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H H S Department of Health and Human Services
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National Hansen's Disease Museum

Visit the Museum

The National Hansen's Disease Museum is located in Building 12 of the Carville Historic District, 5445 Point Clair Road, Carville 70721. In 1992, the National Park Service placed the Carville Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places.  We are located behind the old Indian Camp Plantation Home, which now houses the administrative offices for the National Guard Youth Challenge and Job Challenge Programs.

The Museum is open to the public, free of charge, Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10 am to 4 pm. Closed Federal holidays.

It is advisable to call to verify museum accessibility, 225-642-1950, because of changing levels of national security observed by the Louisiana Army National Guard gatehouse. To print a more detailed map, right click and select Print Picture

Directions

National Hansen's Disease Museum directions map.

From Baton Rouge: Interstate 10 East to exit 173 -- PRAIRIEVILLE / GEISMAR

Exit to right onto Hwy 73. Continue for approx. 5 miles to River Road (Hwy 75). Turn right on River Road, continue for 7 miles. [See Note]*

From New Orleans: Interstate 10 West to exit 177 -- ST. GABRIEL / GONZALES

From exit take left onto Hwy. 30. Continue for 4 miles. Left on Hwy 73 to River Road (Hwy. 75). Turn right on River Road, continue for 7 miles. [See Note]*

* NOTE: After 5 miles, Hwy 75 turns away from the River. Stay on River Road, which becomes Hwy 141 and continues for 2 miles. There will be a historical marker and Indian Camp Plantation on the right. Turn into the entrance and stop at the gatehouse. Check in with the guard who will direct you to the museum.

Tours

Walking Tours of the Carville Historic District are conducted on the last Saturday of each month, 2 to 4 pm. Participants are invited to experience the National Leprosarium one building at a time.

Before the walk, visitors will see "Exiles in Our Own Country," a one-hour film that outlines the history of leprosy in the U.S. and culminates with the establishment of the National Leprosarium.

  • Visitors will follow the curator through the covered walkways built for patients.
  • Wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
  • Approximately 1 ½-mile walk, visitors must be able to climb stairs.
  • No photography allowed.
  • Group limited to 12 participants, pre-registration is required by e-mail or phone 225-642-1950.
  • If you can't visit the Museum in person, we also offer a Virtual Tour.

What Museum Visitors Say

  • I thoroughly enjoyed touring the museum and learning about the history of Hansen's disease. The curator was very knowledgeable and interesting.
    Barbara Broussard, Louisiana
  • Very informative. Well planned and laid out. This is a forgotten world that we should all take time to see. Much love was here and I feel many miracles.
    Anonymous
  • This is the “best” museum with a “single focus” we have been in. Very well done and we were greeted by a friendly and quite knowledgeable curator.
     Dale & Lenora Helbig, Idaho
  • As usual, the museum was a wonderful experience. It continues to grow. The research [I did here] was extremely helpful.
    Claire Manes, Louisiana