533 Royal Street Renovation
HNOC’s flagship location will reopen in 2029 as a new attraction that tells New Orleans history through the people who lived there.
The Historic New Orleans Collection began operating in 1966 as a research center and reading room located in the historic Merieult House and adjacent structures at 533 Royal Street. For us, it was the start of our institution, but for the site itself, we were merely the latest in a long line of residents going back nearly 250 years.
533 Royal Street, renewed
HNOC is excited to usher in the newest era for 533 Royal Street with a museum attraction that tells New Orleans history through the people who passed through these spaces before us. Through hands-on activities and interactive displays, visitors will meet historical characters such as:
Julie, who worked as an enslaved laundress for 533’s first landowners before gaining her freedom and becoming a property owner herself
The Trapolins, 19th-century husband-and-wife hoteliers
Louise, famous French cook at the French Opera House café and retailer of imported French sandals
Genevieve, a suspected madam during the 1920s
Tom, a young playwright living in his first French Quarter apartment, soon to be known the world over as Tennessee Williams
Ike, a chauffeur and valet for the Williamses, who drove the couple's car to their home in Santa Barbara each summer, navigating Jim Crow–era segregated spaces along the way
More in Store
The new 533 Royal Street is more than a history museum. We’re planning these multifaceted spaces to attract all kinds of visitors. We want anyone in the French Quarter to find themselves here, through features such as:
- A courtyard timeline taking visitors through three different periods of French Quarter urban landscaping
- Watershed, a journey through our city’s layered history and contributions to the American experience
- The Williams Residence, HNOC’s founding house museum, fully restored
- Event rental space, with onsite kitchen and prep area for catering
- Education space for field trips and education events
- New interactive experiences that bring our region’s history to life for learners of all ages
Daniel Hammer, HNOC President and CEO
Meet Our Founders
Kemper and Leila Williams moved to the French Quarter in 1946 with a mission to preserve its architectural splendor.
Our Architectural Collection
Our commitment to Gulf South history and culture doesn’t stop at artifacts and exhibitions. We are dedicated to the continued preservation of the French Quarter through the maintenance of our historic buildings.
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