Designed by architect James Gallier, Jr. as his personal residence, construction began in 1857, was completed in early 1860 and was his family home until 1897. This Italianate-style townhouse provides one of the last remaining examples of our city’s elegant Victorian architecture, authentically resorted to reflect the taste and lifestyle of a successful urban designer in post-Civil War New Orleans and included many conveniences – such as hot and cold running water – that were considered state-of-the art technological marvels at the time the house was built.

Today, the Gallier House is devoted to museum exhibition and education. This property includes the Gallier House, an attached Dependency/Slave Quarters, an old water bottling factory used for a Museum Shop, as well as a separate Education and Curatorial Building.

Much like the Hermann-Grima House, the Gallier House also faces significant restoration needs. The house suffers from poor air circulation, which ultimately causes aesthetic damage to the walls, floors, and ceilings, as well as less-than-optimum environment for the house’s many antique furnishings, tapestries, rugs and paintings. Termites are also a major issue at the Gallier House. The damage they have left behind is significant, structural and must be repaired.

Restoration for the Gallier House, the Museum Shop and Education Building will include: