#United States #New Orleans #Storyville Museum #Red-Light District

New Orleans Storyville Museum Opens

April and May are perfect months for visiting New Orleans, with pleasant weather and renowned festivities attracting tourists from around the world. This year, a new attraction adds to the excitement: the New Orleans Storyville Museum, located at 1010 Conti Street in the French Quarter, just a short walk from the iconic Jackson Square and Bourbon Street.

The Storyville Museum spans 7,000 square feet and provides a unique glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of New Orleans, particularly its infamous red-light district known as Storyville. This vibrant neighborhood existed from 1897 until 1917 and was a hub of music, entertainment, gambling, and vice, aimed at consolidating and controlling the city's vices.

The Origins of Storyville

The district was conceived by Sidney Story, a city councilman, who proposed it as a way to confine vice to one area for better management. However, the district was eventually shuttered by the U.S. Navy to maintain order before soldiers shipped out to fight in World War I.

Throughout its existence, Storyville became known as the birthplace of jazz and held the title of the nation's gambling capital, boasting over 500 licensed casinos and the origins of classic games like poker and craps in the early 1800s. The museum encapsulates this colorful history, showcasing how the district was populated with women who often had complex stories intersecting with the city's development.

A Passion Project

The museum is the brainchild of founder Claus Sadlier, a native of New Orleans and a successful entrepreneur. After obtaining his degree from the University of New Orleans, he ventured to San Francisco where he achieved notable success, including the invention of the world's first insulated paper coffee cup. Despite his successes, Sadlier yearned for the vibrant culture of his hometown, leading him to return to New Orleans in 2013.

Sadlier explains, "When I got back, I immersed myself into reading about Storyville and its sordid history. It inspired me to create a museum that would share this extraordinary tale."

Interactive Exhibits

The museum's exhibits are designed to captivate and educate visitors. Interactive displays, engaging videos, and hyper-realistic holograms created by local artists bring to life the stories of the people who lived in Storyville. An immersive set depicting the early years of jazz and a gallery featuring works by photographer E.J. Bellocq highlight the lives of the district's sex workers, illustrating the intricate narratives that shaped this era.

Sadlier emphasizes the museum's mission: "At the New Orleans Storyville Museum, we aim to entertain as well as educate. Our exhibits shed light on the socio-economic impacts of the Storyville District while celebrating the unique cultural heritage of New Orleans."

Visiting Information

The New Orleans Storyville Museum is open to the public from Thursday to Sunday, 10 AM to 6 PM, with admission priced at $31.50. Visitors must be 18 years or older to enter, ensuring a mature engagement with the content presented. For tickets and further information, potential visitors can log on to nolastoryville.com.

With its eclectic blend of history and culture, the New Orleans Storyville Museum promises to be a must-see destination for both locals and tourists alike, adding another layer to the rich narrative of this remarkable city.