Virtual Roadtrip: New Orleans Jazz Museum

Jazz in the Very Place it Was Born

Stop #16 on our Virtual Road Trip is the New Orleans Jazz Museum in Louisiana! The Museum is located in the historic Mint Building, adjacent to one of the best live music scenes in the city— Frenchmen Street. Its mission is to promote jazz through interactive exhibits, educational programming, research, and engaging musical performances.

The New Orleans Jazz Museum, founded in 1961, is part of the Louisiana State Museum system and is affiliated with the New Orleans Jazz National Historic Park. The collection includes over 25,000 artifacts, the largest and most comprehensive of its kind. The core collection was inherited from the N.O. Jazz Club. Today, one of the highlights is an impressive display of instruments owned and played by the jazz greats.

The Old U.S Mint Performing Arts Center is on the third floor of the museum building. Visitors can hear concerts, theatrical productions, and recordings almost every day of the week. The museum’s grounds also host several popular annual festivals, including the French Quarter Fest, Satchmo Fest, and New Orleans Ragtime Festival.

Travel Tip: Tickets to the New Orleans Jazz Museum can be purchased through the Louisiana State Museum website or at the entrance. If you plan on visiting two or more of the six State Museums, you will receive a 20% discount. The Mint Building is large but easy to navigate. Prior to your visit, check the Old U.S. Mint Performing Arts calendar for concert times and try to time your visit to coincide with a free performance.

Following the Connection

Today’s music is certainly influenced by artists from earlier eras, like folk, jazz, and blues. Let’s see the progression and impact they had on modern rock and roll at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio. A few of the early inductees were jazz greats, including Jelly Roll Morton and Louis Armstrong.

Next Stop: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland, Ohio

Detour: W.C. Handy is considered the “Father of the Blues” and one of America’s most influential songwriters. Take a tour of Handy’s humble beginnings at the W.C. Handy Home and Museum on Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee. Catch some live music at B.B King’s Blues Club while on Beale Street!!

Plan Your Trip

New Orleans is a city full or energy with more things to do during your visit than you’ll have time. From live music and amazing restaurants to cultural history and great neighborhoods, you will want to come back for more. Here are some recommendations from the travel desk at Check-it-Off Travel to consider while planning a trip to the museum.

Photo: Courtesy of New Orleans Jazz Museum