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LaLaurie Mansion: New Orleans’ most infamous haunted home

Hear chilling tales of the infamous LaLaurie Mansion on the Ghost, Voodoo & Vampire Tour, once home to Madame Delphine LaLaurie, whose dark past and eerie legends make it one of the most haunted sites in the French Quarter.

Did you know

Child in eerie lighting on staircase at Harrowing Halloween 3, Singapore Discovery Centre haunted house.
  • The mansion’s grim truth surfaced when a kitchen fire led rescuers to a locked attic where enslaved individuals were found tortured and chained, shocking even a city accustomed to brutality.
  • Ever since the 1830s, nearly every owner has met misfortune, from sudden deaths to financial ruin, fueling rumors that the mansion is cursed.
  • Actor Nicolas Cage bought the mansion in 2007, allegedly unaware of its haunted reputation, but lost it to foreclosure two years later.
  • The current mansion isn’t entirely the 1830s original; parts were rebuilt after the mob’s destruction, blending old Creole architecture with later additions.
  • Some doors open into brick walls, staircases lead nowhere, and windows are sealed shut, believed to confuse spirits or reflect rushed post-fire repairs.
  • The mansion has been featured on Ghost Hunters, Haunted History, and BuzzFeed Unsolved, although all were denied entry; investigators filmed from the street.
  • The property’s current owner keeps it empty and under tight security, fueling ongoing rumors of ghostly unrest inside.

What makes LaLaurie Mansion a must-visit

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Historic building with wrought iron balconies at night in the French Quarter, New Orleans.
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Infamous haunted history

Known as one of the most haunted houses in New Orleans, the mansion’s dark past of cruelty and mystery continues to fascinate and terrify visitors.

The legend of Madame Delphine LaLaurie

Learn about the wealthy socialite whose shocking secrets of mistreatment turned her into one of the city’s most notorious figures.

Striking French Quarter architecture

Admire the mansion’s elegant Creole-style design that hides sinister stories behind its beautiful façade.

Paranormal encounters

Many visitors and guides report eerie sounds, cold spots, and unexplained shadows near the mansion, adding a thrilling edge to your tour.

A true New Orleans icon

Featured in books, films, and “American Horror Story,” LaLaurie Mansion remains a cornerstone of the city’s haunted lore.

Who is LaLaurie?

Historic French Quarter street in New Orleans, Louisiana, illuminated at night.

Madame Delphine LaLaurie was a wealthy and influential Creole socialite in 19th-century New Orleans, known for her lavish parties, elegant fashion, and prestigious social standing. Born into a prominent family in 1787, she married Dr. Louis LaLaurie, and together they lived a life of privilege in the French Quarter.

But behind the beauty, dark secrets festered. In 1834, a fire in her kitchen revealed something horrifying: enslaved people had been locked away and cruelly tortured in the attic. The city was outraged, and a mob ransacked the mansion. Madame LaLaurie fled, reportedly to Paris, and was never seen again.

Today, the mansion stands as a chilling symbol of New Orleans’ haunted past. Visitors often report eerie feelings, and ghost tours regularly feature the house as a must-see stop. Even though you can’t enter, just standing outside, imagining its history, gives you a spine-tingling glimpse into a world where wealth, power, and horror collided.

Why is the LaLaurie Mansion haunted

The LaLaurie Mansion, located at 1140 Royal Street in New Orleans’ French Quarter, was built in the early 1830s in the elegant Creole-style architecture typical of the period. It became the home of Madame Delphine LaLaurie, a wealthy socialite known for her refined parties and prominent position in New Orleans society.

Despite her outward charm, Madame LaLaurie harbored a dark secret. In 1834, a devastating fire revealed a horrifying truth: bound and abused slaves were discovered hidden in the mansion’s attic. The cruel treatment shocked the city, and LaLaurie quickly fled New Orleans, leaving her mansion abandoned for years.

Over the decades, the mansion has been associated with countless ghost stories. Locals claim to hear screams, see shadowy figures, and feel cold spots near the property. Its reputation attracted writers, paranormal investigators, and tourists, making it a centerpiece of New Orleans’ haunted lore.

Today, visitors can only view the mansion’s exterior. Still, standing outside, they can hear the tales of cruelty, mystery, and restless spirits that have kept the mansion infamous for nearly two centuries.

