Viator Rating : 5 (5 reviews)
Old Ursuline Convent Museum
Old Ursuline Convent Museum Ticket: New Orleans History
Overview
Discover the New Orleans Old Ursuline Convent Museum, the oldest building in the Mississippi River Valley. This museum shows how important the Catholic Church was to New Orleans. The Old Ursuline Convent Museum has exciting things to see all the time. People can learn about the Ursuline nuns and how they helped teach and build the community from 1752 to now. People can walk around themselves or take a tour.
At the Ursuline Convent (Old Ursuline Convent Museum), visitors can see the Ursuline Convent Museum, The Devil Door, and the pretty Ursuline Convent Courtyard and Gardens. The museum tickets help The Old Ursuline Convent and The St. Louis Cathedral.
Food and drinks are not allowed in the convent. 
Highlights
Step Back in Time: Explore the oldest building in the Mississippi River Valley and learn about New Orleans' rich history.
Support Local Landmarks: Museum ticket sales directly support The Old Ursuline Convent and The St. Louis Cathedral.
See Historical Exhibits: Discover interesting displays about the Catholic Church's role in New Orleans.
Explore the Grounds: Visit the Ursuline Convent Courtyard and Gardens for a peaceful experience.
Sentiment Analysis
Visitors enjoy seeing historical artifacts
-
The museum has a peaceful and reflective atmosphere
-
The Ursuline Convent Courtyard and Gardens are beautiful and relaxing
-
Guests said that the staff are friendly and helpful.
Some visitors found the museum to be small
-
Some guests wanted more interactive exhibits.
The Journey
Ursuline Convent (Old Ursuline Convent Museum)
Step back in time at the Ursuline Convent, a masterpiece of French Colonial architecture erected between 1745 and 1752. As the oldest building in the Mississippi River Valley, it offers a glimpse into 18th-century New Orleans. Marvel at the architectural details, including the later-added Chapel of the Immaculate Conception (1845) with its stunning stained glass windows. This building is not only beautiful, but historically vital to New Orleans.
Ursuline Convent Museum
Delve into the rich history of the Ursuline nuns at the Convent Museum. Discover artifacts that tell the story of their arrival in 1727 and their profound impact on New Orleans. From educating young girls and caring for the sick to shaping the city's cultural landscape, the exhibits showcase the nuns' dedication and influence. Explore colonial-era relics, including religious statues, historic documents, and intriguing medical instruments, offering a tangible connection to the past.
The Devil Door
Uncover the legend of the 'Devil Door,' a carved wooden door adorned with a menacing face believed to ward off evil spirits. This iconic feature of the Ursuline Convent has captivated imaginations for generations. Hear the tales and folklore surrounding this protective symbol and consider its role in the convent's history.
Ursuline Convent Courtyard and Gardens
Escape the vibrant bustle of the French Quarter within the serene Ursuline Convent Courtyard and Gardens. Wander through lush greenery, fragrant flowers, and shaded walkways. Admire historic statues and find moments of tranquility in this peaceful oasis. The courtyard offers a respite for quiet reflection and a chance to appreciate the convent's serene beauty.
Know Before You Go
A ticket to the Old Ursuline Convent Museum helps support the Old Ursuline Convent and the St. Louis Cathedral. Food and drinks are not allowed inside the museum.
Hot Tip
Consider visiting during the early morning to avoid crowds and fully enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the courtyard and gardens. This allows for a more personal experience with the exhibits and the historical setting.
Review Summary
People usually say the Old Ursuline Convent Museum is a fascinating and must-visit attraction in New Orleans with remarkable historical significance and engaging exhibits. Visitors consistently praise the beautiful building, rich history dating back to 1752, and the impressive architectural details like the original 1734 staircase and 1727 working clock. The newest Pope Leo XIV exhibit is noted as particularly interesting, connecting the Pope's ancestral lineage to New Orleans. Most travelers highlight that the experience is affordable and well-worth the modest admission fee, though some mention that self-guided exploration requires more initiative than walking with a guide, and the sheer size of the building means you can explore at your own pace across multiple rooms filled with artifacts and displays.
Location
This page is synthesized and developed by Dyvarcity Team
More like this
The National WWII Museum
$37.8
WWII Museum: Skip the Line Ticket in New Orleans
4.8
(2189 reviews)
The National WWII Museum Admission Ticket New Orleans. This museum stands as the United States' official tribute to World War II, as designated by Congress. Located in downtown New Orleans, it unfolds across a six-acre campus, hosting five grand pavilions filled with historical exhibits, on-site restoration, a themed dinner theater, and restaurants.
With a general admission ticket, visitors can delve into this essential attraction at their own pace. The museum showcases a vast collection of WWII memorabilia and artifacts, accompanied by informative displays detailing the events of the war. This experience offers a self-guided exploration, perfect for history enthusiasts eager to learn about the global conflict.
The admission ticket grants access to the museum's extensive exhibits. Food and drinks are not included, allowing visitors to choose from the on-site dining options. Additional experiences like 'Beyond all Boundaries' (4-D) and 'Final Mission' are available separately for those wishing to enhance their visit.
The National WWII Museum
$49.35
Step Back in Time: The National WWII Museum & 4-D Experience
4.9
(670 reviews)
Duration: 1440
minutes
Explore history at The National WWII Museum with an all-day Campus Pass, including the 4-D film 'Beyond All Boundaries,' produced and narrated by Tom Hanks. Witness WWII battles through archive footage and special effects. Perfect for history buffs and those seeking an immersive experience.
