WAREHOUSE DISTRICT. Housed in a stone, Romanesque styled building, is the oldest museum in Louisiana. The Confederate Museum opened to the public in 1891 and today houses the second largest Civil War collection in the world. Visitors can see over 100 original battle flags, confederate soldiers' regalia and uniforms, as well as a number of Civil War weapons and swords. The museum also features a rare collection of photographs. On view are roughly 500 ambrotypes, tintypes and albumens. Striking with their insight, the images photographically capture the period. The museum also exhibits various other artifacts and documents.

FRENCH QUARTER. Take a stroll down Mardi Gras memory lane at this colorfully festive museum. Located above Arnaud's Restaurant, the Germaine Cazenave Wells Mardi Gras Museum has a number of gowns, costumes and memorabilia on display. The articles and items were once used to celebrate the city's pre-Lenten season. The small museum makes a great stop to catch a glimpse at what participants wear in New Orleans' annual Mardi Gras parades.

FRENCH QUARTER. The history of the city of New Orleans is chronicled in the halls of this memorable museum. Located in a historic complex of French Quarter buildings, the Historic New Orleans Collection is comprised of four structures ­ the Merieult House, built in the 1700s; the Counting House, constructed 1794-95; the Williams Residence, which dates back to 1889; and the three-story Maisonette. All four buildings are connected via a courtyard. Each structure houses part of the artwork and artifacts acquired by complex owners General and Mrs. L. Kemper Williams. Changing exhibitions and tours of the History Galleries highlight authentic documents and artifacts that shaped Louisiana's past. The Williams Residence reveals the elegant lifestyle of the museum's founders. An additional building, the Williams Research Center, offers pictorial, manuscript, and library materials relating to the state's history and culture.

WAREHOUSE DISTRICT. A warehouse ambiance creates a learning environment at the Louisiana Children's Museum. Exhibits and displays are interactive and hands-on. Both kids and adults learn about math and science while having fun. Displays include a giant bubble area where guests can surround themselves in the magical elements of a bubble or they can watch how bones interact when a skeleton rides a bicycle. The museum's exterior is an Italian Palazzo design with arched windows and entryways. The interior is spacious and features columns and exposed beams.

FRENCH QUARTER. Expansive and breathtaking items are on display at the Louisiana State Museum. The museum covers four buildings that chronicle the cultural diversity and historic legacy of New Orleans. The museum's collection includes the Cabildo at Jackson Square, where the Louisiana Purchase was signed, and the US Mint, which houses visual arts and a collection of costumes and textiles. The museum also owns the 1850 House and Madame John's Legacy, an 18th century Louisiana Creole residence. Visitors are invited to tour the facilities, which feature permanent visual, jazz and historic displays. NB The Old U.S. Mint is currently closed due to Hurricane Katrina damages and may not reopen until late 2007.