About
Proud stewards of New Orleans and Gulf South history, we are a museum, research center, and publisher in the heart of the French Quarter.
Our History
Who We Are
Established in 1966, HNOC builds on the collection and vision of our founders, Kemper and Leila Williams. We produce award-winning exhibitions, public programs, and books and multimedia. In keeping with our founders’ wish to make New Orleans and Gulf South history accessible to the public, admission is free. Researchers and history lovers can explore our million-plus holdings onsite, for free, at the Williams Research Center (WRC).
About
Our Historic Properties
The 14 French Quarter buildings under our care are important parts of our collection. Each one has a story of its own.
About
Meet Our Founders
Kemper and Leila Williams moved to the French Quarter in 1946 with a mission to preserve its architectural splendor.
Our Campus
520 Royal Street
Visit the Museum
See rotating and permanent exhibitions, explore the historic Brulatour Courtyard, and stop by our award-winning shop.
410 Chartres Street
Visit the Williams Research Center
Explore centuries of Gulf South culture with unparalleled access to rare documents, art, and historic treasures. Stop in or browse our online catalog.
533 Royal Street
Preserving our Flagship Location
In 2023, we closed our historic Merieult House and adjacent properties to the public. Now comes a years-long effort to preserve and reenvision this part of our campus.
Research
Our Buildings
HNOC’s 14 historic buildings, spread over three blocks of the French Quarter, are foundational parts of our collection. Explore illustrated timelines of their architectural histories here.
News & Press
“In the French Quarter, the city’s colonial heart, gimmicky ghost tours are as common as cockroaches. A better way to commune with the spirits is to visit the Historic New Orleans Collection’s museum on Royal Street.”
Richard Fausset, correspondent, The New York Times
HNOC in the News
September Issue of ANTIGRAVITY Magazine Explores Life of Bunny Matthews
September 8, 2026
Authors Michael Tisserand and Alison Fensterstock, joined by son Jude Matthews, discuss the complicated subject of “Bunny Matthews: His Life, Art, and Obsessions.”
Announcement
Mark Your Calendar for These Upcoming Bunny Matthews Book Events
September 2, 2026
Join us for New Orleans-area events and book signings celebrating the release of HNOC’s publication “Bunny Matthews: His Life, Art, and Obsessions.”
HNOC in the News
WWNO’s “The Reading Life” Features Authors of HNOC’s Upcoming Bunny Matthews Book
August 27, 2026
Host Susan Larson interviews authors Alison Fensterstock and Michael Tisserand about the legendary artist and their book “Bunny Mathews: His Life, Art, and Obsessions.”
HNOC in the News
Country Roads Magazine Examines the Clarence John Laughlin Archive at HNOC
August 26, 2026
The article explores the surrealist photographer’s archive as viewed as an architectural survey of the Gothic south.
HNOC in the News
WVUE Feature Explores HNOC’s Restored Aeolian Pipe Organ
August 25, 2026
In its “Heart of Louisiana” segment, Fox 8’s Dave McNamara examines what makes the cutting-edge piece of 1920s technology so special.
Announcement
HNOC Book “Captive State” Receives Southeastern Museum Conference Publication Award
August 12, 2026
The 2025 publication was awarded Second Place (Silver) by the SEMC Publications Competitions jury.
HNOC in the News
NOLA Now: HNOC Offering Free Tours and Special Perks During Museum Month
August 11, 2026
Organized by New Orleans & Company each August, members of participating local museums receive free access to all other participating institutions throughout the month.
HNOC in the News
New Orleans CityBusiness: Historic New Orleans Collection Opens Bunny Matthews Retrospective
August 6, 2026
The exhibition “Bunny Matthews: His Art, Life, and Obsessions” and its companion book will debut on September 18, 2026.
HNOC in the News
WVUE: HNOC Presents 18th Annual New Orleans Antiques Forum this Weekend
August 5, 2026
Manager of Programs Amy Williams explores the objects and themes featured at this year’s forum, taking place August 7–9.
HNOC in the News
Afar Media: HNOC’s Williams Research Center Named as New Orleans Literary Destination
July 30, 2026
HNOC’s partnership with the annual Tennessee Williams & New Orleans Literary Festival received a top mention.
HNOC in the News
Country Roads Magazine: HNOC’s 2026 Antiques Forum Explores the Gulf South’s Objects, Rituals, and Traditions
July 28, 2026
August 7–9, the signature event will offer engaging sessions and activities for lovers of antiques and material culture.
Announcement
HNOC Receives Honors at 2026 New Orleans Press Club Awards
July 22, 2026
Best Blog among four awards received by HNOC staff in communications, publications, and curatorial departments.
Get in Touch
Contact Us
Use the form to the right to contact us for more information about the Historic New Orleans Collection, or call us at (504) 523-4662.
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