Audio Guide of Louis Armstrong Park

The park is open every day of the week, generally from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., making it a perfect retreat in the heart of the city. The main and most iconic entrance for your Instagram photo is through the large illuminated arch on North Rampart Street, right at the edge of the French Quarter.

Admission is completely free, which makes it an essential and budget-friendly stop on your itinerary. You can enjoy the history of jazz, the ponds, and the sculptures without spending a single dollar.

For a relaxed visit, walking the paths and taking photos, we recommend setting aside between 45 minutes and one hour. If you choose to listen to a detailed audio guide about the history of Congo Square, you might stay a bit longer.

This place is sacred to music; Congo Square is where enslaved people and free people of color gathered on Sundays to play drums, giving rise to the rhythms that would create jazz. The park honors this legacy and the legendary Louis Armstrong with statues and commemorative plazas.

Because of New Orleans' humid heat, the ideal time to visit is early in the morning or at sunset, especially in summer. Spring and fall are ideal for coinciding with festivals often held on the grounds or at the Mahalia Jackson Theater located inside the park.

Yes, the park is quite flat and has wide paved paths that make it easy to get around in a wheelchair or with strollers. It is an inclusive and comfortable space to explore without major architectural barriers.

You are in a prime location: cross the street and you are in the French Quarter, or you can walk toward the historic Tremé neighborhood. Nearby you will also find the visitor center at Basin Street Station for more maps and information.

Bring water, be prepared for the humidity, and do not just look around; the history here can be felt. We strongly suggest using an audio guide to understand the deep cultural context of the statues and Congo Square as you walk across the bridges and lagoons.