Musée Conti- Return to Basin Street

Thanks to Houses of Wax reader Purple Peanut for these recent pictures from Musée Conti's Basin Street tableau. As you can see, the scene looks similar to the way it did in the vintage image. The only difference is that in the background we can see the Razzy Dazzy Spasm Band. These figures used to belong to the Jelly Roll Morton scene, but are now here in the Storyville set.

The prostitute is pick pocketing the sailor, which was not clearly seen in my first Basin Street post.

A closer view of the prostitutes fighting.

And a close up of the action.

The taller dark hair woman seems to be losing the fight.

The red head appears more angry. Notice the tape keeping her hand connected to her arm.

Visit the Musée Conti website here.

Tags: Musée Conti Wax Museum Wax Figure Wax Basin Street

Musée Conti- Lower Basin Street

New Orleans 1910, the main street of the red light district. Lower Basin Street is lined with taverns, saloons and prostitutes. This typical scene shows the licentiousness of Basin Street, with its brothels, and violence.

A man and a woman embracing near a window.

This close up shows two inhabitants settling a disagreement the way differences of opinions were usually settled in this neighborhood- with physical violence!

Note: these two figures bear a striking resemblance to two figures from the Paris Spectacular Wax Museum. Perhaps they came from the same mold, or are the same figures.

Visit the Musée Conti website here.

Tags: Musée Conti Wax Museum Wax Figure Wax Basin Street

Musée Conti- Rediscovery of the Mississippi River

In this scene from the Musée Conti in New Orleans Louisiana we see Pierre Le Moyned'Iberville (1661-1706) as he rediscovers the Mississippi River in 1699. He and his 19 year old Brother, Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne set forth to find the river in order to secure the Louisiana Valley for France. LaSalle had previously claimed the area, but was assassinated. A letter was given to an Indian Chief, along with a blue coat, and if they could find him, then the rights to the area would be proven. This scene recreates that meeting.

A close up of Pierre Le Moyne d'Iberville and his younger brother Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne. Iberville is holding the letter.

The Indian Chief with the blue coat.

Sitting by the tree is Friar Anastase Douay, who was present during Lasalle's Assassination.

Visit the Musée Conti website here.

Tags: Musée Conti Wax Museum Wax Figure Wax Pierre Le Moyne