A courtyard with three people standing in the center. The building has an upper balcony with green railings and large arched windows. There are several round tables with chairs, plants, and a staircase in the background.

About

Proud stewards of New Orleans and Gulf South history, we are a museum, research center, and publisher in the heart of the French Quarter.

Our History

Who We Are

Established in 1966, HNOC builds on the collection and vision of our founders, Kemper and Leila Williams. We produce award-winning exhibitions, public programs, and books and multimedia. In keeping with our founders’ wish to make New Orleans and Gulf South history accessible to the public, admission is free. Researchers and history lovers can explore our million-plus holdings onsite, for free, at the Williams Research Center (WRC).

Our Historic Properties

The 14 French Quarter buildings under our care are important parts of our collection. Each one has a story of its own.

Meet Our Founders

Kemper and Leila Williams moved to the French Quarter in 1946 with a mission to preserve its architectural splendor.

Our Campus

520 Royal Street

Visit the Museum

See rotating and permanent exhibitions, explore the historic Brulatour Courtyard, and stop by our award-winning shop.

Learn More Learn More

A street scene in the French Quarter of New Orleans, with people walking along a narrow road lined with buildings that have iron balconies. Theres a parked car and flags including the American and Louisiana state flag hanging above the sidewalk.

410 Chartres Street

Visit the Williams Research Center

Explore centuries of Gulf South culture with unparalleled access to rare documents, art, and historic treasures. Stop in or browse our online catalog.

Visit Visit

Online Catalog

A historic brick building with tall, arched windows and ornate stone details. The facade features a central sign with engraved text. Large doors and lantern-style lights flank the entrance. The structure is framed by neighboring buildings.

533 Royal Street

Preserving our Flagship Location

In 2023, we closed our historic Merieult House and adjacent properties to the public. Now comes a years-long effort to preserve and reenvision this part of our campus.

Learn More Learn More

A historic two-story building with pink walls and green shutters, adorned with red and blue banners. The architectural style is classic, with arched windows and a balcony. The street is cobblestone, adding to the vintage atmosphere.

Research

Our Buildings

HNOC’s 14 historic buildings, spread over three blocks of the French Quarter, are foundational parts of our collection. Explore illustrated timelines of their architectural histories here.

View View

Illustration of a picturesque courtyard with plants and a lamppost surrounded by two-story buildings featuring balconies and shutters. The area is paved, giving it a quaint, serene atmosphere.

News & Press

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A view from a shaded balcony looking out at a courtyard surrounded by multi-story buildings with yellow walls and large windows. Shadows from the railing create patterns on the wooden floor. A few trees and tables are visible below.

“In the French Quarter, the city’s colonial heart, gimmicky ghost tours are as common as cockroaches. A better way to commune with the spirits is to visit the Historic New Orleans Collection’s museum on Royal Street.”

Richard Fausset, correspondent, The New York Times

A view of Daniel Hammer being interviewed on "Out To Lunch" with Peter Ricchiuti.

HNOC in the News

WWNO: “It’s New Orleans: Out To Lunch” Hosts HNOC President & CEO

February 9, 2026

The popular podcast host Peter Ricchiuti dined with HNOC’s Daniel Hammer to discuss the role of museums in chronicling historical memory.

A large, ornate church interior with a checkered floor and chandeliers. The pews are filled with people attending a service, facing an altar adorned with flags and artwork. The ceiling features intricate designs and paintings.

Press Release

HNOC to Host 18th Annual Musical Louisiana Concert: “Echoes of Innovation”

February 4, 2026

The free concert will honor 19th-century composers and innovators at St. Louis Cathedral and features the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra and special guests.

A black and white photo shows Richard “King” Matthews leading the Avenue Steppers Marching Club at a second line parade in 1982.

Announcement

Celebrate Black History with HNOC

February 1, 2026

Celebrate Black history all year long with blog posts, podcasts, collection highlights, and much more from the Historic New Orleans Collection.

A historical museum exhibit features a large black-and-white photograph of an old prison building. In front, there is a wooden stock used for restraining prisoners, with openings for neck and wrists. The quote on the photo describes the harsh prison conditions.

HNOC in the News

Louisiana Weekly: HNOC Receives LEH Award for Louisiana Mass Incarceration Exhibit

January 29, 2026

Officials praised “Captive State” for addressing a difficult and often polarizing subject with scholarly depth while remaining accessible to a broad audience.

Preproduction rendering of a scene from American Revolution: The Augmented Exhibition, coming to HNOC on March 20, 2026.

HNOC in the News

Walter Isaacson: To Mark Our Country’s 250th Birthday, Let’s Look to Our Roots

January 26, 2026

In a letter to the editor for NOLA.com, the renowned historian and author cited HNOC’s upcoming exhibition as an opportunity for Americans to celebrate the historical milestone.

Exhibit wall with a blue panel stating, The institutions of slavery and mass incarceration are historically linked. A section titled CAPTIVE STATE features text and a colorful quilt with nature and wildlife motifs displayed on the right.

Press Release

“Captive State” Named Museum Exhibition of the Year by Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities

January 15, 2026

HNOC joins eight other Bright Lights Awards recipients that were recognized for their significant contributions to the understanding of Louisiana’s history and culture in the humanities field.

HNOC in the News

WVUE: HNOC Explores the History and Impact of Mardi Gras Throws

January 6, 2026

HNOC Interpreter Jacob Williams discussed the history of iconic Carnival parade throws—and their unintended consequences.

A museum exhibit featuring a large, colorful sculpture of a face with an open mouth and extended tongue. It is flanked by two elaborate costumes on mannequins. Artwork decorates the walls in the background.

Announcement

Celebrate Carnival with HNOC

January 6, 2026

From blog posts to podcast episodes, enjoy exclusive Carnival-related content from HNOC all season long in one convenient place!

HNOC in the News

NOLA.com Names HNOC Historian Jari Honora as 2025 “Louisianan of the Year”

January 5, 2026

The family historian and certified genealogist received the honor for his work connecting the pope’s heritage to the state’s history and culture.

A woman points at an installation at HNOC's "The Trail They Blazed" exhibition. Children are gathered around her.

Announcement

HNOC Opens Submissions for 2026 Student Writing Contest

December 10, 2025

Inspired by the exhibition “The Trail They Blazed,” this year’s contest prompts students to address civil rights issues facing America today and in the future.