New Orleans’ newest attraction, Vue Orleans, is officially open and features a 360-degree view of the Mississippi River and the New Orleans landscape. Exhibits and interactive experiences inside also give visitors a robust view back in time, covering three hundred years of history of the diverse people and groups that created the city’s unique culture and continue to shape it today.
Vue Orleans is an observatory and exhibit located at the foot of Canal Street in the newly renovated Four Seasons high-rise building. Touchless interactive exhibits feature New Orleans figures, such as the Soul Queen of New Orleans, Irma Thomas; Preservation Hall Jazz Band; and even more of the City’s famed culture bearers.
“For years we’ve been gathering stories from local historians, artists, musicians, Mardi Gras Indians, and chefs, leaders of business and leaders second lines, all with the goal to curate a state-of-the-art cultural experience and share the real story of New Orleans — what it was, what it is and what it all means,” said Paul Flower, Developer of Vue Orleans. “Vue Orleans is a fresh look at one of the world’s most historic and beloved cities and we are proud to finally unveil this unique experience.”
Before stepping into the Vue Orleans entrance, guests begin an immersive journey by entering through a towering display at the foot of Canal Street highlighting the individuals that create the vibrant daily life of New Orleans. Ground-floor exhibits feature a visual display of local artwork and the opportunity to interact with personalities pulled from the pages of history books — including Henriette De Lisle, a free woman of color, activist and nun; Giacomo Cusimano, Italian immigrant and pasta maker; and Tillie Karnofsky, Jewish immigrant and early supporter of Louis Armstrong — all brought to life by actors on life-sized touchscreens.
Additional experiences include:
- Get a taste of the history of New Orleans cuisine served up hot at the Story Café, led by PBS Chef Kevin Belton and cookbook author and “Louisiana Eats!” host, Poppy Tooker;
- Take a step inside the soundtrack of the city in a larger-than-life trumpet-shaped listening stations featuring selections of Jazz, Blues, Classical and more;
- Try a hand at virtually piloting a river boat through sharp turns and whirling river currents of the Mississippi River and earn a pilot pin;
- “Zoom in” and see the landscape of the city on a virtual “vue finder” located alongside real-life views;
- Mix and match costumes with a digital outfitter and leave with a souvenir photo in full regalia; and
- Ride an elevator through the history of New Orleans — showcasing three centuries of events and personalities in thirty-four floors.
