The French Quarter has been in the business of trade and commerce since 1718 when Jean-Baptiste Le Moyne de Bienville and French Mississippi Company landed on the riverbend. The French Quarter Business Association is proud to be apart of that commercial history and dedicated to its continuation. In honor of the Tricentennial, the French Quarter Business Association will showcase some of the businesses who are apart of that history throughout the year.

M.S. Rau Antiques

What year was your comp any established?

1912.

How long have you been located in the French Quarter?

Since 1912.

Why have you chosen to remain in the French Quarter?

It’s rich history and cultural diversity continue to make the French Quarter the epicenter of our city. This attraction brings clients to us from every corner of the globe, which has proved to be valuable asset in our industry. Simply put: there’s no other place like it in the world, and no other place we’d want to be.

What does it mean to be a French Quarter business?

For us, being a French Quarter business allows us to be uniquely local, yet global. We pride ourselves on building life-long relationships with our clients, and when people visit our gallery, surrounded by one of the greatest selections of rare fine art, antiques and jewels in the country, we treat them like family. It means being part of the history of one of the world’s most incredible cities and being able to share that singular “New Orleans hospitality” with them all.

Describe in what ways the French Quarter has affected your business over the years.

As stated previously, the French Quarter’s popularity amongst travelers has brought a diverse range of clients from all walks of life into our gallery. In many ways it has shaped the way we view the objects we offer. Being in such a historical neighborhood tends to put history into a new prospective. Our upcoming exhibition, Vice & Virtue: An Exhibition of Sex, Saints and Sin, explores the dichotomy between the pious and the scandalous in the context of the city’s own colorful history of observance and indulgence.

Do you have an interesting or funny story about being located the French Quarter?

Well, there’s certainly no shortage of interesting things to see!

Bill Rau

To learn more about M.S. Rau Antiques visit www.rauantiques.com.