One of the oldest cities in America, New Orleans possesses a history and culture rich in French, Caribbean and African influences. Some of the city's most historic areas include the French Quarter and Garden District. However, New Orleans is more than these neighborhoods. It also offers a variety of Voodoo-related sites, ranging from a wax museum to a spiritual temple.
From Napoleon to Voodoo priests, the Musée Conti Wax Museum uses more than 150 life-sized wax figures to tell the history of New Orleans. Tours begin with visitors meeting local legends Iberville and Bienville, who discovered the swampy city 300 years ago. Other exhibits include the duc d'Orleans planning New Orleans, casket girls and Napoleon sitting in a bathtub as he sells Louisiana. The museum also houses wax figures of famous locals such as Jean Lafitte the pirate, Andrew Jackson in the Battlefield of New Orleans, Louis Armstrong and Huey Long. The Haunted Dungeon exhibit strays from history to give guests a scare, while the Legend Room explores the mysterious world of New Orleans Voodoo. Guests are also treated to Voodoo love potion drinks. Other displays include recreations of costumes from the Knights of Sparta ball, scenes of the Grand Duke Alexis's visit and a figure of Chief Montana of the Yellow Pocahontas Tribe. Individual tours are self-guided, while group tours with reservations are guided. Discount rates are available for seniors and children. The Musee Conti Wax Museum is in the French Quarter between Burgundy and Dauphine streets. There are two pay parking lots one block from the museum. Parking at meters on the street is also available.
The New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum is thought to be the only museum in the nation dedicated to Voodoo. Run by Voodoo devotees, the museum is geared towards tourists and consists of several rooms strewn with Voodoo artifacts and alters. Museum tours highlight the historical importance of Voodoo in New Orleans and regale tales of infamous Voodoo practitioners, such as the Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau. Other activities include an annual Halloween Ritual on Oct. 31 and a St. John's Eve Ritual, held every June 23. A Voodoo/Cemetery walking tour offers free admission to the museum and a visit to Marie Laveau's tomb in St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. The New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum is in the heart of the French Quarter on Rue Dumaine, between Bourbon and Royal streets. It has been featured on Sci-Fi Investigates and the Food Channel's Weekend Getaways with Giada as well as in numerous radio interviews, newspapers and magazines.
Led by Priestess Miriam, the Voodoo Spiritual Temple is a more authentic experience among New Orleans' touristy voodoo shops. Established in 1990, it is the city's only "formally" established spiritual temple with a focus on traditional West African spiritual and herbal healing practices. Inquisitive and respectful visitors are welcome at The Voodoo Spiritual Temple, located on Rampart Street next door to The Cultural Center. The Cultural Center specializes in items by Priestess Miriam, such as crafts, Voodoo dolls, mojo bags and specially-blessed candles. It also carries Voodoo self-help kits, incense, herbs, talismans, aromatic oils, statues, CDs, art and books.
