The Garden District of New Orleans is a captivating oasis, a testament to the city’s rich history and architectural prowess. Visitors can now embark on an immersive audio tour, uncovering the secrets and stories that lie within this enchanting neighborhood. From the grand Buckner Mansion, featured in the renowned series "American Horror Story," to the elegant New Orleans Opera Guild Home seen in "Django Unchained," the tour promises a comprehensive exploration of the district’s most iconic landmarks and their fascinating pasts. As you stroll through the lush gardens and admire the well-preserved antebellum homes, prepare to be transported back in time, where the ghosts of the past whisper their tales, waiting to be discovered.
Key Points
- The Garden District audio tour offers lifetime access to an insightful guide, providing offline access to audio, maps, and geodata for a self-paced exploration.
- The tour highlights the district’s well-preserved antebellum architecture, including the Buckner Mansion featured in ‘American Horror Story’ and the New Orleans Opera Guild Home from ‘Django Unchained’.
- Visitors can discover the unique styles of the Seven Sisters houses and the frat house-like Pritchard-Pigot House, showcasing the neighborhood’s diverse architectural heritage.
- The tour offers insights into the district’s famous residents, such as acclaimed actress Sandra Bullock’s Swiss Chalet-style home.
- The tour’s comprehensive coverage of the Garden District’s architecture, history, and celebrity ties allows visitors to fully enjoy the neighborhood’s rich past.
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Overview of the Garden District
New Orleans’ Garden District is a historic neighborhood renowned for its beautiful antebellum homes and lush, verdant gardens that captivate visitors.
This vibrant area is characterized by its well-preserved architecture, transporting you back in time to the pre-Civil War era. Strolling along the tree-lined streets, you’ll admire the grand mansions adorned with intricate ironwork and wraparound porches that exude Southern charm.
The neighborhood’s rich history is palpable, with each home telling a story of the city’s past. Whether you’re marveling at the impressive scale of the Buckner Mansion or discovering the unique styles of the Seven Sisters houses, the Garden District offers a glimpse into New Orleans’ captivating heritage.
Highlights of the Tour
As visitors explore the Garden District, they’ll come across a range of captivating highlights that showcase the neighborhood’s rich history and architectural diversity. The Buckner Mansion, the largest antebellum home in the area, stands out as a must-see, having been featured in the popular TV series ‘American Horror Story.’ Nearby, the New Orleans Opera Guild Home, a Greek Revival Double Gallery structure, appeared in the film ‘Django Unchained,’ further cementing the district’s cinematic appeal.
The tour also spotlights:
- The Swiss Chalet-style house owned by acclaimed actress Sandra Bullock.
- The Pritchard-Pigot House, which resembles a frat house.
- The captivating Seven Sisters houses.
- The Montgomery-Hero House, a testament to the district’s architectural marvels.
Tour Duration and Inclusions
Spanning a leisurely one hour, the New Orleans Historical Garden District Tour provides visitors with lifetime access to an insightful audio guide, offered through the VoiceMap app for both Android and iOS platforms. The tour includes offline access to audio, maps, and geodata, allowing you to explore the area at your own pace. While tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions are not covered, the experience is sure to delight with its insights into the neighborhood’s architecture, history, and famous former residents. To make the most of your journey, be sure to download the app and tour before your visit and follow the turn-by-turn directions starting from the designated starting point.
| Included | Not Included |
|---|---|
| Lifetime access to the tour in English | Tickets or entrance fees to any museums or other attractions |
| VoiceMap app for Android and iOS | Transportation |
| Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata | Food and drink |
Accessing the Audio Tour
To access the New Orleans Historical Garden District Tour, visitors can download the VoiceMap app for their Android or iOS device and then download the tour before their visit. This allows them to explore the neighborhood at their own pace while enjoying the insightful audio guide, offline maps, and geodata provided.
The tour offers several benefits:
- Lifetime access to the tour in English, ensuring a seamless experience.
- The ability to navigate the area hands-free, thanks to the turn-by-turn directions.
- Offline access to all the content, eliminating the need for a data connection.
- A comprehensive exploration of the district’s architecture, history, and famous residents.
With the VoiceMap app and this immersive tour, visitors can uncover the hidden gems of New Orleans’ enchanting Garden District at their own convenience.
Buckner Mansion and American Horror Story
One of the highlights of the New Orleans Historical Garden District Tour is the Buckner Mansion, the largest house built before the Civil War, which has gained fame for its appearance in the TV show American Horror Story.
The stunning antebellum mansion, with its Greek Revival architecture and sprawling gardens, was constructed in 1856 and is a testament to the grandeur of pre-war Southern opulence.
