New Orleans Jazz Museum — Attraction in New Orleans

Highly recommend if you're curious about the history of jazz or a jazz afficionado. Small but well curated space with a wide range and depth of exhibits that explores jazz as a style and it's ties to the city.

When I was there at around New Year's (DEC 20-JAN 21) there was an exhibit of photography around Chadfest (the Jazzfest offshoot), a very comprehensive Louis Prima exhibit, a room full of paintings by a local artist celebrating the music scene in the French Quarter, a room of artifacts belonging to and associated with Louis Armstrong, a photography exhibit of work by a man who has photographed many of the great NOLA musicians, and several rooms devoted to jazz drumming's history.

Each exhibit, where applicable, has a barcode linking you to an app through which you can hear examples of music-- pre-COVID there were wand listening devices but this is just how we do things now, so bring your earbuds and make sure you're all charged up.

Also, the museum offers free balcony concerts-- which you can enjoy outdoors on the back lawn of the museum either as a patron of the museum or if you're just passing by. Call or check the site for the schedule.

Total highlight of my trip. Will check back for future...

The Jazz Museum New Orleans is one of the newest gems in the National Park System. It sets a new standard for what a learning experience should offer for both young and old alike.

The museum offers a symbiotic view of jazz and New Orleans. Starting in the early days, there is a progression mixed through time in all parts of the museum. Whether you are a jazz aficionado or a newbie, there is something of interest for everyone.

Embedded in the basement of the museum is a historical exhibit dedicated to the old mint building in which the museum now resides. It is in sharp contrast to the musical overtones of the floors above, though an interesting display in its own right. It is a part of the museum which can be visited free of charge, as it falls strictly under the educational purview of the National Park Service in conjunction with the Treasury Department.

When visiting the museum, be sure to check the schedule of performances set for the musical venue upstairs. If you are lucky, there will be a visiting artist coming in to jam with the resident Park Service Ranger Band, though the band itself is pretty amazing.

This is a MUST SEE in...

The New Orleans Jazz Museum is a must-visit for any music lover or cultural enthusiast. Housed in a beautifully preserved historic building in the heart of the city, the museum is as visually striking as it is rich in musical history. It does a phenomenal job of honoring the legends of jazz—both the iconic musicians who traveled to New Orleans to perform and the many greats who proudly called the city home, such as Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, and Jelly Roll Morton.

Inside, you'll find fascinating exhibits filled with rare instruments, vintage recordings, and immersive stories that trace the roots and evolution of jazz in one of its most important birthplaces. The vibe is lively yet reflective, a true celebration of the genre and the culture that shaped it.

Parking can be a bit of a challenge, as there is only limited street parking available nearby. However, the experience is more than worth the effort. And for those who served, the museum offers a military discount—a thoughtful touch that adds to its welcoming atmosphere.

Whether you're a jazz aficionado or just curious about the soul of New Orleans, this museum hits all the...