Longue Vue House and Gardens photo
ParkLouisiana, US

Longue Vue House and Gardens

Longue Vue House and Gardens is an internationally recognized historic house museum and eight-acre gardens, offering a stunning example of Classical Revival architecture and diverse horticultural artistry in New Orleans, Louisiana.

About

Longue Vue House and Gardens is an internationally recognized historic house museum and eight-acre gardens, offering a stunning example of Classical Revival architecture and diverse horticultural artistry in New Orleans, Louisiana. This exceptional estate, once the residence of philanthropists Edith and Edgar Stern, provides a unique glimpse into early 20th-century American grandeur and a deeply integrated indoor-outdoor living experience. It's a testament to the collaborative vision of its owners, renowned landscape architect Ellen Biddle Shipman, and architects William and Geoffrey Platt.

The eight acres of gardens are a masterpiece of design, showcasing multiple distinct "garden rooms" like the Spanish Court with its fourteen fountains inspired by Spain's Alhambra, the vibrant Yellow Garden, and the tranquil Wild Garden. Visitors can explore a collection of over 3,500 Louisiana irises, winter-blooming camellias, native wildflowers, and carefully curated botanical displays designed to offer beauty year-round. The estate also features an interactive Discovery Garden, specifically designed to engage children with nature and gardening.

Longue Vue is more than just a beautiful estate; it's a living museum where nearly every room of the grand manor provides a view of the enchanting gardens outside. The house itself is filled with original furnishings, English and American antiques, European art, and technological marvels of its era, offering an immersive journey into the past. It's a memorable destination that seamlessly blends architectural elegance, horticultural diversity, and a rich historical narrative, inviting guests to explore, learn, and find tranquility. Eager to name that creature? Identify any animal you find during your visit using the Snappit app.

Longue Vue House and Gardens was born from the vision of Edgar and Edith Stern, prominent New Orleans philanthropists. The Sterns acquired the property in 1921 and initially built a smaller home. However, inspired by their extensive travels through Europe and Africa in the 1930s, particularly the house-and-garden sites in Spain, they decided to create a grander estate. The current Classical Revival style house, designed by architects William and Geoffrey Platt, was constructed between 1939 and 1942, while the gardens were meticulously shaped by renowned landscape architect Ellen Biddle Shipman from 1935 until her death in 1950. The Sterns were intimately involved in every phase of development, ensuring a cohesive design where the house and gardens flowed seamlessly together. The estate was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2005. Edith Stern actively sought to preserve Longue Vue for public enjoyment, establishing the Longue Vue Foundation in 1965 for educational purposes. The gardens first opened to the public on a limited basis in 1968 while Mrs. Stern still resided there, and the house itself opened as a nonprofit historic house museum in 1980, a year after her passing. Longue Vue continues its mission to preserve and share this legacy of design, community, and lifelong learning.

What to do here

Take a guided tour of the house to appreciate its architecture, art, and the Stern family's story. Stroll through the various garden rooms, each offering a distinct aesthetic and plant palette. Engage with the interactive elements in the Discovery Garden. Look for the Goldfish Pond, an early landscaped area perfect for reflection and wildlife observation.

Seasonal info

Spring: Peak bloom for camellias and Louisiana irises.

Summer: Lush green foliage, vibrant tropical plantings, and opportunities for children's activities in the Discovery Garden.

Fall: Cooler temperatures make for pleasant walking, and seasonal changes in some plant displays.

Winter: Winter-blooming camellias provide color. The structured beauty of the gardens remains, and the house tours offer a cozy indoor experience.

Accessibility

Longue Vue is committed to ensuring access for all, offering features such as handicapped accessibility. The property is generally traversable, though some garden paths might be gravel. Visitors are encouraged to contact the venue for specific accessibility needs.

Don't miss

1

The House

Explore 20 rooms filled with original furnishings, English and American antiques, European art, and contemporary collections, including pieces by artists like Pablo Picasso. Marvel at early 20th-century technological innovations like the central air conditioning system.

2

Spanish Court

This formal garden, inspired by the Generalife at the Alhambra, features distinctive reflecting pools and 14 fountains, offering a serene and picturesque setting. Keep an eye out for Lin Emery's kinetic sculpture, "Arabesque," within this garden.

3

Wild Garden

A unique and historic space, one of the only remaining "Wild Gardens" designed by Ellen Biddle Shipman, showcasing native Louisiana plants, wildflowers, and a collection of over 3,500 Louisiana irises. It also features the Pigeonnier, a charming focal point.

4

Discovery Garden

An interactive children's garden designed for hands-on learning and play, with pollinator plants, seasonal edibles, and jumbo lawn games.

Wildlife you might spot

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Good to know before you go

Wear comfortable shoes

You'll be walking across eight acres of gardens, including some gravel paths.

Plan your visit

Consider taking a guided house tour (tours begin at scheduled times) and then exploring the gardens at your own pace.

Check the events calendar

Longue Vue hosts various workshops, wellness classes, and family events; check their website for current offerings.

Visit the Discovery Garden with kids

It's a fantastic hands-on area designed to engage younger visitors.

Bring water and snacks

Especially during warmer months, staying hydrated is important. Some areas are perfect for a picnic.

Allow for quiet contemplation

Many garden spaces, like the Goldfish Pond or the Loggia in the Spanish Court, are designed for peaceful reflection.

Frequently asked questions

Casual photography for personal enjoyment is encouraged throughout the gardens and during programs. However, professional or designated photography sessions (e.g., with specialized equipment or if photography is the main reason for the visit) require a photography package and are typically limited to outdoor spaces. Photography is generally not permitted inside the house during regular tours.
Yes, Longue Vue House and Gardens offers an interactive Discovery Garden specifically designed for children of all ages, with hands-on activities like digging for worms, watering plants, and jumbo lawn games. They also host family-friendly events, workshops, and garden walks.
Longue Vue features a blend of formal and informal garden styles, including the Spanish-inspired formal courts with their intricate fountains and reflecting pools, a vibrant Yellow Garden, a tranquil Canal Garden, and a Wild Garden dedicated to native Louisiana plants and wildflowers. Each garden room offers a distinct experience.

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