Louis Armstrong personally recorded over 700 hours of his own life and conversations on reel-to-reel tapes in this home.
The house features a custom-designed, gold-tiled kitchen that was considered incredibly modern for the early 1960s.
Lucille Armstrong refused to move to a larger, more upscale home in the suburbs, insisting on staying in this working-class neighborhood.
The museum archives contain more than 60,000 photographs and thousands of personal letters.
Louis and Lucille hosted numerous neighborhood children in their home and frequently gave out ice cream and gifts.
The home contains Armstrong's original trumpet collection, including several instruments he played during his later career.
The house interior features custom wallpaper and decor chosen by Lucille to reflect a high-end, mid-century aesthetic.
The Louis Armstrong House Museum preserves the Corona, Queens residence where jazz legend Louis Armstrong lived from 1943 until his death in 1971. The site includes the original mid-century modern home, which has remained largely unchanged since Armstrong's wife, Lucille, deeded it to the city. Visitors explore the house via guided tours that highlight original furnishings, personal archives, and Armstrong’s private tape collection. The adjacent Education Center serves as a contemporary exhibition space, housing an extensive collection of photographs, recordings, and instruments. This National Historic Landmark offers a rare, intimate look at the private life of one of the 20th century's most influential musicians.
The iconic gold-tiled kitchen provides the most recognizable and visually striking interior photograph.
Book your guided house tour well in advance, as group sizes are strictly limited to preserve the home's interior.
The museum grounds include a small, peaceful garden which is perfect for resting after the indoor tour.
Check the official website for rotating special exhibitions in the Education Center before arriving.
Do not attempt to walk in without a reservation; tours sell out consistently and walk-ins are rarely accommodated.
The museum is typically closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Visitors must wear provided shoe covers while inside the historic home to protect the original flooring.
