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Old Ursuline Convent Tours and Tickets

🎧 Available audio guides (5)

Emotional Experience Guide (EN)

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Hidden Gems (EN)

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Photo Opportunity (EN)

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Practical Information (EN)

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Local Insights (EN)

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0 Reviews

1. The Old Ursuline Convent located in the French Quarter of New Orleans was built in 1752 and is the oldest building in the Mississippi River Valley. It served as a convent, school, orphanage, and residence for the Ursuline nuns who arrived in New Orleans from France in 1727. Some interesting facts about the convent are:

- It is rumored to be haunted by the ghosts of the nuns who once lived there.

- The convent has a beautiful chapel with a stunning altar and stained glass windows.

- The building has a wrought iron balcony that is one of the most photographed spots in the French Quarter.

- The convent houses artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history of the Ursuline nuns and their contributions to the development of New Orleans.

2. The Old Ursuline Convent is open to visitors from Wednesday to Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm. The phone number for inquiries is (504) 529-3040.

3. The ticket price for adults is $8, for seniors (65+) and students (with valid ID) it’s $7, and children under 12 years of age are admitted free. Transportation options include streetcar, bus, or taxi. The convent is located at 1100 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70116.

1100 Chartres St.

Welcome to the Old Ursuline Convent in New Orleans. As you step through the iron gates, the gentle sound of wind chimes greets you, dancing on the breeze like whispered secrets from the past. The air is heavy with the scent of magnolia blossoms, their sweet perfume mingling with the earthy aroma of ancient oak trees that stand sentry around the convent.

Inside, the cool darkness of the entryway envelops you like a comforting embrace. The floors creak softly underfoot, their timeworn planks bearing the weight of centuries of history. Sunlight filters through stained glass windows, casting kaleidoscopic patterns of color on the walls, illuminating the path ahead.

You move deeper into the convent, your fingers trailing along the rough stone walls, feeling the grooves and imperfections left by generations of hands before yours. The air is thick with the hushed whispers of ghosts, the echo of prayers long forgotten, the palpable weight of devotion that lingers in the very air you breathe.

As you reach the chapel, the scent of incense washes over you, its heady aroma swirling around you like a cloak. The flickering candlelight casts shadows that dance on the walls, creating an otherworldly tableau that seems to vibrate with the energy of the divine. You can almost feel the presence of the nuns who once knelt here, their murmured prayers reverberating in the stillness.

Moving through the convent, you come upon the courtyard, a tranquil oasis in the heart of the bustling city. The sound of water trickling from a fountain fills the air, its melodious tones a soothing balm for the soul. The delicate rustle of leaves in the breeze, the distant chirping of birds, the distant strains of jazz music drifting over from the French Quarter - all combine to create a symphony of sound that seems to echo through the very walls of the convent.

As you make your way back to the entrance, a sense of peace and reverence settles over you, a feeling of connectedness to something greater than yourself. The Old Ursuline Convent is more than just a building - it is a living, breathing testament to faith, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit. And as you step back out into the sunlight, you carry a piece of its history with you, a memory that will stay with you long after you have left its hallowed halls.

The Old Ursuline Convent in New Orleans offers audio descriptive guides for visitors who are blind or have low vision. Additionally, sensory-friendly hours may be available for visitors with sensory sensitivities. Please contact the Old Ursuline Convent directly for more information on the availability of these services.

The Old Ursuline Convent in New Orleans is a place steeped in history and mystery, with a rich tapestry of stories and experiences that have captured the imagination of local writers and artists.

Local writer Anne Rice, known for her Vampire Chronicles series, once described the Old Ursuline Convent as a place with an "otherworldly aura" that inspired her to delve into the realm of the supernatural and mysterious. The haunting beauty of the convent’s architecture and its eerie past as a refuge for young girls and a hospital during the Yellow Fever epidemic have provided a wealth of inspiration for Rice and other writers in the region.

Artist George Schmidt, known for his vibrant and colorful depictions of New Orleans landmarks, has also found inspiration in the Old Ursuline Convent. His paintings capture the essence of the building’s history and its enduring presence in the heart of the French Quarter. Schmidt’s work reflects the beauty and mystique of the convent, drawing viewers into a world of nostalgia and intrigue.

Local residents and visitors alike have shared their experiences of the Old Ursuline Convent, with many recounting ghostly encounters and inexplicable phenomena within its walls. The convent’s reputation as one of the most haunted buildings in New Orleans has drawn thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts from far and wide, adding to its allure and mystique.

Overall, the Old Ursuline Convent in New Orleans continues to captivate and intrigue, inspiring writers and artists to explore its history and supernatural aura. As a beloved landmark in the city’s historic landscape, it remains a source of fascination and wonder for locals and visitors alike.

## Directions and Transportation

### Getting to Old Ursuline Convent:

- Address: 1100 Chartres St, New Orleans, LA 70116

- Public Transportation: The Old Ursuline Convent is easily accessible by public transportation. You can take the streetcar or a bus to get to the nearby area and then walk a short distance to the convent.

- Driving: If you’re driving, there is limited street parking available near the convent. There are also paid parking lots in the area for your convenience.

- Walking/Biking: The Old Ursuline Convent is located in the French Quarter, making it a great destination for a leisurely walk or bike ride if you’re in the area.

### Accessibility:

- The Old Ursuline Convent is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators available for visitors with mobility challenges.

- Service animals are welcome at the convent.

## Ticket Booking and Discounts

- Ticket Booking: You can purchase tickets for the Old Ursuline Convent tour online through their official website or in person at the entrance.

- Discounts: The Old Ursuline Convent may offer discounts for seniors, students, military personnel, and AAA members. Be sure to inquire about available discounts when purchasing your tickets.

## Local Amenities

### Parking:

- Limited street parking is available near the Old Ursuline Convent. Additionally, there are paid parking lots in the surrounding area for your convenience.

### Restrooms:

- Restrooms are available for visitors at the Old Ursuline Convent.

### Dining Options:

- The French Quarter area offers various dining options to suit different tastes and dietary needs. You can find restaurants, cafes, and eateries serving traditional New Orleans cuisine as well as international fare. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are also available in the area.

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