Giant crawfish, golden gators, colorful second line umbrellas and a giant floating Lil Wayne head! Those are just some of the many parts of the new interactive pop-up exhibit that is opening in the Big Easy. That’s right! After months of being stuck inside, you finally have something fun to do with your family and friends. New Orleans’ first experiential pop-up, JAMNOLA, is opening August 1, 2020 at 2832 Royal Street.
What is JAMNOLA?
JAMNOLA stands for Joy, Art, and Music – New Orleans. It was founded by Bywater residents, Jonny Liss & Chad Smith in creative partnership with Where Y’Art founders Catherine Todd and Collin Ferguson. The 5,400 square feet, twelve room exhibit that celebrates all things New Orleans — music, art, food and culture.
My Visit to JAMNOLA
My friend and I had the opportunity to visit the exhibit before it’s open to the public and we had SO much fun. It’s a self-paced experience that takes about an hour to complete (but trust me, the hour flies by)! As you can see, there were plenty of photo ops throughout the tour but JAMNOLA is much more than a place to take pictures for the ‘gram. Each room told a different story related to New Orleans — from the conditions of homes during Katrina to the infamous Mardi Gras Indians to musical legends like Louis Armstrong and Doctor John to our delicious food. When you visit, I highly encourage that you listen to your tour guides as they share the history and culture of our city!
One of my favorite parts was registering for my own personalized microsite. Using your phone, you scan your personal QR code which allows you access to any photos and videos you take throughout the tour. Also, the microsite gives you access to more information about the interactive exhibits you’ve visited!
As you all know, I love music so it’s no shock that another favorite of mine was the music selection. Upon arrival, we were informed George Porter, Jr, himself curated the playlist for JAMNOLA and trust me, he did not disappoint! Throughout the tour you’ll hear everything from classics like “Iko Iko” to more modern music from artists like Lil Wayne and Big Freedia.
Missed my Instagram story about my visit? View my “JAM NOLA” highlight to go behind-the-scenes before they open tomorrow.
Created For Locals By Locals
The best part of JAM NOLA? You’re supporting local artists! Over twenty local artists were chosen to tell the story of New Orleans culture, history, and makeup of what makes the city so special. Each and every room is curated by different artists and there is a guided storyteller with each group that goes more in depth about the purpose and meaning of the different rooms and how they represent the city’s culture.
You can purchase prints, masks, and other items designed by some of the artists at the end of the tour. Plus, a percentage of the proceeds will be donated to New Orleans charity partners, Trombone Shorty Foundation and Feed the Second Line!
How to Get Tickets
Starting August 1st, JAM NOLA is open to the general public! You can purchase tickets for a tour now at JamNola.com. And you can save 15% on your ticket order through August 31st with the code “NOLALOVE”
- Adults: $29
- Kids (3-12): $20
- Kids (2 and under): FREE
- Students/Military (with valid ID): $20
Tickets can only be purchased online at JAMNOLA.com. There are no ticket sales at the door. Their hours of operation are 11 AM to 6 PM on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. They are open from 11 AM to 8 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. JAMNOLA is closed on Tuesdays.
COVID-19 Guidelines
Due to the current pandemic, JAM NOLA has put health and safety protocols in place. They are currently only offering private and semi-private tours — with a max of six (6) people per tour.
Upon arrival, all guests were required to have their temperature checked in order to enter the venue. Once inside, all guests are required to wear masks. And of course, there are hand sanitizer stations in every single room (though the tour itself is contactless, you can never be too careful). For more information about JAM NOLA’s commitment to safety and wellbeing, click here.
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