This is a wonderful tribute to Louie armstrong, the house he lived in. This place has been restored to all it's firmer self. An exceptionally informative explanation of his life in the actual home he lived for many years. The fabulous kitchen colors, his recording studio and all of his awards are there for the looking. There are tours that help us understand the man and a great gift shop where you can get his tapes, CDs and loads more. Also available are picnic grounds on the premesis with the restaurant up the block providing done Latin fare. A very enjoyable sojourn.
We had a private tour, the house was about 6 blocks from our hotel and in a bit of a dodgy area, but in the daytime, very safe. The museum is great to learn about an American icon and the tour guide really cared and answered all our questions, we loved this and should not be missed to learn about the best trumpet player in American History!
mrs armstrong left the house to a foundation to preserve the home life of the most important individual in the history of the most important american art form. it has been kept as it was when pops lived there. if you know anything about his contribution to jazz, you will have a very happy experience. the foundation advises visitors to take the train past shea and walk through a neighborhood with no franchise stores. it was a great experience.
I met this woman at another museum out in the Bronx who strongly recommended that I visit the Louis Armstrong House Museum.I am so glad that I listened to her and when I went there to visit for the very first time which was on a Monday, I was very disappointed to learn that they are Closed on Mondays, however, I did Not give up!On the very next day, I returned back there and Yes, it was Opened!It is a very beautiful, well maintained home of where Louis Armstrong and his Lucille, his wife had lived up to his passing.In their home, you will see All Original Stuff such as their beds, furniture, pictures, kitcheware, etc.What is really unique about this house is that in each room, you will hear audio clips from Louis's home-recorded tapes. For example, in one room, you will hear a recording of Louis practicing the trumpet, another room you will hear him enjoying a meal and another room, you will even hear him talking with his friends and much, much more.I must also say that I was extremely impressed with how Lucille designed each room and made the house look so beautiful at all times and you will see that during your visit.I must also point out that besides the museum, you can even go to the Queens University and see some additional Archives of the Louis Armstrong Collection, even though most of it is in the House.Last, but Not least, coming very soon, the Louis Armstrong House Museum is planning on opening up the Louis Armstrong Visitors Center across the street from where they are. This very special place will include a state-of-the-art exhibit gallery, museum store, archival center and performance space.I am very Proud of this museum and if You like "Hello Dolly" and beautiful Trumpet Music, then this is the Place that You Must come out to visit!
As much as I'm a fan of Louis Armstrong, his house looks so far from Manhattan on a map that I wouldn't have gone if we hadn't been visiting a local who took us out there. It's NOT that far and the neighborhood is vibrant but not scary. Our guide was Robert and he was incredibly knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Nothing about it was cheesy, and the gift shop was small but terrific. They have events for Armstrong's two birthdays (there's a discrepancy) so if you're there on July 4 or August 4, even better. Tours are every hour on the hour, with the last one at 4pm.
I'm not sure the word "museum" is the right descriptor for the venue. The tour through Louis and Lucille's house was a window into their lifestyle. It was amazing to be standing in the den where Louis wrote this music or in the dining room at the table where he ate, it's all so personal and real.I'd encourage everyone to make the trip to Corona. You won't be disappointed.
The house/museum and shop are staffed by knowledgeable Queens College students. They are either jazz fans or students and are passionate about Louis Armstrong's life and legacy. The house is a time capsule of 70s style. Based on what you see in the neighborhood and the exterior of the home, you'd never guess how cool, and sometimes luxurious, some of the interior is. The garden is also nice. Bring a picnic lunch if you'd like. Or, do what we did - take a nice long walk to Nixtamal - our favorite tamale and taco place in Corona (as seen on DDD). At the house you'll learn about Louis' upbringing in New Orleans, how much he liked to record every day conversations, his music, and his wife. Our tour guide was really excellent. Young, enthusiastic, never boring.We took the subway from the Upper Westside to Corona and walked all over the place for a few hours after that.
Not just a collection of artifacts, this 'museum' was the actual home of Louis Armstrong and his wife for several years. The caretakers have preserved the home and furnishings and do an excellent job of letting the home tell the story. While tours go off on the hour, get there a bit early as they take small groups and will start a tour earlier if they have enough people. Very glad we made time for this one.
Here are 3 places (see also Merchant's House Museum and Mount Vernon Hotel and Gardens) that none of my New York friends have ever heard of, & all were really worth the trip. The Louie Armstrong House Museum in Corona, Queens, shed so much light on the real man and his music. This is where he and his wife lived, with their original furniture and decorating intact. The only downside was that it's slightly difficult to get to using the subway and walking, but even that was a fun adventure,
I'd always known that Louis Armstrong was from New Orleans, but never realized that he spent many of his famous years in Queens. The tour guide, whose name unfortunately escapes me now, gave a great tour with all sort of colorful facts about Satchmo. I was visiting friends in Brooklyn and rode solo out to Corona just to check this place out. I definitely recommend it!