LaLaurie Mansion

The basics

A 19th-century townhouse in the French Quarter, LaLaurie Mansion was home to the socialite, slave-owner, and killer Marie Delphine Macarty LaLaurie. According to local legend, on April 10, 1834, a fire broke out at the house on Royal Street during a party and local residents came to help put out the blaze. When they entered the house, they found several instruments of torture, including iron chains and collars, which Madame LaLaurie used to punish and even murder her slaves. Some say the house is haunted by their ghosts.

The mansion is privately owned, and visitors are not permitted to go inside. Most people visit as part of a New Orleans walking tour or guided ghost tour, where guides tell the story of Madame LaLaurie's treatment of her slaves along with tales of other dark happenings in the city.

Things to know before you go

• The residence is not open to the public and you cannot purchase LaLaurie Mansion tickets.

• Nicolas Cage owned the house for several years in the early 2000s.

• Visit at night for extra scare factor.

• The tale of Madame LaLaurie was featured in the series American Horror Story: Coven.

How to get there

The house is located at 1140 Royal St. in the French Quarter, on the corner of Governor Nicholls St. It is easily accessible on foot, as part of a guided walking tour, by taxi, or by bus (take line 5 or 55 to Decatur and Barracks).

When to get there

LaLaurie Mansion is a private residence, so you can only look at the house from the outside. Walking tours visit the house daily.

Visit the St. Louis Cemetery

St. Louis Cemetery No.1 is a short walk from LaLaurie Mansion and is a fascinating place to explore. The oldest graveyard in New Orleans, people come here to see the tombs of some of NoLa's most famous residents, including voodoo queen Marie Laveau. Entry to the cemetery is typically restricted to those taking part in a prebooked walking tour. It's currently closed to the public, so while tour groups still visit, they take place outside the gates.

Can you go into the LaLaurie Mansion?

No, you cannot go into the LaLaurie Mansion. New Orleans’ most haunted residence is privately owned, and visitors are not allowed inside. Tours that include visits to the LaLaurie Mansion instead stop in front of the estate for long enough for guides to share ghost stories.

What is the best way to see the LaLaurie Mansion?

New Orleans is known as one of the most haunted cities in the United States, and the best way to see the LaLaurie Mansion is by joining a ghost-themed walking tour. While you can visit the exterior on your own, guides can provide a wealth of knowledge about the mansion's history from the 19th century and can answer questions as they arise.

Can you take pictures of the LaLaurie Mansion?

Yes, you can take pictures of the LaLaurie Mansion. It's right on a street corner in the French Quarter, so you'll have no problem taking photos of the exterior, day or night. However, you won't be able to go inside to take pictures of the interior.

Is the LaLaurie Mansion worth seeing?

Yes, the LaLaurie Mansion is worth seeing, particularly if you're interested in ghosts or dark tourism. However, the mansion's owner, Delphine LaLaurie, tortured and murdered enslaved people in the original mansion that stood there. Due to the mansion's gory past, tours of the mansion may not be appropriate for younger visitors.

Do I need to book LaLaurie Mansion tours in advance?

Yes, you need to book LaLaurie Mansion tours in advance. Note that tours of the mansion's interiors are not currently available, so if you want to see the mansion (from the outside) and learn about its history from a guide, look for haunted history or ghost tours instead.

Can you go on a LaLaurie Mansion tour at night?

Yes, you can go on a LaLaurie Mansion tour at night, and many people prefer the spooky ambiance of a nocturnal visit. Just bear in mind that tours to LaLaurie Mansion also include stops at other haunted places in New Orleans, and some tours are adults-only.

Ways to explore

LaLaurie Mansion was home to serial killer Marie Delphine Macarty LaLaurie. Visitors cannot go inside the Royal Street house, but it’s possible to stop by on a New Orleans walking tour or ghost tour, during which guides describe tales of Madame LaLaurie and other dark happenings in the city.

American Horror Story: Coven fans may recognize the name Madame LaLaurie, portrayed by Kathy Bates on the show. Although the real-life LaLaurie Mansion doesn’t appear, nearby Gallier House stood in its place for exterior shots, while Hermann-Grima House was used for interior scenes; you can visit both on a guided tour.

Accessibility

The LaLaurie Mansion is closed to visitors. Owing to uneven and narrow sidewalks, the French Quarter neighborhood is only partly accessible.

Age limits

Due to the dark content, many ghost tours that stop at the LaLaurie Mansion are best for older kids and adults.

What to pack

Water bottle, sun protection, bug spray

What to wear

If exploring as part of a walking tour, wear comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate layers.

Not allowed

While the rules vary by tour, most don’t allow smoking, pets, or alcohol.

Amenities

Proximity to public transportation, proximity to shops and restaurants

Address

The LaLaurie Mansion is located on Royal Street in the French Quarter, which runs parallel to Bourbon Street. Buses and streetcars stop nearby, as do taxis and rideshare services. The neighborhood is best explored on foot.

Driving

Due to narrow, crowded, and one-way streets in the French Quarter—as well as limited parking—driving in this part of the city is not recommended. Instead, use taxis or rideshare services.

Public transportation

Take the Route 49 streetcar to Ursulines Station or take the Route 46 streetcar to North Rampart Street at Ursulines Avenue. Alternatively, use local buses, including the 8, 55, 80, and 91.

Best times to visit

The most popular time to visit the LaLaurie Mansion is during the evening, when the majority of New Orleans ghost tours run (and when its chilling atmosphere is heightened).

Best days to visit

As a rule, you can expect the French Quarter to be especially crowded and hectic on weekends. Weekdays are generally a calmer time to explore.

Best months to visit

If you can, avoid the summer months, which bring soaring heat and humidity, as well as hurricanes. Spring is generally a good time to visit New Orleans.

Special events

Mardi Gras, one of New Orleans’ biggest annual events, is held in February or March and brings major crowds to the French Quarter.