The Museum Of Death New Orleans is the second of the death-themed attractions in the United States. The first is in California and is currently being relocated, so New Orleans is your only way to see the unique attractions. It is a singular experience for those who love Dark Tourism. Nestled in the heart of the French Quarter, it is a surreal experience that is best done on an empty stomach and with an open mind. The museum costs $17.00 plus tax and takes approximately forty-five minutes to an hour to go through. However, true crime fans can easily spend longer reading all the court documents and examining crime scene photos and serial killer artifacts.
The relatively small space is covered wall to wall with grisly artifacts. There are gruesome car crash photos, shrunken heads, tiny coffins, and evidence procured from some of the most notorious serial killers this world has seen. An especially unnerving hand-drawn cartoon with instructions on how to trap and kill a woman will leave you paranoid and deeply disturbed. In the back of the Museum Of Death is a funeral home replica complete with velvet-lined pews and a looping video on famous deaths. After reading all that true crime memorabilia, it is a good place to rest.
After your break in the Theater of Death, continue through the back side of the museum and see photos of the Charlie Manson family and information on cannibalism and shrunken heads. This weird place feels like it was born from the unholy union of authentic crime thrillers and horror. Antique mortician’s equipment is an incredibly creepy touch that reminds us how far medicine has come. Luckily, the self-guided pace allows you to spend as much or as little time as you can stomach.
Crowds can make the Museum Of Death very congested, so go during off times first thing in the morning or just before dinner to be able to see everything without having to jockey for position. It is open seven days a week from 10:00 am until 6:00 am and is appropriate for older teenagers and adults. Families with younger children should exercise caution as some of the exhibits will be terrifying to young eyes. Photography of all kinds is forbidden and strictly enforced in the museum.
There is a lot to like in the Museum Of Death if you are fascinated by all things death. It isn’t for everyone, but it fits in perfectly in a city that revels in food, drink, music, and ghosts. Large bags, use of phones, and food, drink, and gum are restricted. Tobacco products and weapons are also prohibited. The Museum Of Death has no shortage of suicidal imagery, so be aware of your boundaries and plan accordingly. The museum, above all else, leaves you with the sense that humans can be unspeakably cruel to each other. If you are curious and especially a fan of true crime, it is a must-see in NOLA. Pair this with a walking ghost tour or a carriage ride ghost hunt through the spookiest parts of the city. If cemeteries are more your thing, you can even walk through the miles of gravestones and tombs just outside the French Quarter. Be sure to check out one of the many haunted restaurants and bars like Ghost Bar to complete your evening.