Explore Hidden Antiques in New Orleans
Uncover a secret antique gem hidden in the heart of New Orleans. While Royal Street in the French Quarter is known for its centuries-old antiquities, there are also hidden treasures waiting to be discovered in lesser-known neighborhoods like Bywater, Arabi, and Metairie.
Venture off the beaten path and visit Dop Antiques, located in Jefferson just minutes past Audubon Park. This expansive 20,000-square-foot airplane hangar is filled with European wonders, including Louis Philippe mirrors, French Empire chandeliers, and English tables. With fresh shipments arriving monthly, each visit feels like opening a time capsule. The team at Dop Antiques specializes in restoration and custom work, ensuring that each piece finds its perfect match.
For a taste of French Quarter elegance, make the 20-minute drive to Renaissance Interiors in Metairie. This consignment shop is a treasure trove of antique furnishings, from oil paintings to Persian rugs. With prices dropping by 20 percent each month, you might just find the perfect piece for your home.
Discover the eclectic offerings at the Left Bank Market, a weekends-only market on Tchoupitoulas Street. Browse through vintage garments, Turkish rugs, and quirky art finds while enjoying the lively atmosphere of this warehouse-turned-market.
For a unique experience, head to Hidden South in Arabi, just four miles east of the French Quarter. This oddities-focused antique shop offers a curated collection that will transport you to another era.
From hidden gems in suburbs to charming markets off the tourist trail, New Orleans is a treasure trove for antique enthusiasts. Unearth your next find in this vibrant city rich with history and culture.
Venturing into Hidden South in Arabi, Louisiana feels like stumbling upon a vintage circus or a vaudeville tent. This peculiar museum is a treasure trove of odd and eccentric ephemera that captivates visitors with its unique charm and intriguing exhibits.
Owner and artist Brent Walker shares, “Recently, I’ve been focusing on bringing more ephemera into the shop, so I have thousands of old documents that help tell the stories of New Orleans and the South. I’ve also acquired some rare Mardi Gras Indian pieces and some incredible African tribal pieces.” The collection is a diverse mix, ranging from signed portraits of 1920s Hollywood stars to religious artifacts spanning Christian, Buddhist, and voodoo influences. Folk art pieces are carefully displayed in tiny cabinets, while taxidermy creations dangle from the ceiling. A standout feature is the full-stuffed giraffe head adorning the staircase, leading up to the second floor where local artists’ collections, including Walker’s own deeply personal photography, are showcased.
“I have a one-of-a-kind 19th-century Catholic corner cabinet that held holy water,” Walker explains. “I also possess a unique set of chairs with unearthly heads carved into the tops.” The vision extends beyond the physical space, as plans are underway to transform the backyard into an art installation that weaves together old objects to narrate a new world’s story. More details about this exciting project will be unveiled as it develops.
Meanwhile, at Lucullus Antiques located on Kentucky Street in New Orleans, stepping inside transports visitors to the ambiance of the south of France. A charming gravel courtyard flanked by climbing vines sets the stage for an exquisite display of imported treasures curated by Patrick Dunne, Kerry Moody, and Nathan T. Drewes.
Chandeliers illuminate fully set dining tables, where sterling silver knives rest beside etched-glass carafes. Grandfather clocks mark the passage of time with their chimes, while vases hold meticulously arranged fresh flowers. Engaging in a conversation with Moody unveils the allure of the shop’s impressive copper cookware collection, ranging from a well-loved French coffee pitcher dating back to the early 1800s to newly restored, gleaming frying pans. The essence of collecting antiques is embodied in the stories behind each piece, and Lucullus excels in conveying these narratives through its meticulously curated selection.
For those seeking a unique and immersive experience in the realm of antiques and curiosities, Hidden South and Lucullus Antiques offer captivating journeys into the world of intriguing artifacts and historical tales.
