A view of two visitors exploring "The Trail They Blazed" exhibition at HNOC.

Students & Families

Explore activities and programs for kids of all ages.

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News

HNOC Announces Winners of 2026 Student Writing Contest

This year’s contest challenged students to address important civil rights issues facing America today and in the future, inspired by the HNOC exhibition “The Trail They Blazed.”

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Students visit HNOC's exhibition "The Trail They Blazed."

Upcoming Events

Saturday

May 16, 2026

1–3 p.m.

Chess Club, Students & Families

2026 Chess Club Meeting

Join HNOC’s free, all-ages Chess Club to learn more about the game and help plan future gatherings and events.

Chess Club, Students & Families

A view of families taking part in HNOC's Chess Fest, hosted at the TEP Center in the 9th Ward of New Orleans.

Monday

June 8, 2026

9:30 a.m.–3 p.m.

Curator Camp, Students & Families

Students & Families

Curator Camp 2026

HNOC’s annual weeklong summer program for history-minded teens returns in 2026.

Curator Camp, Students & Families

Young people explore an exhibition at the Historic New Orleans Collection.

Saturday

July 11, 2026

1–3 p.m.

Chess Club, Students & Families

2026 Chess Club Meeting

Join HNOC’s free, all-ages Chess Club to learn more about the game and help plan future gatherings and events.

Chess Club, Students & Families

A young girl in glasses, wearing a striped shirt, thoughtfully playing chess with purple and yellow pieces. She is sitting at a blue table among other concentrated players in a room with several chess games in progress.

Saturday

September 12, 2026

1–3 p.m.

Chess Club, Students & Families

2026 Chess Club Meeting

Join HNOC’s free, all-ages Chess Club to learn more about the game and help plan future gatherings and events.

Chess Club, Students & Families

Children are playing chess at a table covered with a blue cloth in a busy room. One child looks thoughtful while contemplating a move. Adults and other children are engaged in activities at surrounding tables.

Saturday

October 31, 2026

10 a.m.–2 p.m.

Students & Families, Chess Club

HNOC Chess Club Presents

Chess Fest 2026

Our annual celebration of chess and community returns, hosted by HNOC’s Chess Club.

Students & Families, Chess Club

A middle aged woman plays chess with a child at Chess Fest. Another women smiles nearby as she watches the game.

Programs

HNOC offers opportunities for students and families of all ages throughout the year.

A group of students gather around a table displaying historical artifacts and animal pelts. They are reading and discussing various items, with some taking notes. The room is well-lit and educational in atmosphere.

Learn & Explore

Curator Camp

A weeklong summer program for teens eager to learn about what goes on behind the scenes at museums

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Two young children sit opposite of one another engaged in a game of Chess.

Learn & Explore

Chess Club

Explore HNOC’s all-ages club for chess lovers.

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A group of people sits around a wooden table examining large black-and-white photos. The setting appears to be a library or study room with large windows and an American flag in the background. The floor has a patterned carpet.

Learn & Explore

Student Writing Contest

Learn about HNOC’s annual student writing contest and read winning submissions from previous years.

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A group of children and their families participate in a program at HNOC.

Learn & Explore

Sensory-Friendly Saturdays

Exploration and hands-on learning for neurodiverse guests and their families

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A family stands near a sign promoting Family Day at an art exhibit labeled Art of the City: Postmodern to Present. The sign features city buildings, and the event offers free admission. The family includes two children and two adults.

Learn & Explore

Community Days

These special programs offer families opportunities to engage with HNOC exhibitions in fun, engaging, and family-friendly ways.

Learn More Learn More

A Derven Scholar intern works at a desk at the Historic New Orleans Collection.

About

Derven Scholars

Paid internships for college students interested in museum education

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A teacher guides two students who are writing on clipboards in a museum. They are examining an exhibit with photographs and text on the wall. The group is focused and engaged in the educational activity.

Current Exhibitions

Colonial Wars & Conflicts

American Revolution: The Augmented Exhibition

March 20, 2026 to January 17, 2027

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Music & Musicians

New Orleans Musicians in Art: Selections from the Permanent Collection

November 4, 2025 to May 16, 2027

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Black and white photo of people in line for voting registration outside a building. Two men are seated near a Voting Applications sign, and several individuals are standing in line, some wearing hats and summer clothing.

The Civil Rights Movement

The Trail They Blazed

June 6, 2025 to June 7, 2026

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Illustration of a brown pelican perched on a branch with green leaves in the background. The bird has a long beak and distinctive brown, white, and yellow plumage. The botanical details add a naturalistic setting.

Land Loss & Climate Change

A Vanishing Bounty: Louisiana’s Coastal Environment and Culture

Ongoing

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French Quarter street scene showing at 710 Toulouse Street, and corner of shuttered building at 714 Toulouse, with a man walking along the street in the darkness, his shadow falling upon the wall. Shows cat beside colonnette supporting balcony, a street light, double doorway of the gateway, laundry hanging on second floor of 710 Toulouse, and ironwork balcony of 714 Toulouse. Shows partial view of balcony and building at corner of Toulouse and Royal Streets.

French Quarter Life

French Quarter Life: People and Places in the Vieux Carré

Ongoing

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Antique map of a city grid with detailed plots, streets, and buildings. It includes a compass rose and features ships sailing on the river at the bottom. The layout is intricate, showcasing a geometrically organized urban plan.

French Quarter Life

French Quarter Galleries

Ongoing

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Plan Your Visit

Hours & Location

520 Royal Street
Tuesday–Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m .
Sunday, 10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

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Admission

Admission is free but tickets are required. Stop by the front desk or reserve tickets online. Ticket includes admission to all exhibitions and regular daily programs.

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