New Orleans: Millionaire’s Tombs of Metairie Cemetery Tour

New Orleans’ Metairie Cemetery is home to an array of captivating tombs and mausoleums, each with its own fascinating story. The "New Orleans: Millionaire’s Tombs of Metairie Cemetery Tour" offers visitors a chance to uncover the rich history and symbolic architecture that lies within these lavish resting places. Led by local author and historian Sally Asher, this wheelchair-accessible tour promises an immersive glimpse into the lives of New Orleans’ notable figures, from authors to mob bosses. For just $35 per person, attendees can expect to be enchanted by the cemetery’s unique charm and the guide’s captivating storytelling.

Key Points

• Guided tour of Metairie Cemetery’s Millionaire’s Row, featuring extravagant tombs and mausoleums that showcase the wealth and status of New Orleans’ elite.
• Exploration of a guarded pyramid and its symbolic meaning, providing insights into the unique architectural styles and symbolism found within the cemetery.
• Storytelling by a local author and historian about notable inhabitants, including mob bosses and city mayors, who are laid to rest in the cemetery.
• Visits to the tombs of renowned figures like author Anne Rice and businessman Al Copeland, offering a glimpse into the resting places of prominent individuals.
• Immersive 2-hour experience that highlights the historic significance of Metairie Cemetery, a National Register of Historic Places site featuring nearly 1,000 trees.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The New Orleans: Millionaire’s Tombs of Metairie Cemetery Tour provides visitors with a unique opportunity to explore the extravagant final resting places of the city’s wealthiest inhabitants.

Visitors can explore the extravagant final resting places of New Orleans’ wealthiest inhabitants on the Millionaire’s Tombs of Metairie Cemetery Tour.

Priced at $35 per person, the 2-hour English-language tour is wheelchair accessible and offers a free cancellation policy.

Led by a local author and historian, the tour takes guests on a 2-mile stroll through the historic cemetery, established in 1872 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Participants can expect to hear captivating stories about notable residents, including mob bosses and city mayors, and discover the diverse architectural styles of the impressive tombs.

Highlights of the Tour

Guided by a local author and historian, the tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through Metairie Cemetery’s Millionaire’s Row to witness the extravagant tombs of New Orleans’ wealthiest residents.

Highlights include:

1. Discovering the guarded pyramid and exploring its symbolic meaning.

2. Hearing stories about notable inhabitants, from mob bosses to city mayors.

3. Visiting the tombs of renowned figures like author Anne Rice and Popeyes’ founder Al Copeland.

4. Marveling at the diverse architectural styles, including a tomb with jewel stained-glass windows and an Islamic-inspired tomb.

Exploring Metairie Cemetery

Metairie Cemetery, established in 1872, encompasses nearly 1,000 trees and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Guests embark on a 2-mile stroll through this historic site, guided by a local author and historian. The tour explores Millionaire’s Row, showcasing extravagant tombs and mausoleums.

Participants discover a guarded pyramid and learn about its symbolism, as well as stories of notable inhabitants, including mob bosses and city mayors.

The diverse architectural styles are on display, from a tomb with jewel stained-glass windows to an Islamic-inspired mausoleum.

The tour provides an immersive experience within this unique New Orleans landmark.

Architectural Styles and Symbolism

As visitors explore Metairie Cemetery, they’ll be struck by the diverse architectural styles on display. The cemetery showcases a range of influences, from the imposing Greek Revival to the ornate Gothic.

Notable examples include:

1. A tomb with jewel-toned stained-glass windows, casting an ethereal glow.

2. An Islamic-inspired tomb, its intricate arches and domes reflecting a different cultural heritage.

3. The guarded pyramid, its symbolic shape evoking ancient Egyptian mystique.

4. Elaborate tombs adorned with intricate carvings, memorializing the wealth and status of the city’s elite.

This architectural diversity reflects the multicultural history of New Orleans.

