I've walked by this venerable institution so many times, but never ventured in for a tour. Now I'm on a mission to do so because after catching a performance here last night, I am smitten with this building and its history (of which, right now, I know very little). Seeing an opera here, especially one that involved nuns (Dialogues des Carmélites), was quite the immersive experience. Seeing the opera in gorgeous theatre with great sightlines like La Scala or the Met is what it is, lavish and extraordinary but I cherished my experience because it was so thoroughly unique, so thoroughly New Orleans. We sat in the third tier and if you've ever been to the opera in a major city, you know that a $75 ticket means nosebleed seats if you're lucky. The sightlines weren't perfect, especially when we moved to the courtyard for the third act, but if you sat on the aisle, it was like you were in the first row because a lot of the performance took place in this area. The sound here is incredible. I don't believe the singers nor the orchestra used mics, but I could be wrong. The acoustics are extraordinary. I highly recommend seeing a performance here! read more

See all

What a gorgeous historic building! And the latest exhibits include ones on New Orleans cemeteries, Our Lady of Prompt Succor and the Ursuline sweetheart statue, Sunday best and, of course, the current Pope's familial ties to New Orleans. There is a fee to enter (only $7 for locals) and you can spend as much time inside as you like. My guess is that if there is a wedding happening, you may not have free reign inside though. Don't miss St Mary's Church which is whippersnapper at only 171 years old but is really lovely. I really enjoyed the exhibits and the building is beautiful and it's hard to believe that it's almost 275 years old! Now if they only let me wander around on the upper floors, I would be happy. read more

If you visit NOLA, you must plan on visiting the Ursuline Convent. If there is only one place you have time to visit, go here. This is the most historic building in New Orleans. Erected in 1745. I always go here bc this is *the* most amazing piece of history, the *most* amazing historic landmark in all of New Orleans IMO. We usually stay just across the street at the Sonait House so we can just walk over & have plenty of time to hang there. First of all, the gardens are stunningly gorgeous. It's like being in France. OuiOui. I don't want to go into too much detail & spoil it for you, but if you are interested in the haunted places in NOLA you must visit HERE. The rumor is, and it's widely known, that the upstairs is closed off due to the fact that they had a "demon" in chains up there for a long time. AKA, a vampire. They won't let you go up there, but they will tell you about it if you ask them. A lot of people complain about them closing early at 3pm/4pm. Bla bla bla people. Use your critical thinking skills. Ask yourself this: Why do you think they close BEFORE IT GETS DARK? Highest Recommendations. read more

Ursuline Convent - NOLA's Most Historic Building. From 1745 - Churches Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

Amazing tour- lasted about 1.5 hours instead of 1, but that's because the docent is so knowledgeable, entertaining, and a great guide. Highly recommend this tour if you're into history or Catholicism. read more

The convent opened its doors at this location in 1745 and occupied until 1824 by Ursuline Nuns as convent, orphanage and school for girls. It is now a museum that is home to permanent and traveling exhibits. It is the oldest building in the Mississippi valley. I have been wanting my driver to bring me here for some time now. There is no real convenient parking lot, so be aware if you park on the street. Admission was reasonably priced, but the information given was a lot about the area and the impact of the nuns in the area. I would suggest this for anyone in the area. Even though this is in the Quarter, this is a very interesting spot. read more

See all

I really enjoyed exploring the church and convent. There is so much history here. I took so many photos. I could go again, and spend more time here learning about the history of the Sisters and the Church in New Orleans. read more

See all

This was a really cool, historic place to visit. The hours are limited, so make sure you plan your visit in advance. I think the quality of your visit might depend heavily on the tour guide you have (just based on reading some of the other reviews) The gentleman who gave our tour was very charismatic and interesting. There weren't a lot of chances to ask questions, which kind of bummed me out since I'm a historian studying France/new France, but the tour was really interesting nonetheless. Whatever you do, don't go in there with all of the weird legends you heard on ghost tours, because they're obviously not true, and will enrage the tour guides. read more

Cool from the outside but they're not open for tours right now. We walked around and called and got no answer and all the voicemails are full. We wandered across the street and met a man at a museum who said the convent hasn't been open for a while and has no signs of reopening. It would be nice if they'd at least update their website with some info. read more

VATICAN MOSAIC EXHIBITION - Titled "An Evolution of the Human Spirit as Seen though Mosaic Art". Back in January 2007, the Ursuline Convent housed the Vatican Mosaic Exhibition, which was hosted by the Catholic Cultural Heritage Center of the Archdiocese of New Orleans Thirty seven (37) priceless mosaics from the Vatican Mosaic studio were on display. Each one was representative of an art form practiced by Vatican artisans using techniques that dated back to the the 15th century. Along with the 37 works of mosaic art, there was also a master teacher of the art from the Studio's faculty. He was conducting workshops for 60 New Orleans-area school children. Each of the children, ranging in age from l0 to 18, was chosen from among private, parochial and public schools with recommendations coming from the schools creative departments. In addition, 15 adults from the community were chosen to participate in nightly workshops lasting four days over two-week periods. Proceeds from the exhibition helped support the restoration and preservation of the Old Ursuline Convent. I have attached several pics of the mosaic for all to see. Enjoy! read more

