House of Dance & Feathers

New Orleans


Not many museums are run out of the back of someone's house, but not many curators are like Ronald Lewis, a Ninth Ward native who relishes in showing off the cultural artifacts of the New Orleans backstreets. Ronald plays the part of docent and guide, and he does a great job explaining the history and meaning of Mardi Gras Indian costuming, second line dancing, etc. Admission is by appointment, and while there's no charge, a donation is well appreciated.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby New Orleans attractions

1. Steamboat Houses

0.82 MILES

In a city with no shortage of wonderfully different architecture, the Steamboat Houses of the Lower Ninth Ward truly stand out. Built in the early 20th…

2. Sankofa Nature Trail and Wetland Park

1.02 MILES

This little green sliver in the Lower 9th Ward map is a developing green infrastructure project that both holds excess water and provides a natural breath…

3. Ellis Marsalis Center for Music

1.59 MILES

The Ellis Marsalis Center for Music serves as a cultural events and seminar space for the surrounding neighborhood; a visit can give you some insight into…

4. Ninth Ward Victory Arch

1.66 MILES

Walk down Burgundy street in Bywater and, seemingly out of nowhere, an Arc de Triomphe–style monument stands next to a high school football field. Oddly…

5. Markey Park

1.96 MILES

This small green space has a playground. It's a popular spot for Bywater families, and a good place to let younger kids run off some energy, especially…

6. St Vincent de Paul Cemetery

1.97 MILES

As New Orleans cemeteries go, this one feels completely off the tourist radar. And yet, it's as atmospheric and gloomy as any other 'city of the dead.' Be…

7. Crescent Park

1.97 MILES

This waterfront park is our favorite spot in the city for taking in the Mississippi. Enter over the enormous arch at Piety and Chartres Sts, or at the…

8. Algiers Folk Art Zone

1.99 MILES

Self taught artist Charles Gillam is a regular at Jazz Fest, where he exhibits woodcarvings and mixed media work that is fairly bursting with New Orleans…