Gallier House Tour: Victorian French Quarter Architecture
4.8
38 Ratings
New Orleans
Step inside the Gallier House, a Victorian French Quarter townhouse built in 1861. Explore its unique architectural features, ornate interior decor, and historic significance.
Duration: 1 hour
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Gallier House - Step back in time at the Gallier Historic House to witness the grandeur of Victorian design and furnishings. This architectural masterpiece was completed in 1860 and is the brainchild of renowned New Orleans architect, James Gallier, Jr. Originally a family residence, the Gallier House is notable for its advanced engineering features, including indoor plumbing with both hot and cold water, as well as a unique double skylight. The home’s original inventory serves as a blueprint for the display of period decorative arts, which exemplify the sophisticated tastes of the Gallier family. The comfortable existence enjoyed by the Galliers was made possible by the labor of enslaved individuals and, subsequently, household staff, whose stories are also shared during guided tours.
What's Included
  • Admission Ticket
  • Guided Tour
Additional Information

Constructed in 1861 by the renowned local architect, James Gallier Jr., this Victorian-style townhouse in the French Quarter manifests unique architectural elements that are distinctly seen in New Orleans and were considered ground-breaking during that epoch. Identified by a striking Paris Green entrance gate, the dwelling on Royal street showcases elaborate interior decorations, amenities like running hot and cold water, a cutting-edge skylight, preserved attached servant quarters, and a customary courtyard.

Location
Gallier House
Royal Street
Please check in at the front desk inside the gift shop.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(38 Ratings)
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Elida90
Apr 23, 2024
A travel back in time - A really beautiful house, with an interesting history. I was on a tour with only 3 other people so it was nice and intimate, so we got to ask a lot of questions. It's very interesting to see how they used to live in the 1860s in New Orleans, and learning about how they coped with the heat back then. Also interesting hearing about the lady's maid slavewoman. It's good that it's included, and not hidden away. I loved geeking out about history with the guide after, since I've been a museum guide in Norway. Lots of differences, but the antiquities look similar.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jingjing_an
Apr 9, 2024
Moving tour! - Wow, a house tour has never made me cry before! I’m glad it did. The history and stories on this tour were very moving. It’s important to know how the South, New Orleans, the French Quarter was built and how those people lived. A++
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Jacquelyne_p
Feb 27, 2024
A Home to Remember - The docent led an exceptionally good tour, and was very knowledgeable regarding the Gallier House, its lively history and former residents. The architectural details were beautiful, and the home seemed to be in good condition.
Review provided by Viator
Sherpa09464332689
Feb 8, 2024
Fascinating glimpse into life then - Peter is an incredibly knowledgeable tour guide who is also on the curator board. I learned so much that I had never known before. I truly appreciate the detail that was put into this historical place as well as insights into the lives of slaves, servants and all women.
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John
Feb 2, 2024
Interesting history beautiful property - Very interesting tour and a beautiful place. The tour guide was great. Looking from outside I would never have guessed that the inside of this property was so nice and the amazing history. I would highly recommend a tour here
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Debbie_m
Feb 1, 2024
Deb and Don’s house tour - Thoroughly enjoyed our tour and the gentleman who was our guide was very informative. The house is beautiful.
Review provided by Viator
B701ikkathyh
Jan 31, 2024
Well worth the visit - This was a wonderful tour of a French Quarter house in the mid 1800's. It had great architectural flourishes and was the type of house you'd happily live in today. The architect/owner had some forward thinking ideas that made the house a feat for that time period. The tour was informative, but truth be told the house was just a delight to be in.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Janice_w
Dec 21, 2023
Lovely tour of the Gallier House - Wonderful tour (I was the only person so it was very VIP). It was interesting to hear about the lives of upper middle class people living in the city during the civil war time… and Susie (sp?) was very knowledgeable and friendly! She even pointed out the areas of the property used to film “interview with the Vampire.” Highly recommend!
Review provided by Viator
Holidaymad
Nov 28, 2023
Very interesting tour - My husband and I are always keen to find out about the history of the places we visit and we found the tour very interesting. The house is very well layed out and beautifully furnished, and the guide we had (I think his name was Peter) really brought the place to life with the information he gave us. I would definitely recommend a visit to the Gallier House.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jenelhazlett
Nov 16, 2023
NOLA Native - Gallier House - The tour was well done and all our questions were answered. It was interesting to see the inside of the house. We were able to take our time and really get a feel for the house. It was also interesting to learn details about the family and to understand why given the Galliers were such an influence on New Orleans there are no Galliers about today.
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May 2024
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