Four women gather around a table examining a historical document. One woman wearing gloves points at the document. They appear engaged in discussion. A small teacup is visible on the table. The setting is a well-lit office or conference room.

Treasures from the Vault

Get an up-close look at history through artifacts and objects from our vault—without the museum glass!

Duration: Approximately 45 minutes to an hour

Go beyond the galleries into the fascinating world of museum collections with show-and-tell presentations at HNOC!

Join our curators and staff for a rare opportunity to view and learn about objects not currently on public display that illuminate New Orleans history—including photographs, manuscripts, maps, costumes, decorative arts, and more. Your group will experience:

A group of people, including three men and two women, are gathered around a long table, examining a large rolled-out document or map. They seem engaged and focused. A flag is visible in the background, and large windows let in natural light.

A closer look

Appreciate intricate details and delicate craftsmanship of historical artifacts, without the museum glass.

A group of people examine historical materials at HNOC's Williams Research Center.

Curatorial insights

Ask questions and learn fascinating details from the specialists who care for these items, including how items were acquired, their historic significance, and challenges with their preservation.

Two men give a presentation while standing behind a table full of historical objects, talking to a crowd.

Diverse discoveries

Get fresh perspectives on the city’s culture, events, and people through an ever-changing selection of objects, from the famous to the everyday. Presentations can be curated according to popular topics—including jazz, Mardi Gras, Storyville, and colonial Louisiana—or something unique, tailored to the interests of your group!

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Group Request Form

Contact our Visitor Services staff to reserve your group outing today.

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A group of people gathered in a room, some wearing hats, listening to a speaker holding a book. They stand on wooden flooring with bright natural light coming through large arched windows. Posters adorn the walls. The mood appears attentive and engaging.

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Group Experiences

Discover the rich history and culture of New Orleans with a private group outing from the Historic New Orleans Collection.

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A group of people in a gallery observes a woman explaining a large artwork displayed on the wall. The room has wooden walls, and a woman in a wheelchair holds a cane. Various people wear suits, dresses, and casual attire.

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Getting Here

HNOC’s museum is located at 520 Royal Street in the French Quarter, on Royal Street between Toulouse and St. Louis. Our Williams Research Center is located at 410 Chartres Street.

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Children in red shirts walk past and enter The Historic New Orleans Collection building on a sunny street. The group is accompanied by adults. The street features historic architecture with iron balconies.

People are gathered in a library or museum setting, examining documents on wooden tables. The room has high ceilings, bookshelves, and a decorative carpet. Some individuals appear to be in conversation while others focus on the documents.

Related Collection Highlights

An antique wooden box with hinged doors, displaying intricate scenes of grand architecture. The box is open, revealing a light green interior. The exterior paintings feature detailed buildings and trees, with a vintage, ornate style.

Leila’s Collectible Boxes

A look inside the Williams Residence offers insight into some of the interior decorating styles of the late 1940s and early ’50s, as well as Leila Williams’s personal collecting interests.

Learn More

Related News

HNOC in the News

New Orleans CityBusiness: HNOC Transforms Former K-Paul’s Into $6M Exhibit Fabrication Hub

September 18, 2025

The architects and contractors leading the renovation of 416 Chartres Street provide a detailed update on the progress of HNOC’s latest construction project.