Attraction
The National WWII Museum
A large campus of pavilions in the Warehouse District telling the American story of the Second World War, with restored aircraft, immersive films and a submarine…
Jackson Square
The historic main square of the French Quarter, framed by St Louis Cathedral, the Cabildo, the Presbytère and the red-brick Pontalba Buildings, with artists along its railings.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic square
- Area
- French Quarter, New Orleans, United States
Good to know
- Free entry
- Pedestrian streets
- Street artists
Why we recommend it
Jackson Square is the old heart of the French Quarter and the most useful place to begin a first walk around New Orleans. It started life as the Place d'Armes, a parade ground laid out when the city was French, and was known as the Plaza de Armas under Spanish rule. It was renamed in 1851 in honour of Andrew Jackson's victory at the Battle of New Orleans in 1815, and the bronze equestrian statue of Jackson by Clark Mills was dedicated in February 1856.
The buildings around it explain much of the city's history in a single view. St Louis Cathedral stands at the centre of the uptown side, with the Cabildo, the former seat of the Spanish colonial government, on its left and the matching Presbytère on its right; both are now part of the Louisiana State Museum. Along two sides run the Pontalba Buildings, matching four-storey red-brick blocks from the 1840s with iron galleries, shops at street level and apartments above. The Baroness de Pontalba, who built them, also gave the square its formal Parisian-style planting and iron fence in 1851.
The square is a National Historic Landmark and part of the Vieux Carré Historic District. Since 1971 the streets on three sides, Chartres, St Peter and St Ann, have been closed to traffic, so the area works as a large pedestrian space. Painters have worked along the railings since the 1920s, and you will usually find artists selling their work, musicians, street performers near the cathedral and tarot readers along the flagstones. Performers rely on tips, so carry some small notes if you plan to stop and watch.
The square is free to walk around and suits every kind of visitor, from families with pushchairs to photographers. Early morning is the quietest time for pictures of the cathedral, while late afternoon brings more music and activity. Allow half an hour simply to walk the square, or longer if you visit the museums around it.
The square also makes an easy meeting point and orientation spot. From here you can head to the riverside Moon Walk, the French Market district downriver, or inland to the museums and galleries of Royal Street, and many French Quarter walking routes pass through it.
Jackson Square FAQs
Is Jackson Square free to visit?
Yes. The square and the pedestrian streets around it are free to walk around.
What buildings surround Jackson Square?
St Louis Cathedral, the Cabildo and the Presbytère on one side, and the two red-brick Pontalba Buildings on two others.
Why is it called Jackson Square?
It was renamed in 1851 after Andrew Jackson, who won the Battle of New Orleans in 1815. It was previously the Place d'Armes.
Who made the Andrew Jackson statue?
The sculptor Clark Mills. The statue was dedicated in February 1856.
Are the streets around the square closed to cars?
Yes. Chartres, St Peter and St Ann streets beside the square have been pedestrian since 1971.
When is the best time to visit?
Early morning for quiet photographs, and afternoon for artists, musicians and street performers.
Are there museums on the square?
Yes. The Cabildo and the Presbytère, both part of the Louisiana State Museum, stand either side of the cathedral.