Walking through New Orleans is like stepping into a living museum of American architecture. Our city’s buildings tell stories—of culture, colonization, class, and creativity. From brightly painted shotguns to grand columned mansions, New Orleans architecture is as diverse and layered as the people who’ve called this city home.
Here’s a guide to the architectural styles that define the Crescent City, and what makes each of them so uniquely New Orleans.
Creole Cottages (1790–1850)
Found mostly in the French Quarter, Marigny, and Bywater, Creole cottages are one of the oldest home styles in New Orleans. These one-story, brick or stucco-covered buildings sit directly on the street and feature steeply pitched roofs, symmetrical facades, and tall French doors.
Blending Caribbean, French, and Spanish influences, Creole cottages reflect the city’s colonial past and warm climate.
Want to explore neighborhoods where Creole cottages still thrive? Check out our guide to must-visit attractions in the French Quarter.
Shotgun Houses (1850–1920)
You can’t talk about New Orleans architecture without mentioning the iconic shotgun house. Long and narrow, these homes are typically no more than 12 feet wide, with rooms arranged one behind the other—no hallways. They’re called “shotgun” houses because, as the legend goes, you could fire a shotgun through the front door and the bullet would fly straight out the back.
Often adorned with gingerbread trim, vibrant paint, and lacy ironwork, these homes are common in neighborhoods like the Irish Channel, Central City, and Seventh Ward.
For more on how housing in New Orleans shapes our communities, read our feature on the evolution of Black homeownership.
Greek Revival (1825–1860)
Greek Revival homes mark New Orleans’ antebellum period, when wealth from trade and plantations shaped much of the city’s high-end architecture. You’ll recognize these buildings by their tall columns, symmetrical shapes, and triangular pediments—reminiscent of classical temples.
The Garden District is the best place to marvel at these stately mansions, many of which still hold their original grandeur today.
Italianate and Victorian (1850–1900)
As the 19th century progressed, decorative architecture took over. Italianate and Victorian styles feature arched windows, bracketed cornices, ornate moldings, and bay windows. These homes are elegant, expressive, and a little over-the-top—in the best way.
They’re often seen in Uptown and parts of Mid-City, standing as a contrast to the simpler working-class homes nearby.
Double Gallery Homes
Think wide front porches, tall shuttered windows, and two stories of balconies wrapped in iron or wood. Double gallery homes are a distinctly Southern design and dominate the Esplanade Ridge and Faubourg St. John areas.
They reflect New Orleans’ climate, where airflow and shade are essential. The style is both practical and beautiful—a true example of form following function.
Contemporary and Eclectic Styles (1950–Present)
Today, New Orleans continues to evolve. Modern builds blend old and new, often incorporating historic elements like salvaged bricks, transom windows, and shotgun layouts—but with updated materials and energy-efficient design.
In neighborhoods like the Bywater and the Lower Ninth Ward, post-Katrina rebuilding has sparked innovative design, with elevated homes, sustainable materials, and community-focused layouts.
Interested in how design meets sustainability in New Orleans? Read our guide to eco-friendly living in the city.
Our City, Our Story—Etched in Architecture
New Orleans is a place where buildings aren’t just structures—they’re storytellers. Each home, from the humblest Creole cottage to the grandest Garden District mansion, reflects layers of culture, resistance, survival, and soul.
Our architectural styles remind us that New Orleans isn’t just one thing—it’s a mosaic. It’s French, Spanish, African, Caribbean, and proudly Southern. And when you walk our streets, you’re walking through centuries of that blended, resilient, beautiful story.
Want more deep dives into New Orleans culture, design, and history?
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