Old U.S. Mint
Located at 400 Esplanade Street in the French Quarter, the Old U.S. Mint is open Tuesday – Sunday from 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and admission is always free. The historic building opened in 1835 and is the only American building to be both a U.S. and Confederate Mint. Designed by architect William Strickland in the popular Greek Revival style of the time, just three years after being constructed minting began in the building.
However, when Louisiana seceded from the Union in 1861, the property was given to the Confederate Army and briefly made Confederate currency while serving as housing for Confederate soldiers. U.S. minting re-started when Federal forces overtook New Orleans and continued until 1909.
With Plenty of Money (and You)
The Old U.S. Mint joined the state Museum Complex in 1981, and features a variety of permanent exhibits including the “New Orleans Jazz” exhibit showcasing a number of instruments. You’ll find sheet music and jazz history artifacts as well as a stunning photography exhibit.
Tour the Newcomb Pottery and Crafts exhibit, or pore over bookbinding pieces, watercolors and metalwork. “The Mississippi and the Making of a Nation” highlights 45 images from National Geographic’s Sam Abell. Easily accessible, it’s a fantastic and family-friendly stop.