Confederate Memorial Hall Museum

The basics

Among the sizable collection of Civil War artifacts—one of the largest of its kind in the United States—are weapons, battle flags, uniforms, portraits, and official documents. Highlights include personal effects belonging to Confederate President Jefferson Davis and Commander Robert E. Lee; an 1862 Confederate States of America seal; and a bullet hole-ridden Alabama Legion flag. The accompanying exhibitions focus on the key events of the Civil War, the organization of the southern confederate, and the daily lives of the Confederate soldiers.

Things to know before you go

• Admission tickets include entrance to all exhibitions; children under 7 can enter for free.

• Plan around 2 hours to take in all the exhibitions.

• The museum is not easily accessible for wheelchairs and strollers.

How to get there

Located in downtown New Orleans, directly opposite the National WWII Museum, the museum can be reached on foot from many of the central sights. It’s about a 20-minute walk from the French Quarter, or you can ride the #12 tram to Howard Avenue at Carondelet Street, or St. Charles Avenue at St Joseph Street.

When to get there

The museum is open Tuesday–Saturday from morning to late afternoon, and closed Sunday–Monday and major holidays.

New Orleans’ museums

As one of the cultural centers of the South, New Orleans has no shortage of great museums. Right opposite the Confederate Memorial Hall Museum, the National WWII Museum is one of the city’s most visited, with highlights including wartime bombers and aircraft. Art lovers can see art and photography and visit the sculpture garden at the New Orleans Museum of Art. Nearby, the Louisiana Children's Museum is an interactive wonderland for kids under 10. Other notable museums include the Southern Food & Beverage Museum, the New Orleans African American Museum, and the Backstreet Cultural Museum.