The Historic New Orleans Collection is a museum, research center and publisher dedicated to the study and preservation of the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South region. Located in the French Quarter, the Collection recently underwent a $38 million expansion to its museum facilities that will debut on April 6.
“The new exhibition center will utilize state-of-the-art technology and digital interactives to enhance the visitor experience and tell the stories of New Orleans,” shared The Historic New Orleans Collection team.
Upgrades in the space include a large touchscreen smart table and interactive map of the area, virtual reality binoculars, an elevator with virtual window, the French Quarter at night immersive film, and several works developed by artists around the world.
““Connecting with an original artifact is a powerful experience, and that’s been our primary focus for so long, and in many ways it still is,” said John H. Lawrence, director of museum programs at The Historic New Orleans Collection. “But these interactive experiences provide other ways for people to understand the objects they were looking at and see them in a whole new way.”
The Historic New Orleans Collection totals more than 36,000 square feet, including renovations and restorations to existing buildings, and a brand new building in the rear of the property. The staff, along with artists and developers worked to bring the newest ideas in museum engagement to life.
The new exhibition center will open to the public beginning Saturday at 9:30am. More information is available at hnoc.org.