CANVASES, CARATS AND CURIOSITIES

Nestled in the heart of the French Quarter, M.S. Rau is much more than a gallery—it’s an unforgettable and little-known New Orleans event venue. Spanning over 40,000 square feet, their space is home to museum-quality fine art, rare treasures and exquisite jewelry. From exclusive behind-the-scenes tours with champagne to opera performances and luxury VIP experiences complete with private dinners, M.S. Rau has hosted some of the most unique and memorable events in New Orleans.

Their gallery offers an unparalleled level of intimacy and exclusivity. Special accommodations for VIP guests include trying on magnificent jewelry, handling historic antiques and dining beneath masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh and Rembrandt. This kind of up-close experience is something even the finest museums can’t replicate.

Expertly curated, the M.S. Rau gallery showcases treasures that rival those housed in royal collections and world-renowned museums, from glimmering diamonds and radiant gold to masterpieces of fine art. Art reporters have likened visiting their booth at TEFAF—the European Fine Art Fair in Maastricht, Netherlands—to stepping into the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Remarkably, many visitors to New Orleans remain unaware of this breathtaking gallery, which is fully open to the public. With its ambient lighting and intimate hallways, the gallery evokes the charm of a private home seamlessly blended with the grandeur of an exceptional museum, reminiscent of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston.

With flexible spaces to suit any occasion and a team of knowledgeable experts who bring the stories of their treasures to life, M.S. Rau creates an event experience that blends professionalism with the warmth and hospitality that New Orleans is famous for. Whether you're planning a private dinner, corporate gathering or a VIP celebration, M.S. Rau promises an event filled with wonder and elegance.

Marigny Opera House

Nestled in the vibrant Marigny neighborhood, the Marigny Opera House is a one-of-a-kind venue that embodies the artistic soul of New Orleans. Housed in a deconsecrated 19th-century church, this intimate space features soaring ceilings, exposed brick walls and large arched windows that bathe the interior in natural light. Known as the "Church of the Arts," the Marigny Opera House has hosted various memorable events, including Solange Knowles’ wedding and numerous performances by acclaimed local and international artists.

The Marigny Opera House has a rich history, originally serving as Holy Trinity Catholic Church, a Catholic parish established in the 19th century. Closed by the Archdiocese of New Orleans in 1997, the building was later adapted and renovated, reopening as an opera house in 2011. Since then, it has become a cornerstone of New Orleans’ cultural scene. In 2014, the Marigny Opera Ballet, a resident professional contemporary ballet company, was founded there, and OperaCréole, established in 2008, regularly produces performances in this remarkable space.

One of the most coveted features of the Marigny Opera House is its exceptional acoustics, creating a warmth and intimacy that makes it an ideal venue for vocalists, jazz concerts and dancers alike. The space has also hosted cutting-edge theater productions, further cementing its reputation as a haven for the performing arts. With a capacity to accommodate 150–200 guests, the Marigny Opera House combines history, artistry and versatility.

Hotel Peter and Paul

Just steps from the Marigny Opera House lies Hotel Peter & Paul, a 19th-century church transformed into one of New Orleans’ most distinctive boutique hotels. Recently restored to its 1861 grandeur, the property is a seamless blend of old-world charm and modern sophistication, conveniently located a short walk from the French Quarter.

The hotel’s four buildings—The Church, The Schoolhouse, The Rectory and The Convent—each offer their own unique character. The main event space, the 9,450-square-foot Church, features soaring vaulted ceilings and stunning stained-glass windows, providing a magical backdrop for anything from wedding ceremonies and receptions to Saturday yoga sessions. Meanwhile, the lush outdoor courtyards and refined interiors of The Schoolhouse and The Rectory create intimate settings perfect for smaller gatherings.

One of the hotel’s highlights is The Elysian Bar, a bar and restaurant curated by Bacchanal Wine, which also caters to private events. After the festivities, your guests can stay in the beautifully designed rooms, available in a range of sizes and price points to suit any budget. As the evening winds down, the vibrant energy of Frenchmen Street, just blocks away, beckons. Known for some of the best jazz and live music in the city, it’s the perfect place to end the night.

Brennan's

Not too far from Bourbon Street in the heart of the French Quarter on iconic Royal Street, Brennan’s and its famous pink façade welcome guests to one of the most storied restaurants and event venues in New Orleans. Known for its refined Creole cuisine and timeless charm, Brennan’s provides a quintessential New Orleans setting, making it a favorite for weddings, receptions and private celebrations.

With eight beautifully decorated private rooms, each offering its own distinct ambiance, Brennan’s caters to a wide range of events. From the stately elegance of the Chanteclair Room to the lush, open-air Courtyard, ideal for open-air gatherings, its versatile spaces ensure the perfect backdrop for any occasion. Guests can savor expertly curated menus showcasing signature dishes like the world-famous Bananas Foster—invented right there—paired with an award-winning wine list to elevate every event into a true culinary journey.

Brennan’s has a proven history of producing extraordinary events for prestigious clients. Locally, it has hosted galas for organizations such as the Louisiana State Bar Association and Tulane University. Nationally, Brennan’s has partnered on corporate events with Jaguar/Land Rover, AIG and Leviton, and worked alongside celebrated firms like Van Wyck & Van Wyck to create show-stopping celebrations for celebrity clients, including LeBron James.

Audubon Tea Room

For a true hidden gem, venture six miles upriver to Uptown New Orleans, where the Audubon Tea Room sits nestled within the lush grounds of Audubon Zoo. Combining timeless elegance with New Orleans charm, this stunning venue features floor-to-ceiling windows, crystal chandeliers and a grand interior with soaring ceilings—an exquisite setting for all kinds of private events.

Audubon Park, originally known as Plantation de Boré, spans approximately 350 acres and has been a beloved part of New Orleans history since the city purchased the land in 1871. The park hosted the World Cotton Centennial of 1884, establishing its role as a center for grand events. The original Audubon Tea House opened on April 21, 1919, with a celebratory event featuring “moving pictures,” concerts and dancing, as reported by The New Orleans Item. Located near the park’s lagoon, this yellow wooden structure quickly became a highly desired wedding venue, as well as a space for debutante balls, receptions and Mardi Gras gatherings.

The adjoining Tea Room Garden adds an extra layer of enchantment, with manicured greenery and a charming fountain providing a picturesque backdrop for outdoor ceremonies or cocktail receptions. Inside, the spacious ballroom accommodates up to 400 guests, making it ideal for both intimate gatherings and large celebrations.

If you’re interested in hosting an event, we invite you to contact us at M.S. Rau to explore how our exquisite collection can add a touch of timeless elegance to your occasion.