Degas House
2306 Esplanade Ave., New Orleans, LA, 70119
French impressionist painter Edgar Degas is synonymous with late 19th-century Paris, but another city also influenced his work: New Orleans. The place he once lived on Esplanade Avenue, the Degas House is now a museum dedicated to the painter that allows visitors to get a glimpse of the studio where he worked and get a feel for life in the Big Easy in the 1870s.
The Basics
The Edgar Degas House Historic Home and Museum is a 19th-century mansion found just outside the French Quarter in New Orleans. It was home to the artist for several months in 1872, when he visited the city to spend time with a branch of his family that lived in Louisiana.
The house, which dates from the 1850s, is both a museum dedicated to the artist and a B&B, where guests can stay. It is the only home and studio of the painter that is open to the public anywhere in the world. Visitors can tour the museum and see Degas’ former bedroom and painting studio, or arrange to take part in a guided impressionist tour led by a member of the Degas family.
Things to Know Before You Go
Some tours include a traditional breakfast with Creole classics, such as French toast, served in the property’s dining room.
The museum holds regular painting courses.
Visitors can enjoy the house’s pretty shaded courtyard.
How to Get There
The Degas House is located at 2306 Esplanade Avenue in the Esplanade Ridge neighborhood, a short walk from the French Quarter. Or, take bus 91 to the Esplanade and N. Tonti stop.
When to Get There
The museum is open daily from 9am to 5pm, and closed on some holidays. Check with the museum if you’re planning to visit on a holiday.
Exploring the Marigny Neighborhood
As you stroll down the tree-lined Esplanade Avenue toward the river, you’ll see the French Quarter on one side and the Faubourg Marigny one the other. This area is well worth a detour—make time to visit the Palace Market, where local artisans sell jewelry, paintings, and crafts. The neighborhood is also home to some of New Orleans’ best-loved jazz clubs, including The Spotted Cat and Blue Nile.
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