LaLaurie Mansion | Haunted Stories of LaLaurie House

The LaLaurie Mansion stands as one of the most infamous and haunted locations in all of New Orleans. This grand yet eerie Creole mansion has long captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike. Once home to the socialite Madame Delphine LaLaurie, the residence hides a dark past filled with chilling tales of cruelty and torment that shocked the city in the 1800s. Find out about the haunted history, who LaLaurie is, why it's haunted, and tours that take you there.

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.

Quick information

Official name: LaLaurie Mansion (also known as the Delphine LaLaurie Mansion)
Location: 1140 Royal Street, French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Date built:
1832
Architectural style: Creole townhouse with Greek Revival influences
Notable resident: Madame Marie Delphine LaLaurie, a New Orleans socialite infamous for her cruelty toward enslaved people
Famous for: Its dark history, paranormal legends, and reputation as one of the most haunted houses in the United States
Featured In:
- American Horror Story: Coven (2013), Kathy Bates portrayed Madame LaLaurie
- Various paranormal TV shows and documentaries, including Ghost Adventures and Haunted History
Ownership: Privately owned (not open to the public); formerly owned by actor Nicolas Cage
Fun fact: Despite its haunted reputation, the mansion remains a private residence; visitors can view it only from the outside.

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

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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

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 Haunted Pub Crawl 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 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 tours will take me to the LaLaurie Mansion?

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

How old is the LaLaurie Mansion?

The LaLaurie Mansion was built in 1832, making it nearly 200 years old.

Does anyone currently live there?

The mansion is privately owned and not open to the public.

Which movies and TV shows feature the mansion?

Yes, “American Horror Story: Coven” (2013) featured Kathy Bates as Madame Delphine LaLaurie, reigniting global fascination with the mansion’s legend.