Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
At 533 Royal, between St. Louis and Toulouse Streets, is the Historic New
Orleans Collection, a museum and research center dedicated to the study
and preservation of the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf
South region. The museum's holdings include more than 35,000 library
items; more than 2 miles of documents and manuscripts; and about 350,000
photographs, prints, drawings, paintings, and other artifacts. The updated
and interactive Louisiana History Galleries comprises 13 galleries tracing
Louisiana's fascinating past. The latest additions to the permanent display
are exhibits on Hurricane Katrina and the 2010 BP oil spill.
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Walk one block to 400 Royal. The stunning Beaux Arts structure to the left is
the home of the Louisiana Supreme Court. The state's highest court moved
into the building in 1910, where it remained for nearly 50 years. After the
court moved to the more contemporary Central Business District, the build-
ing fell into disrepair, but it saw new life in 2004 when, after a major renova-
tion, the Supreme Court returned to its Royal Street address.
Across the street, at 417 Royal, is Brennan's, the old-line restaurant
renowned for its sumptuous breakfasts, world-famous bananas Foster, and
romantic courtyard. To the dismay of foodies everywhere, Brennan's shut
down in the summer of 2013 after its owners declared bankruptcy, but a
cousin, New Orleans restaurateur Ralph Brennan, came to the rescue: He
purchased the property at auction, bought back the Brennan's name, and re-
opened the French Quarter institution in November 2014. Meanwhile, Bren-
nan's former owners were planning to open a new eatery, Ted Brennan's
Decatur, on nearby Decatur Street in 2015.
In the next block, at 334 Royal St., is the headquarters of the New Orleans
Police Department's Eighth District. Erected in 1826 as the Old Bank of
Louisiana, the building served as Louisiana's state capitol from 1868 to 1869,
and later the Royal Street Auction Exchange and the Mortgage and Convey-
ance Office. This block of Royal also contains lots of fun shops, including
Vintage 329, which specializes in autographed memorabilia, rare books, and
other historical items.
If you need a break—or even if you don't—stop in at the venerable Hotel
Monteleone (214 Royal St.), which boasts live entertainment and one of the
most popular hotel bars in New Orleans. The Carousel Bar & Lounge fea-
tures a 25-seat revolving bar with a carousel top, antiqued mirrors, and
hand-painted chairs. The lounge, with its circular glass chandeliers and ex-
pansive windows along Royal Street, is equally inviting.
