Presbytère

Lonely Planet review

Although architect Gilberto Guillemard originally designed the Presbytère to be a rectory for the St Louis Cathedral in 1791, the building was never directly used by the church after it was completed in 1813. Instead, the cathedral administrators rented the building to the city for use as a courthouse before selling it to them in 1853. Ownership was transferred to the Louisiana State Museum in 1911.

The Presbytère has a permanent exhibit, called 'Mardi Gras: It's Carnival Time in New Orleans,' that's essential viewing for visitors wanting to learn about Louisianan culture. The exhibit delves into all of the major topics, with vibrant displays of masks and costumes, parade floats, Mardi Gras-Indian suits and historic photos. Documentary videos and detailed signage help convey the meaning behind many of carnival's complicated traditions.