The New Orleans Jazz Museum is strategically located in the Old U.S. Mint—built in 1838—at the juncture of the French Quarter and Frenchmen Street where Esplanade Avenue meets the river, an epicenter of live music in the city. The Museum celebrates the origins, evolution and continuing relevance of New Orleans jazz.
The Jazz Museum is home to one of the foremost jazz collections in the world. Louis Armstrong’s first cornet, Sidney Bechet’s soprano saxophone, Edward “Kid” Ory’s trombone, George Lewis’ clarinet, Warren “Baby” Dodds’ drum kit, performance costumes, photographs, original manuscripts, historic recordings and rare film footage are among the thousands of irreplaceable treasures stored inside; but only a fraction of this collection is on display.
The Museum is also committed to continuing the legacy of jazz through the development of the next generation of musicians by partnering with organizations like the New Orleans Center for the Creative Arts, the Louis Armstrong Educational Foundation, and the Trombone Shorty Academy to identify and cultivate young talent through master classes and mentorship.
Currently, the Jazz Museum is in the first phase of a major expansion to include new educational initiat
