The Preservation Resource Center of New Orleans recently completed a new and exciting lobby exhibit, Influences & Architecture, in celebration of the organization’s 50th anniversary. The exhibit educates visitors on New Orleans’ native types and styles of architecture.

Its “Building Forms” and “Architectural Styles” sections explain how people can interpret the elements of a building to understand New Orleans’ unique historic architecture. The exhibit invites visitors, locals and tourists alike to notice and analyze fundamental aspects of the city’s most common residential buildings, distinguishing between form and style. Exquisite visuals created specifically for the exhibit include drawings by artists Liz Jurey, David Jack Browning, and Kenny Harrison; 3D-printed models created by Cicada; and photographs.

“We are thrilled to offer this opportunity for visitors – tourists and locals alike – to come understand New Orleans’ historic architecture,” said Danielle Del Sol, Executive Director of the Preservation Resource Center. “It is so much more meaningful, as you explore this city’s incredible historic neighborhoods, if you have an understanding of what you’re seeing.”

The exhibit was written and curated by PRC’s Advocacy Coordinator and Policy and Research Director MaryNell Nolan-Wheatley, and Director of Conservation and Education Michelle Shoriak. The exhibit was funded in part by a grant from the City of New Orleans Office of Cultural Economy.

“This beautiful exhibit provides a comprehensive, multi-dimensional educational experience, that clearly teaches anyone how to recognize New Orleans’ unique housing stock,” said Bryon Cornelison, Deputy Director of Programs for the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Economy.

The goal of the exhibit is to provide visitors with tools they can use to consider and enjoy architecture in their everyday lives. Homeowners in New Orleans can benefit from information on historic materials, floorplans and designs, which may help facilitate basic home maintenance or renovation projects. An understanding of historic architecture can provide everyone with an important sense of place and continuity that contributes to community pride and a better understanding of why the city looks the way it does today.   

The PRC plans to turn the content of the exhibit into a printed and electronically accessible booklet that can be distributed to the general public in coming months. 

The exhibit is free and open to the public at the Preservation Resource Center, located at 923 Tchoupitoulas St. in New Orleans’ Warehouse District. The PRC is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekday.