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New Orleans · Louisiana · United States
Old Ursuline Convent Museum Admission in New Orleans
Starting From
From $10.00 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
Experience inventory, live availability and secure booking provided by
Project Expedition
The Experience
What your day looks like
Step into the oldest surviving building in the Mississippi Valley and uncover the foundational layers of Gulf South history at the Old Ursuline Convent Museum. Completed in 1752, this French Colonial masterpiece stands as a rare survivor of the fires that claimed much of the early city. This journey invites you into the lives of the pioneering Ursuline Sisters, who arrived in 1727 to establish the first girls' school, pharmacy, and orphanage in what would become the United States. From the original cypress beams on the first floor to the peaceful courtyard, the convent is a testament to resilience, faith, and the enduring legacy of women in early America.
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- Explore the oldest surviving building in the Mississippi Valley (1752).
- Discover Ursuline Sisters’ legacy in education and early New Orleans.
- Walk through historic chapel, courtyard, and preserved colonial rooms.
- Learn French and Spanish colonial history near Jackson Square.
Detailed Itinerary
The journey, in full
The Ursuline Room: Discover the "extraordinary voyage" of the twelve pioneering nuns who traveled from France to New Orleans. View artifacts that detail their revolutionary work in healthcare and education within the young colony. Architecture of Resilience: Observe the "brick-between-post" construction and the symmetrical window placement designed for cross-ventilation—an early 18th-century solution to the Louisiana humidity. The "Eternal Life" Exhibit: Explore a deep dive into the unique funeral and cemetery traditions of New Orleans, including recovered artifacts that explain why the city's burial practices differ from the rest of the country. St. Mary’s Church: Step into the adjacent 1845 chapel, which served as a place of worship for New Orleans’ Archbishops. Admire the ornate altar and hear how it became a spiritual home for the city’s Italian immigrant community in the late 19th century. The "Rooted in Faith" Gallery: View the museum’s current featured exhibit detailing the ancestral ties of Pope Leo XIV to Louisiana, connecting the Vatican to the heart of the French Quarter.
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
New Orleans
Sightseeing at Old Ursuline Convent, New Orleans.
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
Entry to the Old Ursuline Convent Museum. Access to exhibit rooms, chapel, and courtyard. Historical interpretation of French Colonial New Orleans. Museum experience focused on Ursuline Sisters’ legacy.
Not Included
Transportation. TIps & Gratuities Access to the 3rd floor. Food and beverages. Any services not explicitly mentioned.
What to Bring
Comfortable shoes Comfortable clothes Cash for personal use Supervise children at all times. Bring water and sun protection Arrive early for a smooth check-in.
Restrictions
Some areas include stairs and may not be fully accessible. Third-floor access is not included. Large bags may be restricted in exhibit areas.
Meeting & Pickup
Meeting Point: Guests meet at the Old Ursuline Convent Museum located at 1112 Chartres Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. Visitors should arrive a few minutes early to check in at the museum's welcome desk before beginning their visit.
Languages Offered
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Planning Notes
Minimum age: 5 Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Automatic
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