Visitors can marvel at the mansion’s ornate details, including its impressive columns, intricate woodwork, and beautiful spiral staircase.
While the house has seen its fair share of history, it has captured the public’s imagination through its role in the popular horror anthology series, leaving a lasting impression on all who encounter this architectural gem.
New Orleans Opera Guild Home
After exploring the grandeur of the Buckner Mansion, the tour takes visitors to the New Orleans Opera Guild Home, a Greek Revival Double Gallery that has graced the silver screen in the film Django Unchained. This stately home, with its symmetrical facade and elegant columns, stands as a testament to the city’s rich architectural heritage and its deep connections to the performing arts.
The home’s ornate details, such as the intricate wrought-iron balcony and the beautifully carved entryway, evoke a sense of timeless elegance. As you wander through the property, you can almost hear the echoes of past performances and imagine the social gatherings that once took place within its walls.
The home’s majestic presence commands attention, making it a true architectural gem in the heart of the Garden District. The Greek Revival style, with its clean lines and classical proportions, lends an air of grandeur and sophistication to the property.
The use of the home in the film Django Unchained adds to its cinematic allure, further solidifying its place in the city’s cultural landscape. Visitors can’t help but be captivated by the home’s storied past and the glimpse it provides into the opulent lives of New Orleans’ elite.
Architecture and Famous Residents
Strolling through the Garden District, visitors can’t help but be captivated by the neighborhood’s striking architecture and the stories of its famous former residents. One of the tour’s highlights is the Buckner Mansion, the largest antebellum home in the area and the setting for the TV show "American Horror Story." Nearby, the New Orleans Opera Guild Home, a Greek Revival Double Gallery, appeared in the film "Django Unchained." The Swiss Chalet-style house owned by actress Sandra Bullock and the Pritchard-Pigot House, which resembles a frat house, also draw the attention of architecture enthusiasts. The tour explores the unique features and histories of these iconic properties, providing a glimpse into the area’s remarkable past.
| Architectural Highlights | Famous Former Residents |
|---|---|
| Buckner Mansion | Buckner Mansion (American Horror Story) |
| New Orleans Opera Guild Home (Django Unchained) | Sandra Bullock |
| Swiss Chalet-style House | Pritchard-Pigot House |
| Pritchard-Pigot House |
Pritchard-Pigot House and Seven Sisters
The Pritchard-Pigot House, with its frat house-like appearance, stands as a unique architectural gem in the Garden District.
Nearby, the iconic ‘Seven Sisters‘ houses, each boasting its own distinct style, offer a captivating glimpse into the neighborhood’s rich architectural heritage. These charming homes, built in the late 19th century, evoke a sense of wonder and fascination in visitors.
The whimsical turrets and gables of the Prentice-Barnett House.
The ornate, Victorian-inspired details of the Pritchard House.
The elegant Greek Revival columns and symmetry of the Parkerson House.
The eclectic blend of architectural styles in the Montgomery-Hero House.
Together, these architectural marvels celebrate the Garden District’s enduring legacy and captivate all who explore its enchanting streets.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Do the Audio Guide and App Cost?
The audio guide and app for the New Orleans Garden District tour are included in the tour and provide lifetime access. There are no additional costs for the guide and app.
Can the Tour Be Customized for a Group?
The tour can be customized for groups, allowing them to explore the Garden District at their own pace and focus on aspects that interest them most. Flexibility is key for an engaging group experience.
Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?
The tour is generally accessible for wheelchair users, as the streets and sidewalks in the Garden District are well-paved. However, some historic homes may have limited accessibility due to their age and design. Check with the tour provider for more details.
Are There Any Discounts for Students or Seniors?
The audio tour does not mention any discounts for students or seniors. However, some attractions in the Garden District may offer reduced admission fees for these groups. Check with individual sites for their specific pricing and discount policies.
What Is the Best Time of Year to Take the Tour?
The best time to take this tour is during the mild, temperate months of spring or fall. The weather is pleasant, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the neighborhood’s lush gardens and historic architecture without the harsh heat or humidity of summer.
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Recap
The Secret Historical Garden District Audio Tour offers a captivating exploration of New Orleans’ iconic neighborhood.
Visitors can enjoy the area’s rich history, admiring the grand antebellum homes and lush gardens at their own pace.
From the famous Buckner Mansion to Sandra Bullock’s Swiss Chalet-style residence, the tour provides an intimate glimpse into the district’s architectural marvels and celebrated former residents, delivering an unforgettable experience for anyone seeking to uncover the secrets of this enchanting locale.