You've absorbed the delicate beauty of the Vieux Carré's
architecture; you've stuffed yourself to the point of stupor
on fine Creole delicacies, you've meandered about the old
streets, listening to the mingled sounds of street musicians,
farmer's market vendors, and fortune-tellers. Is there anything
you haven't done yet in the Quarter? That depends on your
penchant for precious objets d'art.
The French Quarter, and Royal
Street in particular, is home to some of the world's finest
purveyors of fine art and antiquities. Other shops sell
magnificent reproductions, and some specialize in particular
treasures, such as rare recordings or antique books.
Was there a statue in a secluded
courtyard that you particularly admired? Chances are good
you can find it, or something equally engaging, at The Gothic
Shop (http://www.gothicshop.com) at 830 Royal Street, an
beguiling collection of gargoyles, cherubs, classical figures,
and architectural embellishments cast in plaster.
Are antiques your passion?
Royal Street is awash in fabulous finds; try the French
Antique Shop (http://www.frantique.com) at 225 Royal; Dixon
and Dixon of Royal at 237, Royal Antiques Ltd. (http://www.royalantiques.com)
at 307; Keil's Antiques (http://www.keilsantiques.com/)
at 325; or Manheim Galleries at 409 for antiques ranging from lighting
fixtures to marble mantles to country French furniture;
all within the span of just over two blocks!
Gerald D. Katz Antiques (http://www.bijous.com)
at 505 Royal is the place to go for antique and estate jewelry;
while James H. Cohen & Sons at 437 Royal, has amassed a
fabulous array of antique weapons, rare coins, and Southern
artifacts, including genuine Mardi Gras krewe pins (you'll
never see these thrown from a float). Boyer Antiques and
Doll Shop, close by at 241 Chartres Street, will appeal
to the child within us with its beautiful collection of
antique dolls and toys, while Mirror Mirror (http://www.mirrorx2.com),
a block away at 301 Chartres, specializes in antique mirrors
and "mirrored alternatives."
Bibliophiles can enjoy any
of several rare and used book shops in the Quarter, but
the true enthusiast will want to visit Beckham's Book Shop
at 228 Decatur Street (also Librarie at 823 Chartres), where
over 50,000 volumes and 10,000 recordings - many rare and
out of print -- are housed.
Art collectors will thrill
to the offerings at Kurt E. Schon, Ltd. at 523 Royal Street,
which houses an exemplary collection of 18th- and 19th-century
European paintings, or Vincent Mann Gallery at 713 Bienville
Street, which features works by lesser-known 19th- and 20th-century
Impressionists and Postimpressionists. Contemporary works
are available at Hanson Gallery-NO, Inc. at 229 Royal Street
or at Galerie Royale Ltd. (http://www.groyale.com), at 728
St. Louis, which also represents a number of emerging artists.
For prints, including many
signed or limited edition Jazz Fest or Mardi Gras posters,
visit Bergen Galleries (http://www.bergengalleries.com)
at 730 Royal Street. Photography lovers will appreciate
A Gallery for Fine Photography (http://www.agallery.com)
at 322 Royal, which houses many significant 19th and 20th
century photographs and books.
Do you yearn to adopt a RedCat
or a Blue Dog? Visit the Richard
Russell Gallery or Rodrique Studio (http://www.bluedogart.com)
at 721 Royal Street. One block down at 631 Royal is the
Martin LaBorde Gallery (http://www.mlaborde.com), home of
Bodo, a little magician who floats through ethereal landscapes
as the icon of another up-and-coming artist. Equally well
known on a regional level is James Michalopoulos (http://www.michalopoulos.com/),
whose gallery at 617 Bienville Street showcases his richly
textured and oddly tilted streetscapes and houses.
Much of the merchandise sold
in these shops and galleries is museum-quality, so don't
be surprised at the prices, but nearly all also offer a
smattering of more "affordable" items. Even if you're not
in the mood to purchase, or your pocketbook won't allow
you to do so, take an afternoon to wander around and drink
in the atmosphere of antiquity that exists in these grand
emporiums.
