Description

Visit the battlefield of the Battle of New Orleans, see the signing of the Louisiana Purchase, get a glimpse of a Bourbon Street catfight in the notorious Storyville of New Orleans' past, all in the dark, cool setting of the Historical Wax Museum of New Orleans.

The New Orleans Wax Museum sits on a storied stretch of Conti Street in the French Quarter and has become one of New Orleans' most unusual historic attractions. Imported wax figures lining the winding hallways depict some of the most important events in New Orleans and Louisiana history. (Allow one hour for a complete, unguided tour of the museum.)

The Battle of New Orleans, one of the most impressive on display, encompasses the entire back section of the museum and transports visitors onto the battlefield with animatronic wax soldiers. (These original wax figures have been on display since the museum opened in the 1960s.)

Another must-see: the Madame LaLaurie exhibit. Learn about the famed, and eventually exiled, New Orleans socialite Madame LaLaurie, who was accused of mutilating and torturing slaves in the attic of her French Quarter Mansion. Madame LaLaurie was exiled to Paris where she eventually died. (The house still stands in the Quarter today and is said to be haunted with the ghosts of Madam LaLaurie's victims.)

The handmade period costumes on the wax figures in this quirky New Orleans attraction are amazing. See old French court wear, pirate and solider battle gear, and ladies' crinolines and lace shawls imported from Europe for the exhibits.

In addition to the educational and the scary, the museum offers only-in-New-Orleans milieus for visitors to step into, namely the Storyville exhibit. This vivid wax setting features dueling ladies of the night as they battle for the affection (or business) of one man. It is the most notorious exhibit in the museum – visitors often pay the price of admission just for this classic, historic New Orleans photo op.

The museum is available for special events and business meetings, and New Orleans business travelers can access the internet, arrange for power point presentations, and have lunch served for off-site meetings.

The Wax Museum is centrally located in the French Quarter near many New Orleans hotels, including the Prince Conti Hotel, the Maison Dupuy and the Bourbon Orleans, as well as historic and essential New Orleans restaurants. The Insectarium, the Aquarium of the Americas, and Harrah's Casino are also within walking distance.