“I didn’t expect history to feel this alive.” That’s what I thought as I stepped into the shaded courtyard of Degas House on Esplanade Avenue. The air smelled faintly of magnolia and old wood, as if time itself had taken a deep, contented breath.

The house stood quiet and dignified, oak trees arching overhead in a canopy that seemed to whisper Creole secrets. Walking through the rooms where Edgar Degas lived for several months in 1872–73, I felt the gentle weight of his presence. The walls held light differently here—soft, filtered, imbued with creative possibility. I paused in what used to be his studio and thought, “The kind of shift he made here isn’t just about art—it’s about finding a new direction.”

Breakfast was served in the historic dining room. The aroma of freshly baked French-style omelets, seasonal fruit, and crisp pastries carried warmth from the cheerful kitchen. I sipped dark roasted coffee as I bit into a fluffy omelet dotted with local vegetables—the eggs were tender, the veggies bright and savory, the pastry still flakey on the edges. Each sip and bite felt thoughtfully placed, as if honoring the artist’s own early mornings.

After eating, I joined a guided tour led by one of Degas’s great-grandnieces. Listening to her recount how the painter created his first Impressionist work in New Orleans, I wandered through restored parlors, his bedroom, and the courtyard where brush met canvas. I remembered thinking, “Some turns happen quietly, in the rooms we don’t yet know.”

Before I left, I lingered by the front steps, watching oak leaves drift in the morning sun. The house didn’t shout its importance—it just held it, the way true art always does.

Degas House At a Glance

  • Drive time from French Quarter: About 10 minutes
  • Address: 2306 Esplanade Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70119
  • Best Time to Visit: Mornings, for breakfast and quieter museum rooms
  • Vibe: Quietly historic, intimate, cultured
  • Highlights: Original rooms where Degas painted, guided family-led tours, shaded courtyard
  • Facilities: Free gated parking, Wi-Fi, private breakfast room, courtyard seating
  • Cost: Accommodation ranges seasonally; museum tour often included for guests
  • Hours: Check-in typically 3 pm, breakfast served weekends 8–10 am; tours by reservation—morning times preferred
  • Food Nearby: Close to Cafe Degas (French bistro), plus classic New Orleans spots along Esplanade and in Tremé

Degas House Accommodations

Degas House

Degas House is Recommended For

Art lovers & history buffs
Stay in the historic home where Edgar Degas lived and painted during his time in New Orleans

Couples & honeymooners
Enjoy romantic suites with balconies, clawfoot tubs, and period furnishings

Cultural travelers
Tour the home, museum, and artist studio with insight from Degas’ descendants

Wedding parties
Host elegant ceremonies and receptions in the Degas House parlors or courtyard

Guest Rooms & Suites

  • Estelle Suite: Rich teal and cream décor, king four-poster bed, twin trundle bed, Victorian tub, private balcony
  • Jeanne Suite: Full and twin beds, antique furnishings, bath with tub/shower combo
  • Mathilde Suite: Two-bedroom suite with kitchen, whirlpool tub, private balcony, and elegant carved beds
  • William Bell Suite: Two-room suite with kitchen, courtyard balcony, two four-poster beds, and whirlpool tub
  • Desiree Room: Queen bed, courtyard view, two-person whirlpool and standing shower
  • Josephine Room: Queen bed, antique rocking horse, clawfoot tub, and Victorian charm
  • Garret Rooms: Cozy attic rooms with queen or twin beds, antique furnishings, and private baths (Gaston, Pierre, Carrie)

Included Amenities

  • Complimentary Creole breakfast served daily
  • Welcome glass of wine upon arrival
  • Free daily guided house and museum tour
  • Hair dryers, large-screen TVs, bathrobes, Keurig coffee makers, and wireless Internet in all rooms

Tours & Museum Experience

  • Breakfast & Tour: Includes Creole breakfast, home and studio tour, and the award-winning documentary "Degas in New Orleans: A Creole Sojourn"
  • Creole Impressionist Tour: Twice daily guided tour includes a walk along Esplanade Avenue and insight into Degas’ life and family, led by his grand-nieces

Weddings & Events

  • Indoor weddings in the elegant parlors with fireplaces and historic décor
  • Outdoor ceremonies in the brick-paved courtyard with fountain and garden ambiance
  • Receptions, showers, rehearsal dinners, and engagement parties welcomed
  • Nearby off-street parking for 90 guests and professional security included

Visitor Information

Address: 2306 Esplanade Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119
Phone: 504-821-5009

Insider Tip

Book a suite with a balcony for the best views of oak-lined Esplanade Avenue. Be sure to attend the house tour—Degas’ descendants share intimate stories and insights you won’t find anywhere else.

Dining at Degas House

Degas House

Degas House is a Great Place to Stay in New Orleans, Louisiana

Degas House

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