LaLaurie Mansion through the years

Narrow cobblestone alley in Pirate's Alley, French Quarter, New Orleans.
Medieval torture device on display in a historical museum.
Historic architecture with wrought iron balconies in the French Quarter, New Orleans.
Narrow stone prison cell with chains in Castel Sant'Angelo, Rome.
Couple walking through dimly lit cobblestone alley on Extreme Paranormal Activity Tour.
Voodoo altar with candles, skull, and ceremonial items on a wooden surface.
Pirates Alley at dusk in the French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana.
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1832–1834: Construction & early years

  • Built as a luxurious Creole townhouse at 1140 Royal Street in the French Quarter.
  • Home to Madame Delphine LaLaurie and her husband, Dr. Louis LaLaurie.
  • Known for lavish parties, fine furnishings, and elegant architecture.

1834: The fire & horrific discovery

  • A kitchen fire revealed the attic where enslaved people were cruelly tortured and chained.
  • Public outrage erupted; a mob ransacked the mansion.
  • Madame LaLaurie fled New Orleans, reportedly to Paris.

Mid-to-late 1800s: Multiple owners & modifications

  • Mansion changed hands several times, each owner reporting strange occurrences.
  • Some renovations were made, including repairs after fire damage and alterations to the interior layout.

1890s: Conversion into apartments

  • The mansion was divided into smaller apartments.
  • Tenants reported hearing strange noises, experiencing cold spots, and witnessing ghostly sightings.

20th century: Haunting reputation solidifies

  • Became legendary in paranormal circles and local folklore.
  • Featured in books, news articles, and paranormal investigations.

2007–2009: Nicolas Cage ownership

  • Actor Nicolas Cage purchased the mansion but lost it to foreclosure two years later.
  • Paranormal rumors persisted, and Cage reportedly had a voodoo priestess bless the property.

Today: Private & infamous

  • Still privately owned, not open to the public. 
  • Exterior remains a must-see stop on New Orleans ghost tours. 
  • Continues to be considered one of America’s most haunted residences.

Tours that cover LaLaurie Mansion

Group listening to a guide during New Orleans Haunted Ghost, Voodoo & Vampire Tour.

City tour

  • Explore the LaLaurie Mansion on a spooky 1.5-2 hour stroll in the streets of the French Quarter, exploring haunted bars, courtyards, and stories of Marie Laveau.
  • Pass Pirate’s Alley, Jackson Square, and Royal Street as your guide shares ghostly tales along with insider tips on local dining, shopping, and attractions. You can upgrade to an adult–only tour for a more uncensored tour.

Recommended experience:

  • Ghost, Voodoo, and Vampire Haunted City Tour
Tour group listening to a guide during a haunted pub crawl in New Orleans.

Pub Crawl

  • Experience the infamous LaLaurie Mansion in the French Quarter on the Haunted Pub Crawl. Hear chilling tales of its dark past and hauntings while visiting haunted bars like Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop, with your first cocktail included on this adult-only, guided tour.

Recommended experience:

  • Haunted Pub Crawl

Visitor tips

  • The mansion’s eerie reputation comes alive after dark. Shadows and street lighting heighten the sense of mystery, making your tour experience more immersive when booked at night.
  • Combine your visit with The Haunted Pub Crawl to explore Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop to create a thematic haunted tour of the French Quarter with a cocktail.
  • Photography is allowed, but please avoid using flash; subtle lighting helps preserve the spooky ambiance and respects other visitors.
  • Opt for an adult-only tour that delves deeper into the darker aspects of LaLaurie’s history; consider whether you want a more intense experience.
  • The mansion is privately owned; please stay on the sidewalk and refrain from touching the gates or fences.
  • Parking in the French Quarter is limited. Walking or taking a streetcar helps you focus on the haunted ambiance rather than logistics.

Frequently asked questions about LaLaurie Mansion

Can I enter the LaLaurie Mansion?

No, the mansion is privately owned. Tours only include exterior views while guides share their haunted history and chilling stories.

Who was Madame Delphine LaLaurie?

A wealthy New Orleans socialite, she was infamous for cruelty toward her slaves. Her actions cemented the mansion’s reputation as one of the city’s most haunted homes.

What is the mansion’s architectural style?

It is a classic Creole-style townhouse built in the 1830s, known for its ornate ironwork balconies and elegant façade, contrasting with its dark history.

Are there paranormal investigations allowed?

No, the property is privately owned, and unauthorized paranormal investigations are not permitted. Tours only allow exterior viewing.

When is the best time to see the mansion?

Evening tours offer a more atmospheric experience, enhancing the spooky and mysterious ambiance of the French Quarter.

Which tour allows me to see the LaLaurie Mansion?

Yes, haunted, voodoo, and vampire walking tours & Haunted Pub Crawl include the mansion as a major stop, focusing on its history and ghostly legends.

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