The Presbytere

The Presbytere, at 751 Chartres Street on Jackson Square in New Orleans, Louisiana, mirrors the Cabildo on the opposite side of St. Louis Cathedral. Its design dates to 1791, when the Spanish colonial benefactor Don Andres Almonester y Rojas planned it as a rectory for the cathedral clergy, though it was never used for that purpose. Work stalled after his death, and the building was only completed in 1813 under American rule, with a mansard roof and cupola added later. For much of the 19th century it housed commercial space and courts, including the Louisiana Supreme Court, before the Louisiana State Museum took it over in 1911. The Presbytere is a Spanish colonial structure of stuccoed brick with an arcaded ground floor, tall windows and wrought-iron balconies, and its symmetry with the Cabildo defines the architectural character of Jackson Square. The building was extensively restored, with significant renovation work in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Today it presents two major permanent exhibitions. Mardi Gras: It's Carnival Time in Louisiana traces the history and traditions of Carnival, with parade floats, jewelled costumes, krewe regalia, masks and costumes from Mardi Gras Indian traditions and rural Courir de Mardi Gras celebrations. Living with Hurricanes: Katrina and Beyond, opened in 2010, uses personal stories, objects, video and artefacts to document the 2005 storm, the failure of the levee system, and the recovery of the city. The curatorial approach is thematic and immersive, mixing historic objects with oral histories and interactive displays. The museum is on two floors and takes about 60 to 90 minutes to see. Visitors often pair it with the Cabildo, and combined tickets are usually offered. The upper floor provides views toward the square, and benches are available throughout.