Death Riding on a Red Fish; 1974; woodblock on paper mounted on canvas by Ben Smith, printmaker; The Historic New Orleans Collection, gift of Eugene C. Daymude, 2010.0187
The Historic New Orleans Collection is resurrecting its special Halloween-themed tour of its Louisiana History Galleries October 1–31. “Danse Macabre: The Nightmare of History” will be available Tuesday–Sunday at 11 a.m. at 533 Royal Street.
In medieval allegory, “la danse macabre,” or the dance of death, is a ritualized march to the grave—a sober reminder of life's finality cloaked in wicked mirth. In a similar spirit, THNOC's “Danse Macabre: The Nightmare of History,” will lead visitors through darker aspects of New Orleans lore.
From the unwholesome subject of executions in French Louisiana to the gritty logistics of cemetery relocation, the tour is a toast to the authentically spooky—a veritable dance to the grave. Mosquitos, serial killers, colonialism, and Voodoo are just some of the topics likely to produce a bedlam of fright, insights and delights.
Admission is $5 and may be made on site or online in advance. Tours begin promptly and guests are encouraged to arrive at least 15 minutes in advance to allow for ticketing.
Please note: this is not a walking tour of New Orleans or the French Quarter, and the tour content is not recommended for children under the age of 13.
