New Orleans Macabre
Museum of Death: Confronting Mortality in the French Quarter
New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
This provocative collection challenges visitors to confront mortality through serial killer artifacts and graphic medical displays, rewarding those who faint with a commemorative t-shirt.
In the heart of the French Quarter, a specific kind of "falling down ovation" occurs when a visitor’s knees buckle in front of a graphic exhibit. Those who lose consciousness during their tour are awarded a commemorative t-shirt celebrating their survival of the experience.
This is the Museum of Death, a space dedicated to stripping away the taboos surrounding the end of life by confronting the physical reality of our exit from the world.
Why It Stands Out
Founders J. D.
Healy and Catherine Shultz established this collection to spark dialogue about mortality long before the final hour arrives. The exhibits are notoriously unfiltered, featuring actual autopsy footage and videos of non-reenacted deaths that test the limits of even the most stoic guests.
Among the most significant artifacts is the "Thanatron," a device used by Dr. Jack Kevorkian, displayed alongside a business card belonging to Jack Ruby.
The walls are lined with the creative outputs of infamous figures, including artwork created by John Wayne Gacy and correspondence from Jeffrey Dahmer and Ted Kaczynski. From shrunken heads and taxidermy to O.J.
Simpson trial evidence—including hair recovered from the scene—the museum covers the spectrum of the macabre. While there is no formal age restriction, the graphic nature of the cannibalism and embalming displays requires a strong stomach and significant personal discretion.
Before You Go
Plan for about 45 minutes to navigate the galleries, though you are welcome to linger. Photography is strictly prohibited, and cameras are not permitted inside the building.
The museum is located in New Orleans and operates seven days a week, providing a blunt education on the one thing all humans share.
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