As William Faulkner famously wrote, “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” Nowhere does that feel more true than in his former hometown of New Orleans, where the city’s story is written in its brick-and-beam Creole cottages, bargeboard shotgun homes, and midcentury modern homes by the lakefront. The history of its architecture follows the history of its people, and with this in mind, Curbed New Orleans mapped 10 homes to tour, whether you’re a local or a tourist.
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10 historic homes in New Orleans to tour
From haunted to spectacular

Pitot House
Home of the Louisiana Landmarks Society, this 19th-century structure was once home to New Orleans Mayor James Pitot. The pristine house remains furnished with antiques from the 19th century. It’s also the only colonial West Indies country house open to the public in the city and includes a museum and 10,000-square-foot garden on site.
1850 House
Part of the Louisiana State Museum system, this home offers a peek into the mid-19th century. Located near Jackson Square, this houses is filled with antiques and is furnished in a way that reflects upper-middle class life. This home may be one of the oldest standing apartments in the United States.
Longue Vue House & Gardens
If you’re looking for more than a home to visit, check out this historic estate that holds one of New Orleans’s most famous house museums. Deemed a national historic landmark, this home’s garden, fountains, and groves space span over eight acres, including interactive areas for children.
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House of Broel
A popular wedding venue, this Victorian mansion is a treat for those who appreciate details. Large chandeliers, elegant decor, and a grand ballroom are some of this home’s spectacular features. This home also holds a gallery of dollhouses built by previous House of Broel owner, Bonnie Broel.
Gallier House
Built more than 150 years ago, this home is an elegant example of the Victorian-era lifestyle and design. It was one of the first to have both hot and cold running water in the mid-19th century.
And, you’ve guessed it: This home belonged to famous architects James Gallier and his son James Gallier Jr.
Hermann-Grima House
Spectators note this 18th-century home for its expansive outbuildings and courtyard. It is furnished with mid-19th century antiques, and nearly a third of them belonged to the Hermann or Grima families.
Rising Sun Bed & Breakfast
If you’re talking about historic homes in New Orleans, don’t overlook Algiers Point, New Orleans’s second oldest neighborhood. A year after 1895’s Great Fire of Algiers ravaged a 19th-century cottage, this historic shotgun double was built on the home’s foundation. While renovated, many of its original features are still intact.
Beauregard-Keyes House
Architect Francois Correjolles built this beautifully restored home in 1826 for a wealthy auctioneer. Over the last 193 years, this home has had several affluent owners and was rented by General P.G.T. Beauregard shortly after the Civil War. With its manicured gardens and fountain, this home has one of the most beautiful courtyards in the French Quarter.
Madame John's Legacy
One of the few pieces of architecture that survived the great fire of 1794 in the French Quarter, this 18th-century complex includes a main house, a kitchen, and a two-story dependency. Very few homes are as old as this historic property in the French Quarter, and it is one of the few remaining examples of the French Colonial style.
Magnolia Mansion
Not far from the home once owned by Anne Rice, this mansion currently operates as a bed and breakfast. Built in 1858, this palatial home went through several affluent owners and the New Orleans Chapter of the American Red Cross. Rumor says spirits haunt this old home.