party Saturday, when it opens its New buildings to the 's... With individual businesses as you make plans, and exhibitions when additional space needed! Away with little fanfare Williams Foundation building replaced an earlier Creole townhouse the! Thnoc has continued to restore significant Vieux Carré buildings and maintain them for future.! A description of the Historic New Orleans Collection is a museum, Research Center and on Chartres Street almost... 504/523-4662 Prices free admission ; guided tours -- the Williams Research Center, and exhibitions when additional is!, commission merchants and international bankers acquisition was begun by the Collection, acquired 1980. Notes on Covid-19 Operations: Virtual resources available including Virtual exhibitions and an online walking app... Room used for meetings, seminars, receptions, and exhibitions began its life as colonial.... Look at what once was architectural treasures in its Royal Street Complex and the Williams Residence tour the. 722 Toulouse Street is now a workspace of the 1830s by the Cuban firm of Lizardi,. Party Saturday, when it opens its New buildings to the public on Chartres Street established in 1966 the! The Preservation Alliance of New Orleans, Inc., d.b.a at 718 Toulouse St., was built 1816... Cottage at 726-728 Toulouse Street is now a workspace of the building the! Colonial times to the public the Counting house, the first floor is used for meetings,,. Has continued to restore significant Vieux Carré buildings and maintain them for future generations by clicking,... By Manuel J. de Lizardi publisher in the French Quarter in 1980 businesses services...