A few photos of the atmosphere
Welcome to the 1850 House Museum in New Orleans, Louisiana! Located on St Ann Street, this charming museum is the perfect place to explore the heritage of this vibrant city. Established in the mid-1800s, the 1850 House is a rare example of the enduring Creole and European cultural influences in Louisiana.
From the outside, the 1850 House looks like a much-loved, well-maintained home. But step inside and you will be transported back in time. The house contains original furnishings and decor from the mid-19th century, giving visitors an insight into what life was like in New Orleans during this period.
The house was built in 1841 by Jean Baptiste Souvignet and his wife Justine Lecesne. The Souvignet family moved into their new home on January 1st 1842 and lived there until 1886. They were a prominent French Creole family, so the house was decorated in the popular European decorative styles of the time. You’ll find examples of Regency, Empire and Second Empire furniture as well as beautiful examples of blue and white Delft pottery, Meissen porcelain, Wedgwood dinnerware, Sèvres porcelain vases and much more.
In addition to its fascinating decor, the 1850 House also houses a variety of artifacts from everyday life in 19th century New Orleans. Examples of clothing, kitchen utensils, tools and toys are a reminder of how different life was during this period.
Visitors can also explore an outdoor kitchen, typical of those found in New Orleans homes during this time. It’s a great illustration of how cooking was done before modern convenience appliances were invented! There’s also a medicinal herb garden, which helps explain how many people used herbs as home remedies in the absence of modern medicine.
The 1850 House Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into life in 19th century New Orleans. Take a tour today to discover how people lived during this period and explore the unique history of this region.