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Notable Inhabitants of the Cemetery

The cemetery’s inhabitants include a fascinating mix of New Orleans’ most prominent figures, from mob bosses to city mayors.

Visitors can discover the tombs of notorious mob boss Carlos Marcello and former New Orleans mayor DeLesseps "Chep" Morrison.

The tour also showcases the final resting place of Anne Rice, the renowned Gothic fiction author, and Popeyes’ founder Al Copeland.

As guests stroll along Millionaire’s Row, they’ll be captivated by the diverse architectural styles, including a tomb with jewel-toned stained glass windows and an Islamic-inspired structure, reflecting the eclectic nature of those buried within Metairie Cemetery.

Guide’s Expertise and Storytelling

Sally Asher, a local author and historian, leads the Metairie Cemetery tour with extensive knowledge and captivating storytelling.

Her engaging narratives bring the cemetery’s history to life, transporting visitors back in time. Attendees praise Asher’s ability to weave together tales of the cemetery’s most notable inhabitants, including:

1. Mob bosses who left their mark on New Orleans

2. Influential city mayors and their extravagant tombs

3. The esteemed founder of Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

4. The iconic author Anne Rice and her family’s resting place

Asher’s expert guidance and storytelling create an immersive and unforgettable experience for all who join the Metairie Cemetery tour.

Tour Logistics and Recommendations

Though the Metairie Cemetery Tour operates rain or shine, tour participants are advised to dress comfortably and prepare for walking approximately 2 miles. The meeting point is the Law Enforcement Memorial near the funeral home, where ample parking is available. Recommended items for the tour include comfortable shoes, sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothing.

| Item | Recommendation |

| — | — |

| Footwear | Comfortable shoes |

| Sun Protection | Sunscreen |

| Hydration | Water |

| Attire | Comfortable clothing |

The tour is suitable for a variety of traveler types, including couples, friends, solo travelers, and families.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Based on the 17 reviews collected, the Metairie Cemetery Tour has an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Participants praised tour guide Sally Asher for her extensive knowledge and engaging storytelling. The tour was described as informative, fascinating, and well-paced.

Tour guide Sally Asher’s extensive knowledge and engaging storytelling made the Metairie Cemetery Tour informative, fascinating, and well-paced.

Excellent communication from the tour operator before the event was also noted by customers.

The tour highlights include:

1. Guided tour with a local author and historian

2. Visit to Millionaire’s Row to see extravagant tombs

3. Discovering the guarded pyramid and its symbolism

4. Exploring notable inhabitants’ tombs, including Anne Rice’s and Popeyes’ founder Al Copeland’s.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour. Participants are encouraged to capture the extravagant tombs and diverse architectural styles they encounter. However, visitors should be mindful of any restrictions or guidelines provided by the tour guide.

Can We Purchase Any Souvenirs at the Cemetery?

There are no mentions of souvenir purchases being available during the tour. The focus seems to be on the guided exploration of the cemetery’s architectural features and notable inhabitants, rather than on purchasing any souvenirs on-site.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing is recommended. Participants should wear sensible shoes as the tour involves walking through the cemetery for approximately 2 miles.

Are Any Food or Beverage Options Provided?

The tour doesn’t provide any food or beverage options. Participants are recommended to bring their own water to stay hydrated during the 2-hour walking tour, as no refreshments are included in the tour.

Can We Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?

The tour duration can’t be extended. It’s a fixed 2-hour tour, and the tour operator doesn’t offer any options to extend the duration. The schedule is set, and participants must adhere to the stated tour length.

The Sum Up

The "New Orleans: Millionaire’s Tombs of Metairie Cemetery Tour" offers a captivating glimpse into the city’s rich history. Visitors can explore the opulent architecture, learn about the fascinating lives of notable inhabitants, and enjoy the unique symbolism of the cemetery. With its wheelchair accessibility and reasonable price, this tour provides an engaging and informative experience for anyone interested in the vibrant culture of New Orleans.

You can check availability for your dates here: