| :: New Orleans
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Attraction >Museum
| Old U.s. Mint |
Address:
400 Esplanade Avenue
| New Orleans |
Region:
New Orleans
Rating:
 
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More Info
Phone: (504) 568-8214
FAX:
Website
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Description and Basic Information ::
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 The Old U.S. Mint, erected in 1835 during the presidency of Andrew Jackson, is the only Mint in the America to have produced currency for both the U.S. and Confederate governments. Minting operations were discontinued in 1909. The building served a variety of purposes for federal government until 1981, when the landmark building was restored and opened as a State Museum.
The Mint is a short distance from Frenchman Street (considered by many as the heart of the jazz scene in New Orleans), and offers a variety of permanent exhibits. In the New Orleans Jazz exhibit, visitors are given the rare chance to see the original instruments, sheet music, and other memorabilia of some of New Orleans most famous jazz musicians. The exhibit chronicles the history of jazz from its rise out of the streets to its contemporary worldwide success, emphasizing how jazz is passed on from generation to generation, evolving through the years.
The Carnival in New Orleans exhibit celebrates Mardi Gras with artifacts and costumes from early carnival traditions as well as from the contemporary celebrations. The exhibit commemorates the various cultural and ethnic groups who celebrate Mardi Gras in New Orleans.
The U.S. Mint exhibit chronicles the history of the Mint itself with such artifacts as tools from the original construction, minted coins dating back more than a century, and architectural renderings.
For the avid historical researcher, the Mint offers the Historical Center. Visitors can peruse an archive of maps and documents from the early French and Spanish colonial era. Researchers are recommended to call ahead to allow the staff to prepare documents for their research. |
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:: New Orleans :: |
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