The Big Easy: African-American Art and Culture & the Origin of New Orleans
Highlights: French Quarter, Saint Louis Cathedral, Jackson Square, tour of BE Studios and JAMNOLA experiential art exhibit. (Walking tour and 2 hours by sedan, 4h30)
Start your walking adventure in the historic French quarter. After an overview of New Orleans’ history, your guide will spend the first two hours leading you on foot through the heart of the City. You will visit the places that made New Orleans famous, such as St. Louis Cathedral and Jackson Square. See the mighty Mississippi River, inspiration for American author Mark Twain’s “Huckleberry Finn.” Enjoy the sights and sounds of bustling Bourbon Street. Take a detour on a quaint alleyway lined with colorful 18th century homes or duck into a tranquil courtyard. Learn about fascinating African-American and Creole cultural contributions and stories. Be entertained by anecdotes about the zany characters that are emblematic of this exciting city. Next, explore lesser-known treasures like the French Market—a 300 year old convent with hidden courtyards. Head to Studio BE, home to local artist Brandan “Bmike” Odums’ first solo project. Odums, along with 40 other artists, collaborated to create large murals and exhibits, which uphold a commitment to activism, resistance to injustice, and tribute to black American history. The visual art housed in this 10,000-square-foot warehouse tells the stories of revolutionaries, heroes and everyday New Orleanians who speak out against racial injustice visually. These moving works will likely renew your sense of compassion, love and understanding. Our last stop is JAMNOLA, which stands for “Joy, Art, and Music–New Orleans, Louisiana.” The city’s first experiential pop-up museum takes audiences of all ages on an ephemeral art tour of the city’s iconic cultural gems. Twelve exhibits by 20 local artists entice visitors to experience famous New Orleans art, music, food and theater in a novel way— sure to leave a lingering impression. When the tour ends, your experienced guide will suggest further opportunities to explore the sights, tastes, and adventures of the Big Easy.
Private tour: From 1 to 10 people.
Duration of the tour: 4h30
Meeting point: At your hotel
Period: All year round.
Days: Schedule at your convenience except Monday, Tuesday and Wednesdays where Jamnola – Studio BE may be closed – Contact us
Time:
Thursday between 2 pm and 7 pm
Friday between 2 pm and 9 pm
Saturday between 10 am to 9 pm
Sunday between 10 am to 7 pm
Private tour: Guided walking group + 2 hours transportation.
2 guests: $879
3 guests: $999
4 guests: $1049
5 guests: $1109
Larger groups: Please contact us.
It is possible to schedule this tour at your convenience so please contact us if you have specific dates so we can check availability.
Travel agencies and Travel professionals: Please contact us for your preferential rate.
Services included for the private tour: 4h30 tour with a licensed guide (2h walking tour), visit and admission at Jamnola and Studio BE, transportation by vehicle for 2 hours.
Services not included: Tips for the tour guide, personal expenses.
Accessibility: This tour is possible for people with disabilities in wheelchairs, contact us for the rates and logistics.
This tour is available for the hearing impaired. We can provide a translator for sign language. Please contact us for rates and availability.
Guide: Our licensed guides reserve the right to cancel the scheduled tour due to weather conditions (rain, storm, snow or other). In case of cancellation, we can offer you an alternative date or a total cancellation, in which case we will give you a full refund.
Cancellation Policy for the private tour: If you send us a cancellation request more than 15 days before the day of your tour, a 50% refund will be given. If you send us a cancellation request less than 15 days before the day of your tour, no refund will be given.
Admissions at Jamnola and Studio Be are not refundable once purchased. They can be changed to another date 15 days prior the tour’ s date.
Pet: As much as we love them, they are not allowed.
Request to reschedule your tour: All requests to reschedule your tour must be made in writing and sent to us via email more than 7 days prior to your tour or activity. There are no exceptions. Without an email, we will not be able to reschedule your tour.
Videos and pictures: We reserve the right to record video footage and photography in connection with future promotional and publicity for MAD Tours and Events on social media and website.
Belongings: Mad Tours and Events is not responsible for any personal items which are lost, stolen, or left behind.
Passenger Voucher check-in Instructions: On the day of tour or activity, please arrive 15 minutes early to the tour departure point at the indicated address sent with your confirmation.
No show: Please note that if you do not show up on the day of your tour or activity, your tour is forfeited.Smoking: Mad Tours and Events does not permit smoking in any vehicle. The smoking fee is $250.00.
