In the peaceful residential neighborhood of Corona, Queens, lies a true treasure of American musical culture — Louis Armstrong House Museum. It is not just a museum but a living reminder of the life and work of one of the greatest jazz musicians of the 20th century — Louis Armstrong. Here, in the house where the maestro lived from 1943 to 1971, are preserved not only the interiors and belongings but also the spirit of an era that forever changed the face of music.
Louis Armstrong, born in New Orleans in 1901, made jazz a global phenomenon. His voice and trumpet are recognized worldwide, and songs like "What a Wonderful World" and "La Vie en Rose" have become eternal symbols of hope and beauty. Despite his worldwide fame, Armstrong chose a modest house in Queens — a district far from glamorous Manhattan but close to his heart.
Today, this house looks almost the same as during the musician’s lifetime. Everything — from carefully preserved furniture to bookshelves and old vinyl records — transports visitors back to the times when Louis and his wife Georgia shared everyday life and creative moments here. Particularly valuable is the fact that Georgia Armstrong, who was not only his wife but also his manager, ensured that the atmosphere of the house was preserved after his death. Thanks to her, today's visitors can see everything through the eyes of Armstrong himself.
Louis Armstrong House Museum features hundreds of original artifacts: his trumpet, collections of records, letters to friends and colleagues, personal diaries. But it is not a dry exposition, rather a true journey into the past. The living room, kitchen, and study all look as if the host is about to return from a tour. This place allows visitors not only to learn about Armstrong but also to feel his presence.
The architecture of the house is a typical mid-20th-century American home, which hides inside an unexpectedly elegant interior. There are mirror walls and bold design choices that reveal the unconventional taste of its owners. The atmosphere of tranquility and coziness creates a sense of family warmth, which one would not expect from the home of a world celebrity.
Louis Armstrong House Museum is not only a house-museum but also a cultural center that actively lives its vibrant life. Here regularly take place:
temporary thematic exhibitions dedicated to different periods of Armstrong’s life;
concerts and musical evenings honoring his work;
educational programs for children and youth, where young listeners learn about jazz and its roots;
special events on Louis’s birthday that gather fans from all over the city.
The museum actively collaborates with communities, engaging not only musicians and researchers but also students, teachers, tourists, and local residents. Here, jazz is not only part of history but also a living language that resonates in every corner of the house.
Why should you visit?
Louis Armstrong House Museum is a place where music finds a home and history has a voice. Here, you don’t just learn facts about Louis Armstrong’s life but experience them together with him. It is an emotional, sincere, and inspiring place where every sound, every object, and every photograph tells the story of a big heart that spoke in the language of jazz.
If you are looking for something genuine, profound, and unconventional in New York — visit the home where Louis Armstrong lived. And perhaps, it is here, among old records and soft lamp light, that you will hear for the first time the true beauty of this world.
Current information:
Address: 34-56 107th St, Corona, NY 11368, United States
Phone: +1 (718)-478-8274
Hours:
Thu-Sat 11:00–16:00 (11:00 AM-04:00 PM)
