Old U.S. Mint

The basics

While the exhibition on the Greek Revival building’s history as a coin mint is interesting, most visitors come for the jazz. The New Orleans Jazz Museum, featured on many guided tours of the French Quarter, tells the story of this musical genre through interactive exhibits and the largest and most comprehensive collection of jazz artifacts in the world. The museum’s third floor houses a performing arts venue with live jazz performances almost daily. Museum admission is included in several New Orleans multi-attraction passes.

Things to know before you go

• The Old U.S. Mint doubles as one of the city’s top live jazz venues, a must for music lovers.

• Buy your ticket ahead of time to skip the line at the ticket booth and enjoy more time inside the museum.

• The Old U.S. Mint is wheelchair accessible, but it’s a good idea to contact the museum ahead of time to make arrangements for a visit.

How to get there

The Old U.S. Mint is at the edge of the French Quarter and the Frenchmen Street live music corridor, within easy walking distance of many top New Orleans attractions. To get there by public transportation, take the streetcar to French Market Station. Entrances are along Esplanade Avenue and Barracks Street.

When to get there

The Old U.S. Mint is open from Tuesday to Sunday. Come during the day to visit the museum and mint exhibits, but be sure to check the calendar to see what evening performances are being held during your visit.

Top spots for jazz in New Orleans

A jazz lover’s trip to the Big Easy wouldn’t be complete without an evening of live music at one of the city’s legendary jazz clubs, like The Spotted Cat or Preservation Hall. To learn more about the history of the genre, spend a day exploring New Orleans Jazz National Historical Park.

Ways to explore

While the small exhibition on the Old U.S. Mint’s history in coin production is interesting, most visitors come for the jazz. The New Orleans Jazz Museum tells the story of this musical genre through interactive exhibits and the largest and most comprehensive collection of jazz artifacts in the world. The museum’s third floor features a performing arts venue, which hosts regular live jazz performances.

Museum admission is included in several New Orleans multi-attraction passes, and the museum features on many guided tours of the French Quarter. Buy your ticket ahead of time to skip the line at the ticket booth and enjoy more time inside the museum.

Accessibility

The Old U.S. Mint is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchair users are advised to use the Barracks Street entrance. Service animals are welcome.

Age limits

None; children aged 6 and under enter the New Orleans Jazz Museum for free.

What to pack

Reusable water bottle (New Orleans can get HOT)

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes, breathable clothing

Not allowed

Cans, glass bottles, and alcohol are not permitted in the building (excluding personal water bottles).

Amenities

Restrooms, air conditioning

Address

The Old U.S. Mint is at the edge of the French Quarter, within easy walking distance of many top New Orleans attractions. Most visitors travel here via public transportation, as the building doesn’t have visitor parking.

Driving

It’s possible to drive or take a taxi or rideshare to the Old U.S. Mint, which is located at 400 Esplanade Avenue.

Public transportation

To get there by public transportation, take the streetcar to French Market Station. Entrances are along Esplanade Avenue and Barracks Street.

Best times to visit

Come in the daytime to visit the coin exhibition and the Jazz Museum. Music performances typically take place in the early evening, so check the calendar for what’s coming up if you’d like to attend one.

Best days to visit

The New Orleans Jazz Museum is open every day except Monday.

Best months to visit

Summer (particularly June through August) is a great time to visit if you’re seeking respite from the heat, as the museum has air conditioning.

Special events

Don’t miss the Satchmo SummerFest in early August, which celebrates Louis Armstrong; the French Quarter Festival, taking place in mid-April; and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in late April to early May.