Jackson Square
About Jackson Square
Jackson Square is a favorite site for visitors and locals alike. It is usually filled with street musicians, mimes, magicians and fortune tellers. Originally known as “Place d’Armes,” was later renamed in honor of the hero of the Battle of New Orleans, General Andrew Jackson. It is a timeless attraction in the world-famous French Quarter of New Orleans. It is the heart of our city, both literally and metaphorically. Jackson Square History
This famous landmark facing the Mississippi River is home to historic buildings, including the St. Louis Cathedral, the Presbytere and Cabildo (both now part of the Louisiana State Museum system). The square is flanked by the Lower and Upper Pontalba Apartments, the oldest apartment buildings in the United States. The Pontalba Apartments offer retail shops, museums, galleries and restaurants on the ground level; their second and third floors still house a selection of prestigious apartments.
For well over a half-century, there has been an open-air artist colony at Jackson Square. Local artists paint, draw, create portraits, caricatures, and display their work on the square’s iron fence. While there’s always new talent to discover, some of these artists have been there for generations. Learn More
Jackson Square Hours
Jackson Square is open seven days a week. During daylight savings time it’s open from 8am to 7pm. During winter, it’s open from 8am to 6pm.
Location of Jackson Square
Finding Jackson Square is really quite simple. It is on the Mississippi River, on Decatur Street, between the Jax Brewery Shopping Mall and the French Market, in front of the St. Louis Cathedral. You’ll always find a line of mule-drawn carriages lined up in front.
If you are in the vicinity of the Convention Center, you can just hop on to the Riverfront Streetcar, and it will let you off at Jackson Square. If you are in other parts of the city, just head for the French Quarter.
How can I get married in Jackson Square?Contact the Parks and Parkways Dept. for the City of New Orleans. Their phone number is 504-658-3200, or you can email them at parksandparkways@cityofno.com. How can I become an artist in Jackson Square?You’ll need to get an annual permit from the BPermits Section of the Dept. of Revenue for the City of New Orleans. A limited number of permits are available, and there’s always a waiting list. The permits are renewable every year in January: those that aren’t renewed become available to new artists. The permits allow original hand–painted or drawn-on-a-plain-surface works. Can you help me find a specific Jackson Square artist? l want to purchase another piece of his work?Because the list of resident artists is ever changing, the only organization that keeps an up to date list is the city. What are the hours that Jackson Square is open?The answer is that the hours vary by season. It’s open dawn to dusk, in the winter that could mean closing at five, during the summer it’s later than seven. |
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