Contact Info:
Write to: 419 Decatur Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
Visitor Center: 916 N. Peters Street
New Orleans, LA 70116
Email
Phone: 504-589-4841
Overview:
Numerous musicians were key players in the development and progression of New Orleans jazz. And this historical site lets visitors explore the culture, ethnicity, neighborhoods, and families that played a role in shaping the music.
History:
Created in 1994, this historical site was created to preserve and share the cultural history of the people and places that helped shape jazz in New Orleans. The park preserves information and resources through interpretive techniques that educate and entertain the public.
In 1998, New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park and the New Orleans Jazz Commission teamed up to create a series of videotaped oral histories of local New Orleans legends. This effort first began in 1958 at the Hogan Jazz Archives at Tulane University. Both projects were created to collect and preserve the memories and oral traditions of New Orleans musicians. As of today, over 100 musicians have been interviewed and videotaped by the park and the Commission. And you can check them out at the park!
When to Visit:
The park is open year-round but there are several times a year that the park holds special events that make it an ideal time to visit. April is Jazz Appreciation Month which includes the French Quarter Festival and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. If you want to bring the whole family, consider visiting in August, when the park hosts the Children's Stage at Satchmo SummerFest. October is also Jazz Awareness Month with even more opportunities for music, and December is a time for seasonal concerts like Christmas New Orleans Style.
The Visitor Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. The park is closed on Christmas and Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday). The park’s headquarters is open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is closed on holidays.
Getting There:
For those driving, you will want to travel on I-10, heading towards New Orleans. Take exit 235A (Orleans Avenue) and turn south towards the Vieux Carre (French Quarter). Orleans Avenue will turn into Basin Street. Continue on Basin Street and turn left on Conti Street. Turn left on North Peters. The Visitor Center is located underneath Galvez Restaurant.
For out-of-towners, the closest airport is the Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY).
Fees/Permits:
There are no fees or permits required to visit the park. So you have no excuse not to visit!
Things to Do:
Self-Guided Audio Tour: There two to choose from: The Jazz Walk of Fame in Algiers Point and an 11 stop tour of jazz history sites in New Orleans. Stop by the visitor center to pick up both tour brochures.
Live Music: Every Saturday and Wednesday, the park hosts a variety of musicians to explore the development and progression of New Orleans jazz. Be sure to check the park’s schedule of events for details before your visit.
Park Ranger Programs: Every week, the rangers present a variety of programs. Whether you're looking for an interactive presentation or a lecture ot sit back and learn from, this park’s got it all.