New Orleans
$32.06
Laura Plantation Tour: Creole History & Slave Cabins
4.8
(1270 reviews)
Duration: 70
minutes
Laura Creole Plantation Guided Tour in Vacherie, Louisiana, takes visitors on a journey through the lives of four generations of a Louisiana Creole family. This includes the stories of the enslaved people who lived and worked on the plantation. This is a walking tour to connect to the rich history of the region.
Visitors will explore the 1805 “Maison Principale,” the beautiful gardens, and the original 1840s slave cabins, where the Louisiana stories of Compair Lapin were first written down. This plantation tour gives guests an intimate look into the real lives of the people who lived here.
The tour includes a local guide who shares true stories of the men, women, and children, both free and enslaved, who called Laura Plantation home. This tour excludes hotel pickup and drop-off, snacks and gratuities.
The Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience
$15
Unveiling Southern Jewish History: An Immersive Journey in New Orleans
4.9
(47 reviews)
Duration: 90
minutes
Explore the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience in New Orleans, delving into 350 years of Jewish life across 13 Southern states. Discover how Jewish immigrants adapted, thrived, and impacted the South, from the Civil War to the civil rights movement, through 4,000 artifacts and engaging exhibits. A unique blend of history and culture.
New Orleans Storyville Museum
$27.78
Storyville Museum: All-Access Ticket - New Orleans History
4.9
(64 reviews)
Explore the Historic Storyville Red-Light District Museum in New Orleans with an all-access ticket, and step back in time to experience the city's most notorious era. This museum is the only one in New Orleans dedicated to telling the captivating story of Storyville, the city's famous red-light district.
Visitors can expect to explore over 7,000 sq. ft. of immersive exhibits that recreate the atmosphere of early 1900s Storyville. See captivating artifacts and multimedia presentations that bring the history of gambling, entertainment, and prostitution to life. Learn about the origins of jazz music and Storyville's important role in its development. Walk through re-created streets and imagine life inside an opulent brothel.
The all-access ticket grants visitors a self-guided tour of all exhibits. The experience typically lasts 1-2 hours, offering plenty of photo opportunities. Please note that visitors must be 18 or older to enter.
New Orleans
$32.78
Vue Orleans: Soar Above New Orleans - A 360° Immersive Journey!
4.6
(87 reviews)
Duration: 90
minutes
Vue Orleans offers unparalleled 360° city views from its observation deck. Interactive exhibits use touchless tech. Enjoy the Rooftop Café and bar. The experience includes an immersive theater narrated by Irma Thomas, providing a cultural and historical context of New Orleans. A must-do attraction!
Nearby Events
Smoothie King Center
Apr 29
7:30 PMNiall Horan Live at Smoothie King Center
Niall Horan: Dinner Party Live On Tour at Smoothie King Center brings one of pop’s most recognizable voices to New Orleans for a polished, fan-focused concert experience. The tour is part of Horan’s 2027 North American headline run with Live Nation, adding strong momentum to a set built around his solo catalogue, singalong choruses, and the warm, intimate energy that has made his shows a favorite for pop and rock fans alike.
Smoothie King Center is one of New Orleans’ premier indoor arenas, known for hosting major concerts and large-scale entertainment in a centrally located setting. For travelers, the venue adds convenience and big-event production value to a night anchored by Horan’s cross-generational appeal and reputation as a charismatic live performer.
Raising Canes River Center Arena
Nov 05
6:30 PMThe Red Clay Strays Live in Baton Rouge
The Red Clay Strays at Raising Canes River Center Arena in Baton Rouge brings one of the most talked-about country-rock acts on the road to a major Louisiana stage. The band is in the middle of its 2026 touring run, with the Grateful Tour extending across North America and major arena and festival stops, making this Baton Rouge date part of a high-demand live stretch.
The Red Clay Strays have built a strong reputation for energetic performances and a rootsy sound that blends country, rock, and soul, which has helped turn their concerts into must-see events for fans. Raising Canes River Center Arena is one of Baton Rouge’s premier live-event venues, giving the show a downtown setting designed for large concerts and an easy event-night experience.
Tipitina's
Nov 28
8:30 PMThe Dirty Dozen Brass Band
Saenger Theatre-New Orleans
Nov 04
7:30 PMThe Lion King (Touring) - Recommended for ages 6 and up. All guests entering the theater, regardless of age, must have a ticket
Baton Rouge River Center Theater
Nov 20
7:30 PMWhose Live Anyway?
Jefferson Perf Arts Center
Nov 06
8:00 PMJim Henson's Labyrinth: In Concert 40th Anniversary
Jim Henson's Labyrinth: In Concert 40th Anniversary brings the beloved 1986 fantasy classic to life at Jefferson Perf Arts Center in Metairie, Louisiana. This special 40th anniversary tour features the complete film displayed on a massive HD cinema screen, accompanied by a live band performing David Bowie's original vocals and the iconic soundtrack composed by Bowie and Trevor Jones in perfect sync with on-screen action. Audiences will be transported to the Goblin City as they experience unforgettable songs like "Magic Dance," "Underground," and "As the World Falls Down" performed live with rock band, synth, percussion, and fantastic lighting effects.
Jim Henson's Labyrinth remains a cultural touchstone, celebrating the visionary artistry of puppetry pioneer Jim Henson and the legendary music of David Bowie. This 60-city North American tour marks a triumphant return of the concert experience, which previously visited nearly 100 cities successfully. Jefferson Perf Arts Center, located in Metairie, serves as one of the premier performance venues in the region, providing an exceptional setting for this magical musical experience.
Your Guide to the Best & Fun Things to do in New Orleans
Explore the best and most fun things to do in New Orleans with Dyvarcity! We cover everything from must-see events and cooking classes to fantastic comedy shows and unique kayak & airboat swamp tours, as well as zipline and ghost tour adventures.
View New Orleans Activities