Degas House

Edgar Degas House in New Orleans, Louisiana

by Sherri Newton

Venture off the beaten path of the French Quarter in New Orleans and discover the Edgar Degas House. Whether you are just touring the Degas House or also plan on staying there for their beautiful bed and breakfast accommodations, it is well worth the five minute drive from New Orleans renowned French Quarter.

The Degas House was built in 1852 during the original development of the Esplanade Ridge Neighborhood. The house was originally one of the grandest in the neighborhood and including the grounds, occupied almost the entire block. However, as you see it now, the home it is split in two. The house was cut in half in the 1920s and one wing was moved twenty feet to the side and turned into two residences.

The house has many stories to tell. The most memorable is that Edgar Degas resided there from 1872 – 1873 with his maternal relatives, the Musson family. This is the only residence or studio of the “French Impressionist Master” open to the public anywhere in the world.

While Edgar Degas was there, he painted at least twenty two works of art including a very detailed scene of Michel Musson’s office at his cotton business (Portraits in an Office: The New Orleans Cotton Exchange, 1873, Musee des Beaux-Arts, Pau). This was the first painting of Degas ever purchased by a museum. This painting was so important because it marked the beginning of the Impressionism art movement.

As stated on their website, the “Degas Tour is designed to portray the life of the Artist during the Reconstruction Era after the Civil War in his family home at 2306 Esplanade Avenue in New Orleans.”

At the start of the tour, you watch an excellent video on the house and Edgar Degas. This really helps give a feel for the history and importance of Edgar Degas before going on the tour of the home and his studio. The home was beautifully restored. The main rooms and the bed and breakfast rooms you can rent were elegantly stunning. The tour was also given by a descendant related to Edgar Degas himself. Can’t get any more genuine than that!

This is one tour you don’t want to miss in New Orleans. Call to make your reservations and enjoy stepping back into time and experience the Edgar Degas House.

The Degas House is also available for meetings, events, weddings and other memorable events.

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