HNOC looks to raise final $5M for massive renovation project
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A rendering of the Historic New Orleans Collection at 533 Royal St. Image: Courtesy of Trapolin-Peer Architects
The Historic New Orleans Collection is restoring and revitalizing its French Quarter property.
Why it matters: The project will "change the heart of the French Quarter," deputy director Erin Greenwald says, by doubling the museum's space.
The big picture: The HNOC holds the largest collection of materials related to the city's history, and its researchers regularly comb through those to present new museum exhibitions and contribute more broadly to New Orleans' story. The current Bunny Matthews exhibit is just one example.
- "We want to make sure that we are creating a space where New Orleanians feel that [connection] to the historic core," Greenwald says. And "we want visitors to better understand who we are and what our culture is."
- That means properly explaining that "we're a complicated city," she adds. "We're a really nuanced place with lots of incredible communities that share really diverse ties. …. There are a lot of things that exist in the United States because of New Orleans."
Plus, it's always free to visit the HNOC, a rarity in the world of museums and cultural institutions.
Zoom in: The HNOC began its massive renovation about a year ago, treating the project like a historical investigation along the way with archeological excavations and preservation-focused restoration.
- "We see that as part of our mission, and we consider our buildings to be part of our collection," Greenwald says.
- Beyond shoring up the centuries-old property, the construction means the museum will have ADA accessible access to its seven buildings and five courtyards, plus new construction to house a backup power system.
- It'll also have three new catering kitchens, allowing the property to host events for the first time.
What we're watching: The organization plans to fundraise the remaining $5 million needed to complete the $35 million project, with construction slated to wrap late next year.
- Then, museum staff will program the new spaces with an aim to open them to the public in 2029.