The Jazz Park, located in New Orleans, Louisiana, is not a large park but what it lacks in size it makes up for in importance and excitement. Guests will get to be immersed in jazz, both in history and in current times, while seeing live performances and getting to interact directly with jazz musicians. The jazz park was created in 1994 and is located near the historic French Quarter in the Treme neighborhood of New Orleans.
History
The mission of the park is to educate the general public about the history of jazz music, as well as to get guests involved with where jazz music is currently. The staff makes sure to pay attention to the complex ways that jazz to New Orleans, even though a portion of that history is dark and terrible. Step back into time and learn why jazz has had and continues to have such an impact.
Things to see and do
Visitor Center - The visitor center, located at the Old US Mint, is a great place to start for any visit to the park. Chock full of information about the parks and maps (see below for information about self-guided tours), the visitor center is also staffed with people willing, able, and happy to answer questions before guests hit the park. There are also concerts held here, which are updated on the website frequency.
Park Ranger discussions - Although not a traditional park with a forest or a lake, the jazz park has its own jazz park rangers that host sometimes lively discussions at the visitor center on the premises. Both informal and formal, these discussions delve deep into the history of jazz, the different elements that came together to create the music we call jazz, the different musical forms encompassed in jazz, and provide musical examples to let guests learn about the different musical genres in the world.
Walking Tours - With the printable map from the website, guests can take themselves on a walking tour around the park. The map displays the major, do not miss features of the park: The Louis Armstrong statue, The Mint, the Mississippi River, and Algiers Point, among others!
The park is committed to being as accessible as possible and welcomes service animals. Contact ahead of a visit with any specific questions or concerns in regard to accessibility.
New Orleans Jazz Park, 419 Decatur Street, New Orleans, LA, 70130, Phone: 504-589-4841