See all

The gift shop is cute, but really has a lot of religious cutesy things I could buy at Hobby Lobby or any good Catholic Church. The sister asked me what book I was reading since I was carrying it with my kindle. I started to tell her about the book on the kindle and she insisted that she know what my book was. It was a boom she wouldn't like and I declined to answer. I learned about the convent a few years ago and wanted to see the convent but the hours are 9-3 (closed Sunday's) and that's way short: read more

This building​ is an important part of New Orleans history and should be viewed with that in mind. As a museum it is fair. The exhibits provide​ some info and many are beautiful​ and intersting. Yes, there needs to be more info on the lives of the Sisters who called it home, but it provides​ a small look into New Orleans past. The accompanying church​, St. Mary's, is a wonder. Really, its just beautful. You can view St. Mary's through many lenses: for its art, architecture, history or religious​ significance. In the New Orleans heat, it is​ cool, comfortable and you can sit as long as you like (as a bonus the restrooms are​ spotless in a restroom challenged city). Now, about Susie, the hostess/ticket seller/shop manager. She is definitely rude. I went to purchase tix and there was a couple in front of me who turned out to be the "question cadets" of the class. She kept me standing and waiting as she answered each of their ridiculous questions and as she gave them a detailed breakdown of local history. She could have kept talking and sold me a tix - but no! She has to screen each buyer to ascertain your intent: i.e. are you a vampire hunter. There is a wives tale about vampires sealed up on the third floor of the convent​. It is perprtated by the various ghost tours. She is probably tired of dealing with supernatural fans who inisist on access to the upstairs. Some signage at the entry could handle this and Susie could retire. read more

I was able to visit the Ursuline Convent via an evening event so I was only able to view the garden and not the interior of the convent itself. The garden is a gem and truly beautiful. It's been decades since catholic school in a convent, but if I remember correctly, one of the purposes of going to a convent is to remove yourself from the secular and materialistic world and meditate to improve your spirituality and become closer to God. If so, well done Ursuline Convent. Walking in to this property, you would not believe that drunken carousing is happening just outside the walls. Located in the French Quarter, albeit several blocks from the concentration of bars on Bourbon Street, the surprising tranquility within the walls made me forget about the chaos outside and allowed me to take a long deep serene breath. Walking around, I was reminded of the Carnavalet Musee in Paris, known for its manicured lawns and hedges. The familiarity I felt was not visual (before you start sending me messages telling me there's no comparison) but the feeling of peace and tranquility. I know most French Quarter visitors come for the unbridled reveling. But you must visit the Ursuline Convent if you can. read more

The outside of the building was beautiful. We wanted to tour this site while waiting to tour the Beauregard-Keyes house. Unfortunately, we were not able to tour the site. The woman working there, named Susie, kept trying to convince us that spending $8 on the tour was not worth it. She kept accusing us of only wanting to see vampires and dead girls. She even asked us "what do you expect to see?" But honestly we had no expectations, thats WHY we wanted to tour the site. New Orleans IS a party city but it is also full of history, and we were denied that opportunity to learn. We feel maybe she denied our willingness to pay for entry due to our appearances and color of skin. Such a Shame to have such an angry women working the entry. I think Susie should retire. She may be overworked. read more

This building was built as an Ursuline Convent on the site of an older convent in the middle of the New Orleans French Quarter, and is still owned by the Church and welcomes visitors as a museum. There are a few interesting things to see, and the building itself is beautiful. Unfortunately though the whole experience is a massive missed opportunity. The Ursuline sisters' story is a fascinating one - sent over by the French crown to aid the settlers, they used to receive the French women sent over to marry the male colonists while also working with the local community and idigenous peoples. They struggled against adversity from all sides. Fascinating stuff. But this 'museum' tells you nothing about any of this, instead presenting a dry and uninteresting collection of memorabilia, failing to connect any of it together or give any kind of social history. It would take so little to make this a fascinating destination, but they've fallen flat. You'd be better off just reading your guide book. read more

I'm being generous about this review because I respect the buildings history. In fact it was the amazing history that led us to this historic site. The rating I offer is for the tour. It was a huge waste of money, even at just $8 a ticket, still not worth it. We were only allowed to tour the bottom floor and the tour highlighted a lot of topics, but not much about the history of the building. I would love to tour all of the building and learn about its beautiful history, but we were in and out in 15 mins. Totally disappointed. read more

Pretty, interesting, not sure I would bother with this place. History is kind of cool but maybe not worth the price of admission.

