Preservation Hall: Experience Intimate, Historic Jazz in New Orleans’s Beloved “House of Jazz”

Photos of Preservation Hall for Jazz

Tucked between art galleries on St. Peter Street, Preservation Hall invites you into a storied listening room where nightly concerts showcase veteran and rising jazz masters playing ragtime, blues, and swing. With no stage lights, no amplifiers, and no drink minimums, the focus remains purely on acoustic sound and spontaneous improvisation—transporting audiences to the heyday of 1940s Storyville. Whether you’re seated on a folding chair or standing at the back, every note resonates with the legacy of Louis Armstrong, Billie and De De Pierce, and generations of Crescent City musicians.

What to Expect

Arrive early to secure a seat in the intimate 100-person hall—doors open 45 minutes before each set. Concerts consist of multiple 45-minute performances by rotating ensembles of trumpets, clarinets, trombones, piano, string bass, and drums. Between sets, interact with musicians in the lobby where you can purchase CDs, vintage posters, and Preservation Hall memorabilia. Special late-night “Upbeat” sessions and weekly “Keep the Music Alive” educational workshops connect you with younger players preserving the tradition.

Background and Cultural Context

Co-founded by Allan and Sandra Jaffe to protect dwindling jazz traditions, Preservation Hall became a cultural beacon during the folk-revival era. The unpretentious gallery setting and “no-frills” philosophy preserve the music’s authenticity. Preservation Hall’s charitable arm supports youth jazz education across New Orleans, reflecting the genre’s communal spirit and ensuring that brass-band legacies thrive in neighborhoods from Tremé to Bywater.

Over the decades, the Hall has welcomed legends like George Lewis and Emile Barnes while nurturing modern torchbearers such as the Preservation Hall Jazz Band—bridging eras through collaborations with Sting, Ani DiFranco, and contemporary dance troupes.

Best Time to Visit

Weekday evenings (7–9 PM) offer smaller crowds and a more personal vibe. Two nightly sets run Wednesday–Monday (closed Tuesdays)—the first set at 7 PM, the second at 8:30 PM. Arrive by 6:15 PM for the first set or 7:45 PM for the second to choose from folding chairs or standing room. During Jazz & Heritage Festival (late April), consider attending an off-hours set to avoid festival-crowd peaks.

How to Get There

Preservation Hall is at 726 St. Peter Street, between Chartres and Bourbon Streets. Streetcars on Canal Street drop you a block away; bus routes 47 and 91 serve St. Peter. Ride-share drop-offs work well on Bourbon Street side lanes. Limited metered parking is available on Royal and Chartres; walking from nearby Jackson Square is easiest. The small entryway and seating areas are level, but narrow aisles may challenge wheelchair access—contact the Hall in advance for accommodations.

Photo Opportunities

• Exterior façade with simple white stucco and handwritten neon “Preservation Hall” sign at dusk
• Upside-down antique chair silhouettes against the stage’s soft glow during setup
• Close-up of a clarinetist’s fingers dancing over keys in warm, amber light
• Group shot of the Preservation Hall Jazz Band assembling in the lobby between sets
• Vintage concert poster collage on the side-street wall hinting at decades of performances

Travel Tips

• Purchase tickets online in advance—sessions often sell out, especially on weekends and festival dates.
• Bring cash for a modest suggested donation at the door and for tipping musicians after the show.
• Arrive early to choose between folding-chair seating or a standing-room spot near the bandstand.
• Dress comfortably and quietly—appreciation of the music is the only dress code enforced.
• Combine your visit with dinner at nearby Courtyard Brewery or Galatoire’s for classic Creole fare.

FAQs

Is there an age limit?
No—but children under 10 should be accompanied and kept quiet to preserve the listening environment.

Can I record the performance?
Audio recording for personal use is allowed; video and professional equipment are not permitted.

Are there refreshments?
A small selection of water and soft drinks is available in the lobby, but no full bar or food service inside the hall.

Is photography allowed?
Non-flash photos are welcome before and after sets; please refrain from using flash during performances.

Final Thoughts

A night at Preservation Hall is an essential New Orleans ritual—where unamplified notes echo through an unassuming gallery, and the city’s jazz heritage lives on in every improvisation. Whether you’re a lifelong aficionado or a curious newcomer, the Hall’s soulful performances deliver an authentic, unforgettable taste of Crescent City sound.