New Orleans Architecture
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Almost every architectural style exists in New Orleans, making the city a paradise for anyone who appreciates architecture. There are grand public buildings and modest Creole cottages, elegant mansions and narrow townhouses. Each style reflects a different part of New Orleans' past.
Few cities have such an eclectic mix of housing as New Orleans. Creole Cottages are some of the oldest such structures in the city, dating from as early as the 1790s. These one story homes are set close to the street, with front porches that make them welcoming and neighborly. Creole Townhouses line many streets in the French Quarter and Faubourg Marigny; built after the Great New Orleans fire of 1788, they feature thick brick or stucco walls. Double-Gallery Houses have two stories, hipped or side-gabled roofs, and expansive porches and balconies. They are found primarily in the Uptown and Garden Districts, and along the Esplanade Ridge.
The Old Ursaline Convent in the French Quarter is thought to be the oldest building in the Mississippi Valley. Built in the mid 1700s, it is the only remaining French-colonial building in the United States. The Cabildo, on Chartres Street, has been called the second most important American building. It was the location of the signing of the Louisiana Purchase. The Presbytere, built nearby and designed to match the Cabildo, was a residence for Capuchin monks and later a courthouse. Both of these buildings are now part of the Louisiana State Museum complex.
To delve into the architecture of New Orleans is a great way to grasp its history, and vice versa. You are very likely sleeping in one of the city's historic buildings - your New Orleans bed and breakfast.
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1896 OMalley HousePhone: 504-488-5896Toll Free: 866-226-1896 Enjoy New Orleans’s diverse architecture during your stay at the 1896 O'Malley House. The O'Malley House was awarded the Mayor's "Golden Hammer" for its history restoration. With easy access to the city riding the Canal street car you can experience the diverse architecture from the French Quarter, St. Charles neighborhoods and Mid-City. ![]() |
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Chimes Bed and BreakfastPhone: 504-899-2621, 504 453-2183The Chimes B&B is located in one the city's most unique neighborhoods where leisurely walks are full of architectural delights. The Uptown/Garden District has Creole cottages built 1790-1850, raised center-hall cottages built in 1803-1870, double-gallery houses 1820-1850 and shotgun houses from 1850-1910. Pick up some coffee before breakfast and stroll through the neighborhood. ![]() |
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Southern ComfortPhone: 504-895-3680Toll Free: 888-769-3868 Built in 1910, the Southern Comfort has a great deal of architectural charm to offer. From its eleven-foot cove ceilings, oak and mahogany inlaid floors, and paneled pocket cypress doors, the architectural details of the inn provides a glimpse of the beauty and craftsmanship of times gone by. With three guest rooms, lush gardens, and common areas furnished in period pieces, our guests can enjoy all the special touches of this beautiful plantation cottage while taking advantage of the personal attention only a small New Orleans Garden District bed and breakfast can provide. ![]() |
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Little Eazy Guest HousePhone: 504-949-5292The Little Eazy is located in the Faubourg Marigny. The neighborhood has both the creole cottages and the shot-gun homes. Walking from block to block you will see the mix of both the homes built throughout the history of New Orleans. Then 3 blocks away you cross into the French Quarter filled with the courtyard building and churches. A great mix of everything within walking distance. ![]() |
La Dauphine, Residence des ArtistesPhone: 504-948-2217Each room has books about the local architecture (and also food). As a realtor in the Historic DIstricts of the French Quarter and Marigny, Ray is knowledgeable about the aesthetics and architectural styles of the indigenous Creoles in New Orleans. Almost every house is different in the historic neighborhoods. No "cookie cutter" ranch homes here :-) Lots of funky, old, marvelous places abound. ![]() |
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B&W CourtyardsPhone: 504-324-3396Toll Free: 800-585-5731 B&W Courtyards has won the Mayor's Golden Hammer award for architectural restoration. ![]() |
The Burgundy Bed and BreakfastPhone: 1-504-942-1463Toll Free: 1-800-970-2153 The Burgundy Bed and Breakfast is located in the Faubourg Marigny, designated in 2009 as one of America's 10 great neighborhoods by the American Planning Association. The neighborhood boasts an abundance of all styles and types of houses from approx. 1820 - 1920. The Burgundy itself is an Eastlake Victorian double shotgun. We have preserved the original architectural details and attempted to maintain its original character when converting to a B&B (adding bathrooms, doors). ![]() |
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Chez PalmiersPhone: 504-208-7044Toll Free: 877-233-9449 One of the greatest pleasures of visiting New Orleans is indulging in its architecture. The Faubourg Marigny, our neighborhood, is home to the largest concentration of historic home styles in the nation--predominantly shotguns and Creole cottages. As an architect and student of historic architecture and preservation, David is always happy to chat with guests about this rich part of New Orleans. Throughout our home you'll find many books on architecture and the historic architecture of our beloved city. ![]() |
