A courtyard with three people standing in the center. The building has an upper balcony with green railings and large arched windows. There are several round tables with chairs, plants, and a staircase in the background.

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).

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.

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.

Learn More Learn More

A street scene in the French Quarter of New Orleans, with people walking along a narrow road lined with buildings that have iron balconies. Theres a parked car and flags including the American and Louisiana state flag hanging above the sidewalk.

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.

Visit Visit

Online Catalog

A historic brick building with tall, arched windows and ornate stone details. The facade features a central sign with engraved text. Large doors and lantern-style lights flank the entrance. The structure is framed by neighboring buildings.

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.

Learn More Learn More

A historic two-story building with pink walls and green shutters, adorned with red and blue banners. The architectural style is classic, with arched windows and a balcony. The street is cobblestone, adding to the vintage atmosphere.

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.

View View

Illustration of a picturesque courtyard with plants and a lamppost surrounded by two-story buildings featuring balconies and shutters. The area is paved, giving it a quaint, serene atmosphere.

News & Press

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A view from a shaded balcony looking out at a courtyard surrounded by multi-story buildings with yellow walls and large windows. Shadows from the railing create patterns on the wooden floor. A few trees and tables are visible below.

“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 CEO and President Daniel Hammer greets Her Majesty Queen Sofía of Spain outside the Williams Research Center.

Announcement

HNOC Hosts Her Majesty Queen Sofía of Spain for America&Spain250 Symposium

September 28, 2026

Presented September 24–26, the symposium offered an engaging exploration of Spanish Louisiana’s strategic, social, and cultural role during the American Revolution.

Bunny Matthews, photographed at his home/studio in Abita Springs in 1990.

HNOC in the News

Gambit Weekly Spotlights Upcoming Bunny Matthews Book and Exhibition

September 15, 2026

The article and podcast episode preview HNOC’s exhibition and book, “Bunny Matthews: His Life, Art, and Obsessions,” launching September 18.

HNOC Curatorial Cataloger Emily Perkins speaks on WWL-TV New Orleans.

HNOC in the News

WWL-TV Previews Bunny Matthews Exhibition Opening September 18

September 14, 2026

Curatorial Cataloger Emily Perkins discusses how “Bunny Matthews: His Life, Art, and Obsessions” will bring the New Orleans artist’s work to life.

A black and white photo of authors Michael Tisserand and Allison Fensterstock sitting at a table talking to Jude Matthews. A copy of the book "Bunny Matthews: His Life, Art, and Obsessions" is on the table.

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.”

Authors Michael Tisserand and Allison Fensterstock sit at a table signing copies of their book "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.”

Bunny Matthews painting the set of Da Vic and Nat’ly Show, April 1985, photograph by Andrew Boyd.

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.”

A black and white double exposure image featuring a landscape with trees and a person standing on a path, pointing. The overlay includes a classical building with columns. Moss hangs from the trees, creating an atmospheric effect.

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.

A musician plays an Aeolian Organ at the Historic New Orleans Collection.

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.

A press photograph of an inmate cell inside Orleans Parish Prison. Three Black men can be seen lying on metal rack beds and another man is partially visible lying on a cot on the ground. Newspapers, empty milk cartons, candy boxes, and cups can be seen on a shelf beneath the window.

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.

Amanda McFillen, HNOC Director of Audience Engagement, speaking on NOLA Now about Museum Month activities happening now at the museum.

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