Old Ursuline Convent Museum Entry Ticket

Old Ursuline Convent Museum in New Orleans

The Old Ursuline Convent Museum, located in the French Quarter, suits visitors interested in early American history and French Colonial architecture.

Highlights

• Explore the oldest building in the Mississippi Valley, built in 1752
• Learn about the legacy of the Ursuline Sisters who arrived in 1727
• See religious artifacts and historic documents in the museum’s galleries
• Visit the former residence of New Orleans archbishops and understand their role
• Stroll through the peaceful courtyard and enter the historic chapel

Description

Visit the Old Ursuline Convent Museum, a key historical landmark and the oldest surviving building from the French Colonial period in the Mississippi Valley.

The museum presents exhibits and preserved rooms that tell the story of the Ursuline Sisters, who founded the first school for girls in what became the United States. They contributed significantly to early healthcare, education, and charity in the colony, shaping both Catholic and civic life in Louisiana.

As you explore the galleries, you will find religious objects, historic documents, period furnishings, and personal narratives reflecting 18th-century New Orleans life. The site connects to important historical events including the French and Spanish colonial eras and the era around the Battle of New Orleans.

End your visit by walking the courtyard and entering the chapel, where generations have gathered in prayer. This museum provides an immersive look at the faith and cultural foundations of early New Orleans.

Includes

• Historical Significance: Built in 1752, the oldest surviving French Colonial architecture in the Mississippi Valley
• Architectural Features: Combines French Colonial and Spanish Colonial styles with distinctive red-tiled roof and courtyards
• Museum of Catholic New Orleans History: Exhibits on Catholicism and French colonial heritage
• Preservation of Early Life: Offers insight into 18th-century New Orleans through rare French Creole architecture
• Quiet Courtyard: Enclosed courtyard with a fountain provides a calm spot within the city
• Central Location: Near Jackson Square, St. Louis Cathedral, and the French Quarter landmarks
• Cultural Legacy: Highlights the Ursulines’ role in early education and religious life in New Orleans

Excludes

• Access to the 3rd floor

Important Information

• Recommended visit time: 60 to 90 minutes, explore at your own pace

Booking and Practical Details

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. We recommend booking early to secure your visit. Wear comfortable shoes for walking and consider visiting in the morning or late afternoon to avoid midday heat.