The Backstory
The Storyville Museum is the brainchild of New Orleans’ native and long-time French Quarter resident Claus Sadlier. After a successful business career in the early 2000s, in which he invented and commercialized the insulated paper coffee cup used around the world today, Sadlier spent years collecting priceless artifacts and researching the historical storyline for his “passion” project – a museum entirely dedicated to telling the rich, unique, and storied history of New Orleans and its notorious red-light district known as Storyville. Storyville reigned from 1897 to 1917 as the largest and most ostentatious quasi-legal red-light district the country has ever seen, offering patrons from all over the world live music, entertainment, gambling and wide-open prostitution.
The Mission
At the Storyville Museum, we are committed to offering a comprehensive exploration of the unique and rich history of New Orleans from its founding as a French colonial city in 1718, through its golden age of growth and vice in the 1800s, to the early 1900s when Storyville flourished as a national and international destination for music, entertainment, gambling, vice and prostitution.
Through engaging, immersive, and interactive exhibits, alongside captivating artifacts and multimedia experiences we take you on a journey through New Orleans’ storied past as America’s original Sin City. Our aim is to shed light on the social, cultural, and economic impacts of the Storyville District on New Orleans and beyond. From the early days of jazz to the struggles of the individuals who lived and worked in the district, we delve into the complex narratives that shaped this extraordinary era.
Our team of passionate historians, curators, researchers and set designers has painstakingly collected and curated a diverse range of artifacts, photographs, and documents that bring the story of the district to life.
From rare original copies of the district’s directory of pleasure known as the “Blue Book”, to personal letters, photographs, and other fascinating relics from a bygone era, each item in our collection offers a glimpse into the vibrant and often controversial world that once thrived within these streets.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, a music lover, or simply curious about this intriguing part of New Orleans’ past, the Storyville Museum welcomes you to explore, learn, and discover the captivating tales that have left an indelible mark on the fabric of our city. Join us on this journey through time, as we celebrate the spirit of Storyville and honor its enduring legacy.
