TOURS

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.

The Degas House is remarkable even in a city filled with history. Degas resided in this House (1872 - 1873) with his maternal relatives, the Musson Family, whose business was cotton. While he resided in the House, Degas created at least twenty-two works of art including the detailed scene of Michel Musson's office below. The tour highlights two of the Artist's most famous works:

 

A Cotton Office in New Orleans (Portraits in a Cotton Office), 1873 Musee des Beaux-Arts, Pau the first Impressionist painting ever purchased by a museum, marking marked the beginning of the official recognition of Impressionism as a significant art movement.

Portrait of Mme Rene De Gas nee Estelle Musson, 1872-73 New Orleans Museum of Art.

Guided tours are conducted by Appointment Only. Tour length is approximately one hour and includes a viewing of our award-winning documentary, "Degas in New Orleans, a Creole Sojourn." (Documentary is available in our Gift Shop.

All proceeds benefit the Edgar Degas Foundation.

HISTORY

Built during the original development of the Esplanade Ridge Neighborhood, the Degas House dates from the early 1850s. During these years, directly prior to the Civil War, the South experienced a boom in both wealth and population. New Orleans, in particular, thrived in this climate of affluence and became the fourth largest city in the United States. The city responded to the pressures of its increasing population by expanding its borders. Enterprising developers purchased plantations surrounding the city that soon became neighborhoods filled with large houses and spacious grounds. As the largely residential French Quarter filled with growing families, wealthy Creoles like the Musson Family began to occupy this newly available housing, and the Esplanade Ridge Neighborhood was born.

ARCHITECTURE
The Degas House was built in 1852 by architect and developer, Benjamin Rodriguez, who was a driving force behind the development of the Esplanade Ridge Neighborhood. He built this House as his home. Written accounts from the time testify to the Mansion's beauty. It was known as one of the most impressive residences in the area. The grounds occupied most of the entire block. The original Mansion was cut into two during the1920s, and one wing was moved twenty feet to the side. Thus, the structure was reformed into two residences. An award winning restoration was completed on the main Degas House, and the second portion of the original Mansion was purchased and is currently being restored. This portion contains Degas' bedroom and studio.

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Degas House
2306 Esplanade Avenue
New Orleans, Louisiana 70119
504-821-5009
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The Edgar Degas Foundation's educational mission is to restore the Home and
preserve the legacy of Degas for New Orleans and the World.