Did you know that according to the 1910 census, 80% of the residents of what we now call the French Quarter were Sicilian immigrants? Or that the lower Quarter was once commonly referred to as Little Palermo? Or that New Orleans has had two Italian-American mayors? Ever wonder why St. Joseph’s Day altars are so popular in New Orleans?
The American Italian Cultural Center promotes the culture and heritage of the American-Italian community by offering Italian language and culture classes, seminars, concerts, and events. As the leading institution preserving and celebrating the American-Italian history of Louisiana, the American Italian Cultural Center is worth a visit, especially for anyone interested in learning how the American-Italian community has shaped local, regional, and national history and culture.
The new American Italian Museum honors and celebrates the journeys of Italians to New Orleans and the “New World.” The museum tells the story of the Italian immigrant beginning with their departure from the old country to their arrival and assimilation in their adopted home in America. We shed light on their struggles, their successes, and the influences they imprinted on the shared history of the Crescent City and its surroundings. The museum features exhibits on the Great Sicilian migration, Italians in early Jazz, and St. Joseph’s Day altars. There is even an American-Italian Sports Hall of Fame.
The Piazza d’Italia is adjacent to the American Italian Cultural Center and is open to the public.
Located at 537 South Peters Street, the museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10am until 4pm. Guided tours are offered at 11am and 1pm. Guided tours are $20 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Self-guided tours are $10 for adults and $7 for students and seniors.
