1850 House Tours and Activities

Recreating the surroundings of upper middle class life in an antebellum row house, the 1850 House museum offers a fascinating look into times past. The museum is made up of rooms decorated in the most fashionable styles of the mid-19th century, when life in New Orleans was at its most prosperous.
The Basics
Visitors often combine trips to the 1850 House with stops at other famous New Orleans landmarks with a multi-attraction pass or stop off at the house on a French Quarter walking tour. The museum is not intended to recreate one family’s home; instead, it features artifacts, furniture, and ornaments that reflect tastes in design 150 years ago. The collection includes a set of china owned by Louisiana politician John Slidell and porcelain pieces from Paris, among many other antiques and paintings. The oldest purpose-built apartment building in the US, the 1850 House was built by Baroness Micaela Pontalba, whose father helped finance the Cabildo building and St. Louis Cathedral.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There’s an admission charge to enter the museum.
- Discounted tickets are available for students, seniors, and active military; children under 6 are free.
- The house is arranged over different floors accessed by stairs and may not be suitable for those with limited mobility.
How to Get There
The 1850 House is located at 523 St. Ann St., on the edge of Jackson Square in the Lower Pontalba building. It is centrally located—close to many other downtown landmarks, including St. Louis Cathedral and the French Market—and is walking distance to the Mississippi River. The 5 and 55 bus lines stop close by at Decatur and St. Peter.
When to Get There
The house is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 4:30pm. The busiest times are in the middle of the day, so get there early to avoid the crowds. The museum is closed for some holidays—check with front desk staff if planning to visit on a major holiday.
Local Art in Jackson Square
Almost every day of the year, local artists from New Orleans set up stalls in Jackson Square displaying their artwork. From colorful street scenes to detailed black-and-white drawings, there’s plenty to appreciate here—and you might just find a unique souvenir to take home.
Address: 523 Saint Ann Street, New Orleans, Louisiana 70116, USA
Admission: Varies
4 Tours and Activities to Experience 1850 House
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Go New Orleans All-Inclusive pass with 25+ attractions & tours
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Maximize time in New Orleans with an easy to use digital pass to top city attractions. Get free admission to the National WWII Museum, the New Orleans bus tour, a Paddlewheeler Creole Queen river cruise, Ultimate Swamp Adventures, and more. The pass also offers access to walking tours such as the Haunted History Walking Tour. Choose between a pass for 1 day or several day pass according to your needs.
Please note: Enjoy the extra flexibility in case your travel plans need to change: All passes are valid for two year from purchase date and only become activated with your first attraction visit.
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$59.00
From
$59.00

French Quarter Walking Tour With 1850 House Museum Admission
362
Be enchanted by the historic and iconic French Quarter on this guided walking tour that reveals the area’s past, superstition, and individuality. Your passionate, knowledgeable, volunteer docent will show you what life was like in the past and provide you with access to the Pontalba Apartments of 1850 House Museum.
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$25.00
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$25.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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The New Orleans Sightseeing Flex Pass: Save Big on 20+ Attractions and Tours
7
Experience the best of the Big Easy at a great value with the New Orleans Sightseeing Pass. With immediate activation, the pass gives you access to your choice of three or five of the city’s top attractions and tours, from Mardi Gras World and paddlewheel cruises to plantation, cemetery, and swamp tours. It’s valid for 30 days, so keep your pass handy and customize your visit on the go with a guidebook listing opening hours, directions, and other helpful info.
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From
$75.90
From
$75.90

The New Orleans Sightseeing Day Pass: 20+ Attractions & Tours in The Big Easy
1
Experience the best of New Orleans on your own schedule and at a discount of up to 50% with the New Orleans Sightseeing Pass. Save big at top attractions like the Audubon Zoo, Mardi Gras World, the WWII History Museum, Houmas House Plantation, and the Cabildo, and get around town hassle free with an included hop-on hop-off bus pass. Choose the pass that fits your plans, with 1- to 5-day options available.
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From
$97.44
From
$97.44
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