Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC)
520 Royal St., New Orleans, LA, 70130
The Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC) seeks to record and preserve the rich cultural heritage of the Gulf Shore, with its Creole, Cajun, French Acadian, Spanish, French, Haitian, and Afro-Caribbean influences. The site comprises 13 historic French Quarter buildings showcasing historic photos and documents.
The basics
The HNOC maintains free exhibitions for visitors at its Royal Street and Chartres Street locations, as well as a museum café at the Royal Street site. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the Williams Residence, an Italianate brick townhouse where the founders of the HNOC lived from 1946 to 1963. Some private tours of the French Quarter—especially those with a focus on literary history—include a stop at the HNOC collections.
Things to know before you go
The HNOC is a must-visit for history buffs and those looking for an introduction to New Orleans culture.
Download the HNOC’s French Quarter Tours app for more information on the collection.
Admission to the collection is free, but tours cost extra.
How to get there
The Historic New Orleans Collection is based in the heart of the French Quarter on Royal and Chartres Streets. The closest parking lots are located on the 500 block of Chartres Street and the 500 block of Conti Street.
When to get there
Each campus of the HNOC maintains its own hours, and most are closed on Mondays and major holidays.
The Williams family
The HNOC was founded by Lewis Kemper Williams and his wife, Leila Williams. The lumber tycoon was also a keen collector and philanthropist, and their collection of Louisiana artifacts served as the founding collection of the HNOC.
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