Beautiful building housing amazing history. I went to Ursuline schools from elementary through high school in the Bronx, so seeing such successfully strong, intelligent women shaping history was very cool. Check out painted (not stained) glass panels in the chapel, lovely gardens. Amazingly lovely docent and gift store folks. Bargains in gift shop. read more

5 bucks well spent. 1. AC 2. Bathrooms I'm an atheist so haven't really spent much time in catholic churches or convents but it was really beautiful. The buildings and the gardens were meticulously maintained. It's the oldest building in the French Quarter. read more

Eight Bucks Well Spent!! What a cool attraction, beautiful grounds rich with history A self guided tour with lots of information I liked the fact you weren't led around the grounds by a tour guide Very peaceful setting & an opportunity to escape some of NOLA surroundings A well valued experience read more

This was the highlight of our trip to New Orleans. Docent Phillip was there and gave us a guided tour. He was so knowledgeable about the history of the city, the churches, the immigrants and the convent. He was such a delight... warm, welcoming and we could tell he has a true passion about the history there. I didn't want to leave when it was over!! A MUST! Call and make sure Philip Marin is there before you go. read more

Right next to the cathedral in the French Quarters. Some interesting history here around the first nuns who came here and the building itself. A little underwhelmed after seeing the beautiful cathedral next door but a decent option if you want to spend around 45 mts looking around. read more

Christmas Eve, 3:30 PM. I've pretty much missed the boat on visiting this historic site. From the outside I can tell it's been well preserved. According to the National Park Service, this is the finest surviving example of French colonial public architecture in the country. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1960. The convent and its associated school, Ursuline Academy, moved downriver to a site on Dauphine Street in the 9th Ward in 1824, turning over the original convent to the Bishop of New Orleans. It was then referred to as the "Archbishop's Palace". In 1912 the convent moved uptown to State Street. Constructed by French Colonial Engineers under the auspices of the crown, the convent was designed in 1745 and completed in 1752-1753. Over the centuries, this building has been a convent for the Ursuline nuns, a school, an archbishop's residence, the archdiocesan central office, a meeting place for the Louisiana Legislature. Later, it served as a residence for priests serving mainly the Italian community and then housed the Archdiocesan Archives. Today, together with the St. Louis Cathedral and St. Mary's Church, it forms the Catholic Cultural Heritage Center of the Archdiocese of New Orleans. Too bad I missed out but with better planning next time, I'll be first in line for their self guided tour! read more

See all

Ursuline convent is a great stop to make on a sunny New Orleans day. The convent itself is a gorgeous building and the surrounding gardens and statues are quite beautiful as well. Although they set up tours for schools and large groups, there is no individual tour to sign up for. However, if you pay the admission to go into the convent and it is a day where the sweet ladies that volunteer there have no other group; they are more than happy to tell you the fascinating story of the Ursuline nuns and their great contribution to the city of New Orleans. The building contains beautiful religious artifacts such as paintings and statues. Ask them about the original cypress staircase or the clock that stands in the entrance. If you ask the right questions politely, these ladies can give you a wealth of information. read more

We stumbled into this wonderful historic site. Phillip was an amazing guide and when he started the tour letting us know this was the oldest building in the Mississippi Valley we were immediately interested. If you go, make sure you get the guided tour, otherwise you won't get the full experience. read more

Though I am glad I checked it off my list, (have walked past many times) would not recommend it unless you've been to French Quarter a lot and are running out of new things to do. It's relaxing and cool on a hot day. Located directly across from Beauregard-Keyes house. Has a pretty church inside which can be rented out for weddings. Staff was very friendly and helpful. There really isn't much to see there. read more

Best $5 I spent on this trip. The convent was beautiful and has a rich history. The self guided tour was very educational. I went with some friends, but would go back with my parents (and kids one day!) read more

Ursuline Convent - Part of the front of the convent - Churches Near Me - New Orleans, Louisiana

This is a self guided tour. The church is absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!!! Well worth the $5 to see a bit of NOLA history!!!

This is a self guided museum of the former Ursuline Convent. There isn't much information past specific Church held deeds and land records. The church itself is beautiful and warrants the visit. However, don't expect much from the museum side as its rather sparse and uninformative. read more

The history of this place is fascinating. Based on some of the other reviews here, I think I was lucky in that the day I visited, there was a docent named Rosalie who gave several of us an informal tour of the museum. She was incredibly informative and because of her, the convent visit was the highlight of my day. Seek her out if you go there--it will be worth your while. read more

I had a horrible experience here last week Wed March 15, 2017. The woman who worked at the ticket office was the rudest person I have ever met. We got there 30 min before they were supposed to close and she was on the phone talking to someone and seemed super annoyed that we were there. She actually said "where were you all day that you couldn't come earlier?" Then when I went to buy my tickets I said 1 student and 1 child and showed her my student ID. She glared at me and said "I don't need to see that, it's the same price for student and kid" Not sure how I was supposed to know that but ok. She rushed us, she wouldn't give everyone the guides, and told us to share. The courtyard was completely closed for the event so we couldn't even see the gardens. Which, I would have been ok with except for the experience with that lady was so awful....If she represents the Ursuline convent and the Catholic church, I am sorry but it just gives me a bad feeling about both. read more