Explore the celebration of life, music, and culture at the New Orleans Jazz Museum. Since its opening in 1961, the museum has been a cultural hub for all things jazz, inviting visitors to walk through dynamic exhibits, learn from rich educational programming, and soak in the sweet tunes of live musical performances. The museum is housed in the historic Old U.S. Mint, at the intersection of the city’s vibrant music scene.
Extraordinary Exhibits
The museum houses over 25,000 artifacts relating to jazz history, making it the largest of its kind. These artifacts are paired with strong storytelling that captures the scope of jazz knowledge on display. Their exhibitions run on a rotating schedule, constantly educating visitors on new facets of jazz history and keeping each trip exciting and fresh. Current exhibitions explore early New Orleans composers who helped shape jazz as we know it today; key historical figures such as Louis Armstrong and Clifton Chenier; the traditions and innovations of drumming in New Orleans; and a working jukebox that offers commentary on money, power, and the American dream.
Guided Student Group Tours
The museum’s guided tours and field trips offer K-12 students a unique education in the living art form of jazz music. These self-guided tours connect students with jazz history and interactive learning as they explore the museum’s exhibits at their own pace. Admission is free for all visiting K-12 school groups and a limited number of chaperones. Scavenger hunts are also available for elementary and secondary school-age students, engaging younger learners with an interactive experience that takes them throughout the museum.
Virtual Field Trip Opportunities
Virtual field trips are also available for school groups to learn remotely. Featuring both past and present exhibits, interactive worksheets, and video content, this is the next best thing if you cannot make the in-person trip. Explore their online educator resources for virtual lessons designed for grades 4-8. Use these resources as a pre- or post-visit activity to explore jazz history in more depth.
More to See
Educators looking for a more in-depth learning opportunity can explore the two archives on site. Collections are available for public viewing free of charge, but visitors must book an appointment in advance. Educators can utilize their archival documents to craft a unique lesson plan or activity relating to jazz history. Continue their on-site exploration with the Jazz Education Center & Ruth U. Fertel Jazz Lab—another student-friendly space that fosters music and culture experiences.
There is no better place to give students a jazz music education than right in the heart of the city where it was born. The New Orleans Jazz Museum puts music education at the forefront by promoting the cultural history of one of the world’s most pivotal art forms. With their unique educational programming and live performance opportunities, there is no better place in Louisiana for a musical field trip than here.
