As the
only American home or studio of the French Impressionist Master
Edgar Degas, open to the public, anywhere in the world, the Degas
House is America's most treasured piece of Impressionist
History. Its restored beauty is remarkable even in a
city filled with history.
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."
$10 for Adults, $8 for Senior Citizens
$5 for Children and Students.
Groups can be accommodated with advance notice
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.
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.
Degas House
2306 Esplanade Ave. New Orleans, Louisiana 70119
(504) 821-5009
