Longue Vue House & Gardens

Imagine an exquisite estate where the harmony of architecture and nature has reached perfection. Longue Vue House and Gardens is a unique open-air historical museum located in a quiet corner that graces New Orleans. This former residence of philanthropists Edgar and Edith Stern has been transformed into a cultural center reflecting mid-20th-century elegance in the USA.

The estate spans 8 acres and includes a magnificent Classical Revival mansion and a whole series of themed gardens. Each of the house's four facades has its own unique design and opens onto a separate garden area, creating a distinct atmosphere from every vantage point. In 2005, this site was designated a National Historic Landmark, confirming its exceptional value to American heritage.

Inside the house, the original furnishings have been carefully preserved: from antique furniture and Chinese porcelain collections to works of modern art. Longue Vue is more than just a house; it is a monument to the landscape art of Ellen Biddle Shipman, who was known as the "dean of American women landscape architects."

To plan your visit or inquire about hosting special events, you can use the official communication channels of the estate administration.

The main reason to come here is the house tour. Accompanied by a guide, you will pass through 20 rooms, including the impressive circular vestibule, the Blue Room, and the Drawing Room. Note the unusual domestic spaces for their time: a flower arranging room and even a special gift-wrapping area. The interiors are filled with English antiques, rare carpets, and exquisite needlework.

A walk through the gardens is equally impressive. You can see the famous Spanish Court (Canal Garden), inspired by the gardens of Spain, and the Wild Garden, which houses a unique collection of Louisiana irises. For those traveling with family, the Discovery Garden is a must—an interactive space where children can get closer to nature and gardening.

Don't forget to stop by the gift shop, located in the former staff quarters, to pick up some commemorative gifts. The estate also frequently serves as a venue for outdoor concerts and temporary art exhibitions, so it’s worth checking the event calendar before your visit.

The estate is located in the picturesque and quiet Lakewood neighborhood in the eastern part of the city. If you are traveling by car, the most convenient way to get there is via I-10 or the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. Free parking is provided for guests on-site.

For those who prefer public transportation, bus lines E5 or 49 run from the city center (including the French Quarter). A taxi or ride-share trip via Uber/Lyft from downtown will take very little time, and the journey from Louis Armstrong International Airport takes about 25–30 minutes.

The approach to the house is designed as a majestic oak alley, which immediately sets the right mood. The area is considered safe and very pleasant for walking, so many tourists prefer to take a taxi directly to the gates of the complex for maximum comfort.

The history of this site began in 1924, but the appearance we see today took shape later. The estate owners, Edgar Stern and his wife Edith Rosenwald Stern (daughter of the founder of the Sears empire), decided to completely transform their property. In 1939, they even moved the old house to make room for a new masterpiece in the Classical Revival style.

Architects William and Geoffrey Platt designed the mansion, while the gardens became the life's work of the legendary Ellen Biddle Shipman. Longue Vue House and Gardens is considered her largest and most significant work, where she was given complete creative freedom. Interestingly, the house features a full basement, which is quite a rarity for the marshy soils of this region.

Throughout its history, the estate has hosted distinguished guests, including Eleanor Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy. In 2005, the site was designated a U.S. National Historic Landmark. Despite serious damage caused by Hurricane Katrina, thanks to the efforts of volunteers and professional restorers, the gardens were fully restored and today look even more impressive than before.

To leisurely view all the interiors and enjoy the landscape design, it is recommended to set aside about 2–3 hours for your visit. This is enough time to take a guided tour of the mansion's rooms and explore the numerous themed gardens on your own.

If you plan to visit the Discovery Garden with children or want to have a small photo session by the fountains, it's better to budget half a day for the visit. The estate encourages contemplative relaxation, so you won't want to rush here.

The estate is open to visitors daily, making it a convenient stop on any Louisiana travel itinerary. From Monday to Saturday, the gates are open from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. On Sunday, Longue Vue begins welcoming guests slightly later—from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Please note that the last entry to the grounds is usually allowed 30–45 minutes before closing. If you want to join a specific house tour, it is recommended to check the schedule in advance, as groups are formed at specific times.

After a stroll through the shaded alleys of Longue Vue, it is worth checking out other interesting places nearby. New Orleans offers many options for family vacations, outdoor walks, and cultural enrichment.

Exploring neighboring locations will allow you to better feel the city's atmosphere and see its different facets—from bustling squares to modern amusement parks.