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Avenue Inn Bed and BreakfastPhone: 504-269-2640Toll Free: 800-490-8542 Thomas Sully (1855-1937) was the leading architect in New Orleans during the last quarter of the nineteenth century. Mr. Sully designed the Avenue Inn for the Picard family in 1889 and the structure was completed in 1891. The home is an example of the Queen Anne style of the period. The architecture is characterized by the wrap around front porch; fish scale wood shingles on the upper portions of the exterior walls; rooster-comb finials and ridge cresting clay tiles. There are carved wood medallions and ornaments that were unique to Mr. Sully's style and projects. Examples can be found throughout the Picard Mansion. Innkeepers Joe and Bebe invite you to come and experience the talent of this prolific designer who made such a magnificent contribution to New Orleans' architectural his ![]() |
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1870 Banana Courtyard Bed & BreakfastPhone: 504-947-4475Toll Free: 800-842-4748 ![]() |
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Canal Street InnPhone: 504-483-3033One cannot visit New Orleans without falling in love with her historic architecture. And what better way than to experience this intimately by staying in such a unique example as the Canal Street Inn? Created in 1912 and lovingly restored in 2000, this inn is a living example of what makes New Orleans so charming. Your innkeeper, Monica Ramsey, will make sure your stay is a memorable event. ![]() |
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Degas HousePhone: 504-821-5009Toll Free: 800-755-6730 ![]() |
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5 Continents Bed & BreakfastPhone: 504-324-8594Toll Free: 800-997-4652 1880's Greek Revival house done in the Italianate style. Fully restored with the original "Gasoliers", fireplace mantels, hearths woodwork, medalians and hardware. Restored Carrige house and cottage. ![]() |
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Terrell HousePhone: 504-247-0560Toll Free: 866-261-9687 The Buildings and architecture of New Orleans are reflective of the History of New Orleans and the city's multicultural heritage. New Orleans is world famous for its plethora of unique architectural styles, from creole cottages to the grand mansions on St. Charles, from the balconies of the French Quarter to an Egyptian Revival Customs House and a rare example of a Moorish revival church. The city boasts fine examples of almost every architectural style, from the Baroque Cabildo to the modernist skyscrapers of the Central Business District. ![]() |
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HH Whitney House on the Historic EsplanadePhone: 504-948-9448Toll Free: 800-924-9448 Architectural elegance is the hallmark of this beautiful Italianate style home. Ceiling medallions adorn the foyer, dining room, parlor and solarium, while the main focal point of the bed and breakfast's interior is the convergence of three separate archways which extend over the double-parlor and solarium. The union of these arches reaches toward the floor and is suspended effortlessly in mid-air. ![]() |
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Grand VictorianPhone: 504-895-1104Toll Free: 800-977-0008 If you are looking for a taste of history in your journey to New Orleans, this is the place to be. The Grand Victorian, designed and built in 1893 by famed New Orleans architect Thomas Sully (1855-1937), is a true period masterpiece. This Queen Anne Victorian house was originally built for Francis Johnson and his family. There are original drawings/plans of the house and millwork at Tulane University's Architectural Library. Thomas Sully and his business partner, James Feret, are known for beginning the first architectural firm in New Orleans. Enjoy the unique architecture of the city through one of the Garden District walking tours just steps from the Grand Victorian. ![]() |
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La Maison Marigny B&B on BourbonPhone: (504) 948-3638Toll Free: (800) 570-2014 La Maison Marigny's unique location offers guests the opportunity to explore the 18th and 19th century architecture of both the French Quarter and the Faubourg Marigny, a neighborhood often described as the "French Quarter before commercialism." Amateur photographers love taking a morning stroll around our neighborhoods for some amazing shots of New Orleans' architectural gems. ![]() |
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Chez Nous Guest HousePhone: 504-432-7072The Buildings and architecture of New Orleans are reflective of the History of New Orleans and the city's multicultural heritage. New Orleans is world famous for its plethora of unique architectural styles, from creole cottages to the grand mansions on St. Charles, from the balconies of the French Quarter to an Egyptian Revival Customs House and a rare example of a Moorish revival church. The city boasts fine examples of almost every architectural style, from the Baroque Cabildo to the modernist skyscrapers of the Central Business District. ![]() |


















