Louis Armstrong House Museum

The basics

Today a New York City and National Historic Landmark, the Louis Armstrong House Museum is an essential stop for visiting music lovers. On a guided historic house tour, visitors will see how the jazz legend really lived, from his mirror-walled bathroom to the humble den where his records and half-drunk spirits can still be viewed; they can also view artifacts ranging from photographs and records to musical instruments.

Additionally flanking the museum is the Louis Armstrong Center, located in an architecturally striking building just across the street. The center hosts the “Here to Stay“ exhibition, which showcases his five-decade-long career, and also hosts a small performance space where regular jazz recitals are held. Still a relatively lesser-known New York City site, the Louis Armstrong House Museum is both rewarding and easy to explore.

Things to know before you go

• Advance tickets are required to visit the Louis Armstrong House Museum and Louis Armstrong Center; book them online to secure your spot.

• All visits to the Louis Armstrong House Museum are done via guided tours, which depart hourly.

• Seniors, students, children, and disabled visitors receive discounted admission.

• While the Louis Armstrong Center is accessible to disabled visitors, much of the Louis Armstrong House Museum is not, owing to its historic architecture.

• A gift shop is located on-site if you wish to pick up themed souvenirs.

• There is no café or restaurant at the museum, and eating and drinking are prohibited inside.

How to get there

The Louis Armstrong House Museum is located at 34-56 107th Street, Queens, New York. It’s advised to travel there via public transportation (or taxi and rideshare services), as street parking is very limited. To get there, take the 7 train to 103 St-Corona Plaza, which is just a short walk away.

When to get there

The Louis Armstrong House Museum is open Thursday–Saturday, from late morning until late afternoon; you must book your tickets in advance. The museum is closed annually on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas week, and New Year’s week. It’s also worth looking at the museum and center’s calendar, as it hosts regular performances, listening parties, community events, and even trumpet lessons.

Flushing Cemetery

Louis Armstrong passed away in 1971 at his home and was buried at the nearby Flushing Cemetery. If you want to pay tribute to the jazz great, you can visit his burial site; the cemetery is located east of Corona in the Flushing neighborhood of Queens.

Ways to explore

Set aside anywhere between 30 minutes and an hour to visit the Louis Armstrong House Museum, which includes rotating exhibits that curate items from the museum’s vast archives. The collection includes home movies, Armstrong’s trumpets, photos, scrapbooks, and much more. Visitors can either opt for a self-guided visit or add a guided tour to their ticket. House tours take around 45 minutes and show you around the space where Louis Armstrong and Lucille lived until their deaths. If you’re unable to travel to Queens, check out the museum website for virtual exhibits and a digital collection of artifacts.

Accessibility

Parts of the museum are wheelchair-accessible. Visitors with disabilities get discounted admission.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, smartphone (for accessing info about the Louis Armstrong House Museum on the Bloomberg Connects app), snacks or a bagged lunch to enjoy in the garden when the weather is nice

What to wear

Jazz super fans can don an official Louis Armstrong T-shirt from the Louis Armstrong Fountain.

Not allowed

Pets (service animals only), food or drinks inside the museum

Amenities

Gender-neutral restrooms with changing tables, rest areas and benches, water fountain

Address

The Louis Armstrong Museum is located in northern Queens, close to LaGuardia Airport and about a 20-minute walk from Flushing Meadows Corona Park. It is reachable by both car and public transportation. However, parking is limited, so it’s best to come by subway or taxi.

Driving

On the Long Island Expressway, take exit 22 toward Grand Central Park and head west toward the RFK Bridge. Take exit 9W, then turn right onto 106th Street. Make a left onto 37th Avenue, then another left onto 107th Street. The museum is on your left.

Public transportation

The nearest subway station is 103 St-Corona Plaza on the 7 train (which also stops at Grand Central Station), located about eight blocks from the museum.

Best times to visit

Come in the late morning, just after opening time. Pack a sandwich, and stick around to have lunch in Louis Armstrong’s garden.

Best days to visit

The museum is only open from Thursday to Saturday.

Best months to visit

Aim for the shoulder seasons of spring and fall, as that’s when you’ll enjoy the best weather.

Special events

The Louis Armstrong House Museum (and on-site Louis Armstrong Center) offer workshops, concerts, and other special events—everything from jazz listening parties to Louis Armstrong film screenings— regularly throughout the year.