New Orleans’ newest attraction, Vue Orleans, is a one-of-a-kind experience and observatory featuring the city’s only 360-degree views of New Orleans and the Mississippi River. Located at the foot of Canal Street, on top of the newly renovated Four Seasons Hotel New Orleans, visitors will discover interactive cultural experiences that explore the rich 300-year history of the city, the diverse people who helped create its unique culture, and those who continue to shape it today. High-tech, touchless exhibits feature legendary New Orleans figures, such as Irma Thomas, The Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Big Freedia and other famed culture bearers.
New Orleanians may recall that the rooftop space was formerly the Top of the Mart Lounge, a revolving bar that opened in 1965 as the crown of the International Trade Mart.
“For years, we’ve been gathering stories from local historians, artists, musicians, Mardi Gras Indians, chefs, business leaders, and directors of second lines, intending 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, co-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 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 people who shape the daily life of New Orleans. Ground-floor exhibits feature a visual explosion of local artwork and an opportunity to interact with personalities pulled straight from the pages of history—including Henriette De Lisle, an activist, nun, and free woman of color; Giacomo Cusimano, an Italian immigrant and pasta maker; and Tillie Karnofsky, a Jewish immigrant and who nurtured a young 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 Poppy Tooker, cookbook author and host of the radio program Louisiana Eats!
• Mix and match Carnival-inspired costumes with a digital outfitter and leave with a souvenir photo in full regalia
• Take a visceral step inside the soundtrack of the city in a larger-than-life trumpet-shaped listening station featuring selections of jazz, blues, classical and other genres associated with New Orleans.
• Try virtually piloting a riverboat through sharp turns and whirling river currents of the Mississippi River.
• Zoom in and identify the neighborhoods of the city on a virtual “Vue finder” located alongside the breathtaking real-life skyline
• Learn more about New Orleans’ role in the struggle for civil rights with a short film featuring renowned historian Dr. Henry Louis Gates.
• Take a 34-floor elevator ride through the history of New Orleans—showcasing three centuries of events and personalities
Vue Orleans is located at 2 Canal Street in New Orleans. For more information, including hours of operation, private event rentals, and more, visit VueOrleans.com. Stay up to date on the latest news and happenings by following Facebook and Instagram.
