Mission & Vision

The French Opera House, once a cultural cornerstone in New Orleans, embodied music, culture, and community. Opened in 1859, it was a beacon of Creole and French heritage, hosting opera, ballet, and grand gatherings that united diverse communities and shaped Louisiana’s cultural identity. Tragically, this architectural marvel was lost to a fire in 1919 and never rebuilt—until now.

The nonprofit organization “French Opera House Association” is leading an ambitious project to digitally reconstruct this iconic landmark. Combining advanced technology and meticulous historical research, the initiative aims to breathe new life into this important landmark, as well as preserve and share the story of the French Opera House with global audiences through immersive virtual reality experiences. This effort bridges the past and present, creating a resource that celebrates New Orleans’ rich cultural legacy while inspiring future generations.

The project’s mission is not just about restoration but also innovation—reviving the grandeur of the French Opera House to serve as an educational, cultural, and artistic resource worldwide. From digitally reconstructing the building’s design and acoustics to hosting interactive exhibitions, the initiative aspires to share the timeless charm of this historic venue with the world.

Actions Led

Led by project director Yohan Giaume and a team of internationally recognized experts, including historians, architects, artists, exhibition curators, 3D graphic designers, and acousticians from Louisiana and France, the project involves collaboration with key partners like Studio N°130, AcousTB, and MocapLab.

The research project was conducted with the help of American and French institutions such as Tulane University’s Hogan Jazz Archive, the Louisiana State Museum, New Orleans Jazz Museum, The Historic New Orleans Collection, New Orleans Notarial Archives, Monroe Library at Loyola University and LSU’s Hill Memorial Library, as well as the New York Public Library and the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris. Over 12,000 archival documents have been found and analyzed to ensure historical accuracy in recreating the opera house and its cultural heritage.

The French Opera House Association launched the initiative with the goal of reconstructing the opera house in 3D and creating a virtual experience that allows global audiences to explore the building and its history. This initiative includes virtual tours, acoustic reconstructions, and opportunities for future modern performances. The digital reconstruction aims not only to preserve history but also to make it accessible to all, fostering deeper cultural connections.

Projects That U.S. Donors May Support

U.S. based donors can help to preserve a vital piece of history, enhance accessibility to the arts, and inspire learning by supporting:

• The digital restoration of the visual and auditory essence of New Orleans’ historic French Opera House (1859–1919) for immersive virtual reality experiences, educational enrichment, and research.
• A musical project inspired by the cultural legacy of the French Opera House.

This project is especially important for educators, students, museums, and scholars, as it provides a valuable educational tool that brings history and culture to life. By blending historical preservation with artistic innovation, the reconstructed opera house will serve as a dynamic resource for learning, ensuring that future generations can engage with and be inspired by this cultural treasure.