The Cabildo

The Cabildo is one of the most historic buildings in New Orleans, and in the country. Located next to the St. Louis Cathedral. It was built in 1794, making it one of the oldest buildings in New Orleans. The Cabildo is the site where the Louisiana Purchase was signed. It also served as the seat of government during Spanish rule. It is currently used as a Museum that has the death mask of Napoleon in one of its exhibits.

On the other side of the St. Louis Cathedral stands the Presbytere, former residence of the Capuchin monks, and later a courthouse. Today, it is also part of the state museum system. Both museums are must sees when you come to New Orleans. The Cabildo has an active support group, aptly named the "Friends of the Cabildo". This group has planned some great events for December that you will want to add to your list of things to do in New Orleans.

Home Tours

Take a festive stroll through the French Quarter to visit five historic houses dressed in traditional Christmas decorations, along with Creole Christmas and Reveillon presentations and seasonal refreshments. Dates are December 26th and 27th. Self-Guided Tours begin at the 1850 House at 523 St. Ann Street on Jackson Square and are available all day from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Ticket sales to end at 3:00 pm. $25 per person, $20 FOC members (free for children 12 years old and under)

Historic St. Augustine Church

Also on December 26th and 27th, Fr.

Jerome LeDoux, S.V.D. will be signing copies of his new book War of the Pews: A Personal Account of St. Augustine Church both days from 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm. St. Augustine's, although lesser known than the St. Louis Cathedral, is just as historic. It's the oldest African-American Parish in the United States. Since 1842, St. Augustine has been a church of the free black citizens of New Orleans, welcoming both free and slave as worshippers. It continues today as a beacon of humanity and spirituality, both a history lesson and an example of 21 st century Christianity in action.

1850 House Museum Store
The 1850 House at 523 St. Ann Street (on Jackson Square)is a great place to visit and to shop. The home is furnished as it would have been in the 1850's, and during December it's decorated in the Creole style. This is one of several 19th century homes you can visit in their holiday dress in December. Get the complete list.
Chef John Besh

On Sunday, December 18th, 5:00pm-7:00pm renowned chef and James Beard award-winner John Besh invites us into his home and shows us how we can put good, fresh, healthy food on the table for our families every day in his book My Family Table: A Passionate Plea for Homecooking. Besh signs the book and offers sample tastings from some of the book's holiday recipes.

Coming Soon

Hidden Treasures: Carnival Edition. Tuesday & Thursday, January 17th & 19th Tour times: 6:00pm and 7:00pm LSM Collections Facility, 1000 Chartres Street. See the next installment of the Hidden Treasures of the Louisiana State Museum series as Wayne Phillips, Curator of Costumes and Textiles for the LSM, gives guests an in-depth look at Mardi Gras of long ago in this behind-the-scenes viewing of the LSM's special Carnival collections. Space is limited. Reservations are required. Admission: $15 General, $10 FOC members.

Other Events

Throughout the year, there are special events at the Cabildo, including book signings, lectures and yoga classes. You can check the schedule of events when you're in town by going to the official website.
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