THE PELICAN BRIEF
Scenes in the classic thriller movie starring Denzel Washington and Julia Roberts, feature unmistakable historic New Orleans landmarks. The dinner scene between Darby and Thomas was set in one of the most iconic restaurants in the Crescent City, Antoine’s. Established in 1840 and located in the French Quarter, Antoine’s has been a staple for both locals and tourists for over 179 years. Another historic spot filmed in The Pelican Brief was the Supreme Court building in the French Quarter. The Supreme Court building is fashioned in the distinct architectural style of Beaux-Arts. With this building being one of the only architectural examples in New Orleans, it is a must-see spot!
Location: Bourbon St.
Picture Credits: movie-tourist.blogspot.com
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON
The 2008 movie, Benjamin Button, showcases true New Orleans charm. In the film, The Nolan House Mansion, built in 1832, is the setting of the old folk’s home where Benjamin was raised. New Orleans is depicted by these one of a kind Victorian style mansions that can’t be found anywhere else. Another recognizable New Orleans characteristic in the movie are the street cars. Benjamin is shown riding through the city on streetcars like a true local. Street cars are a key component of New Orleans in both culture and transportation.
Location: 2707 Coliseum St. in New Orleans
Picture Credits: Cloud front
AMERICAN HORROR STORY
This award-winning television show has gained a cult following since its pilot. Season three of AHS, Coven, was set in another classic New Orleans mansion. The Buckner mansion was a focal point throughout the series in its role as Miss Robicheaux’s Academy. With its grandiose stature and impressive architecture, this all white mansion is a fan favorite.
Location: 1410 Jackson Ave, New Orleans, LA 70130
Photo credit: https://hookedonhouses.net/
INTERVIEW WITH A VAMPIRE
This film features some of New Orleans’ most iconic locations. One of the spots is the St. Louis Cathedral in Jackson Square. The Cathedral is one of the most – if not the most – recognizable symbols of New Orleans. With sun shining through the stain glass windows, murals painted on the ceiling, and European flags lining the aisles, it’s no surprise that this church was built in honor of King Louis of France. Another famous location shown in the film is The St. Louis cemetery. The above ground graves, known as “the cities of dead”, are only unique to New Orleans. Both of these sites attract thousands every year to the Big Easy!
Location: St. Louis Cemetery 720 St. Louis St., New Orleans, LA 70122
Photo credit: www.neworleans.com
12 YEARS A SLAVE
This Academy Award winning film portrays the true firsthand account of Solomon Northup, a free man of color kidnapped and sold into slavery in antebellum New Orleans. This may be one of the most important films for The City as it truly brings its historic past to life. The film does an amazing job of telling all the stories behind the locations featured in the film. An important setting in the film was Madam’s John’s Legacy House where Solomon Northup was held before being sold into slavery. This house in the French Quarter was turned into a historic landmark and museum now open to the public. Another iconic site was the Column’s Hotel. This hotel stood in for the hotel in D.C. where Northup was kidnapped from. However, the Column’s is a prime example of historic New Orleans culture still alive today. Walking into the Column’s Hotel feels almost as if you have been transported back into the late 1800’s. Before making your next trip down to New Orleans, make sure to give this movie a watch.
Location: 632 Dumaine Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans
Picture credit: https://madamejohnslegacy.files.wordpress.com/2015/04/p10209421.jpg
LIVE AND LET DIE
The famous pre-title scene of this movie was filmed in the French Quarter on the corner of Dumaine and Chartres Street. As agent Hamilton stand against a lamp pole watching the Fillet of Soul restaurant and a jazz funeral passes through the street, he befalls to his death. What fans would love is that all the buildings and even lamp pole are still there and exactly the same. Relive the movie for yourself and take a trip down to the French Quarter!
Location: 834 Chartres Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Photo Credit: The Movie District
TREME
This TV series, named after a famous New Orleans neighborhood, is set in post Katrina New Orleans. It follows a group of locals trying to preserve the City’s culture, history, and charisma all while trying to rebuild their lives. It gives insight to how big of a role the locals play in making New Orleans what it is. A struggling trombonist, a missing Mardi Gras Indian Chief, and a determined Chef are just some examples of all the colorful characters in Treme.
Location: 701 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70116
Photo credit: SFGate
THE PERFECT DATE
This Netflix original caters to a younger crowd, but still shows some of coolest spots in New Orleans. It features the Academy of Sacred Heart, an all-girl catholic high school. The shot of the building first shows its very grand entrance of a beautiful courtyard lined with an iron gate and Colonial Revival style architecture dating back to the 1900’s. Another school in the movie is the all-white Indiana limestone Tulane University. Ranked number 44 in the nation, it’s almost as pretty as it is smart. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and has architectural styles from Elizabethan to Italian Renaissance, to Mid-Century Modern. Another classic piece of New Orleans architecture in the movie is the City Park Peristyle Pavilion. Built in 1907, this neo-classical pavilion overlooking the bayou is used for weddings, movies, and more!
Location: Peristyle – New Orleans City Park 42 Dreyfous Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124
Picture credit: Netflix
Location: Tulane University 6823 St Charles Ave, New Orleans, LA 70118
Picture credit: Netflix
THIS PROPERTY IS CONDEMNED
This New Orleans feature is especially cool because its one of our own! A shot during the movie portrays Dumaine street where you can see the old famous “Uneeda Biscuit” sign still painted on the side of our French Quarter Mansion. Walk down the same street in the movie and stay in our lovely boutique hotel for your next trip to Nola!
Location: 730 Dumaine St. New Orleans LA 70116
Photo Credit: Shorpy
