Backstreet Cultural Museum

The basics

In 1988, photographer Sylvester Francis began displaying his Mardi Gras images and memorabilia in his garage in the back streets of the Tremé neighborhood. Today the museum is one of the foremost museums of New Orleans’ African-American parade and cultural traditions, drawing visitors from around the world. It's featured on self-guided audio tours and on walking tours of the city and is a good place to learn about African-American history and heritage in New Orleans.

Things to know before you go

• The museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in costumery, Mardi Gras traditions, or African-American heritage.

• Discount admission is available for local residents, seniors, veterans, and children 12 and under.

• You can arrange special tours and group visits to the museum, with advanced notice.

How to get there

The Backstreet Cultural Museum is located in the Tremé neighborhood of New Orleans, just southeast of Interstate 10 and a couple of blocks from Louis Armstrong Park. It's about a 15- to 20-minute walk or a 5- to 10-minute drive from most parts of the French Quarter, while from the Garden District, it takes closer to 15 minutes by taxi or 45 minutes by public transportation.

When to get there

The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday. While Saturdays can get weekend crowds, the museum also offers weekday field trip visits, so there's no specific day to go to beat the crowds. Check directly with the museum for details about special events.

Congo Square

A few blocks from the Backstreet Cultural Museum in Louis Armstrong Park is Congo Square, where enslaved African-Americans would gather on Sunday afternoons in the 18th and 19th centuries. Drumming, dancing, and singing gatherings held at the square helped lay the groundwork for musical traditions such as New Orleans jazz and rhythm and blues. Sculptures in the square honor its history.

Ways to explore

In 1988, photographer Sylvester Francis began displaying his Mardi Gras images and memorabilia in his garage in the back streets of the Tremé neighborhood. Today, you can visit the museum and get a deeper look at one of the foremost museums of New Orleans’ African-American parade and cultural traditions. Self-guided audio tours and walking tours of the city often include it as it's a good place to learn about African-American history and cultural heritage in New Orleans. The museum is easy to visit independently; tickets can be purchased upon arrival.

Accessibility

The museum is accessible to people using wheelchairs and has accommodations for visitors with difficulty seeing or hearing.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, water bottle, cash or credit card for tickets

What to wear

Wear comfortable layers and good walking shoes, especially if you visit as part of a full day of sightseeing in New Orleans.

Not allowed

Taking videos, disruptive behavior

Amenities

Gift shop, restrooms

Address

The Backstreet Cultural Museum is situated in New Orleans’ centrally located Tremé neighborhood. It’s easy to get there using taxis and rideshare services, opting for a tour with included transit, or taking public transportation.

Driving

Due to congested traffic and limited parking options, you'll do best to skip driving to the Backstreet Cultural Museum. Instead, make use of taxis and rideshare services.

Public transportation

Take the Rampart-Loyola line (number 46) streetcar to N. Rampart St. at Ursulines Ave., located just a few blocks away from the museum. The 91 bus also stops nearby.

Best times to visit

The Backstreet Cultural Museum is open from mid-morning to late afternoon; it closes one hour early in summer. There’s rarely a bad time of day to visit this small and welcoming museum.

Best days to visit

The Backstreet Cultural Museum is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Otherwise, expect weekdays to be quieter than weekends or holidays generally.

Best months to visit

There’s no bad time of year to explore the Backstreet Cultural Museum, which is open to visitors year-round.

Special events

It’s worth visiting the Backstreet Cultural Museum in the lead-up to Mardi Gras, when its exhibitions feel particularly timely and festive.