Louis Armstrong House Museum

https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-museums-in-new-york-city-7975916

20 Best Museums in New York City

"Preserves the home of Louis and Lucille Armstrong, featuring a collection of recordings, photographs, trumpets, and awards." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/louis-armstrong-house-museum-expansion-queens-new-york-7556432

Louis Armstrong House Museum Expansion Opens July 6

"The renowned Louis Armstrong House Museum is opening The Louis Armstrong Center, a new building across the street from the original home-turned-museum. The museum celebrates the legacy of Louis Armstrong, America's first Black music icon, and features a multimedia exhibition curated by Jason Moran. The museum also includes a 75-seat venue for performances, lectures, and educational experiences." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/black-musicians

@atlasobscura

35 Places to Celebrate Black Musicians and How They Changed the World

"Despite his international fame and acclaim, jazz legend Louis Armstrong retired to an unpretentious home in a quiet Queens neighborhood, which is now a museum dedicated to the musician. The Louis Armstrong House still stands in Corona, Queens, in much the same condition as when Armstrong and his wife Lucille lived there. No one has lived in the home since the Armstrongs and the interior of the house has been restored and maintained in period style. Many of the original furnishings remain and the artist’s music is piped throughout the home as visitors make their way along the tour. There are also recordings of Armstrong talking to friends and practicing trumpet so it’s almost as if the jazz great is still haunting his former abode, although the experience is more educational than supernatural. In addition to the preserved rooms, the house features an exhibition cataloguing Louis Armstrong’s life and achievements and an ever growing collection of objects related to the musician, donated by family and friends. Even Armstrong’s compendious record collection is preserved at the site. The Louis Armstrong House may have been a home to the jazz musician, but now it is a living, talking record." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

Tour Louis and Lucille Armstrong’s preserved home, then explore the new Center’s Here to Stay exhibition across the street. NPR and major outlets praise its world-class archive and intimate window into a jazz giant’s life.

Best Things to See in New York (2025)

Tour Satchmo’s preserved Queens home and the new Louis Armstrong Center across the street. Winner of the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, recognized for deep community impact.

Best Museums in New York (2025)

Tammy Holbrook

Google

This was an amazing glimpse of Louis Armstrong’s home. Everything is well preserved. The guided tour was very informative.

Google

The house looks unassuming on the outside but is beautifully decorated and well maintained. You have to join a guided tour to view it. The exhibition party is kinda small but informative. Admission price could be lower

Elizabeth Holt

Google

This is such a great museum to have in the middle of queens. They have very low cost trumpet lessons for local kids. They have lots of community concerts in the beautiful yard. Their new building across the street is excellent for learning about an incredible figure of international acclaim! The tour would only be good for kids 6+. Also, prepare yourself for crazy wallpaper! It is 50s decoration at its finest!

Seana Anderson

Google

Amazing museum, terrific concert hall, experienced tour guides, fabulous merch. House with recordings of Louis heard. Kitchen and garden area outstanding. Events in garden area handicapped accessible. Unfortunately, the house has steep stairs, few handrails and no where to sit. Cannot accommodate guests with mobility issues. However, there is a tour guide shop on ground floor with video of the house and garden by the ED. Thoroughly enjoyable

Shawn Shawn (Shawn)

Google

It was an extreme pleasure and opportunity to have a private tour of the Louis Armstrong House museum in Queens. The interior Vista Armstrong's home is literally a throwback in time to the last moment he and his wife occupied the space. To be able to walk through their living room the kitchen and their bedroom was literally one of the most amazing opportunities I've ever been afforded. I learned so much new information not only about Mr Armstrong but about the preservation of homes and it's future legacy.

Natina Harris

Google

I am happy I made it to @louisarmstronghouse to see this wonderful @nduduzomakhathini Trio for the first time! It was so amazing! I toured the lovely Armstrong home, and it was sentimental. The tour guide was a wonderful storyteller. After being up nearly 24 hrs between my third shift job and flying in, it was worth every kilometer traveled in zombie mode. LOL, I wish you and your band much continued success. 🌍🙏🏾❤️😁

Tracy Winder

Google

It was an awesome experience to spend time in the home of the late, great Louis Armstrong. We were staying in Manhattan and took an easy subway ride into the area of Queens to join the small tour of around 10 other people inside this (unremarkable from the outside) house, still packed with his belongings as he left it when he died. The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and fascinating to listen to, we were shown every room in the house and shown pictures of Louis in the rooms as they still are. The tour ended in the back garden of the house where we could stay as long as we wished. The exhibition across the road which we viewed beforehand was also excellent.

John Bruno

Google

Very special experience. The tour was an amazing glimpse of the home frozen in time. You felt like “Satch” had just stepped away for a moment. The guide was very informative.

Bill L.

Yelp

I've wanted to get here for years, so glad I did. The home that Louis and his wife lived in is exactly the way they left it. You could tell Mathew our docent loved what he does and to use the word ", knowledgeable" would be an understatement. Its located in a section of Queens known as Corona. The "back story" of his career, the interaction that he had with his neighbors and just his everyday life will make you love Louis Armstrong more.

Hunter S.

Yelp

I visited this place a year or two ago, before the new museum and archive center opened (it just opened July 6, 2023). It was, and still is, one of my favorite things in New York. Louis Armstrong was a talented, loving, gentle person. Viewing his home and hearing personal recordings, seeing his scrapbooks and learning about his love of collage making, you can't help but love the man. The new archives building across the street houses the bulk Louis's recordings, letters, materials. It's the largest of any single jazz musician. The new exhibit, which you can view before or after your tour of the home, took some of the original artifacts displayed in the gift shop and downstairs of the home and gussied them up a bit. You can see his scrapbooks, album covers, one of his horns, photos. The really cool thing they have added is the listening component. There is a large console in the middle of the room where you can listen and view all things Louis: his marriage, his love of collage, his fashion, his duet partners, his ambassador trips around the world, and more. All of the staff are so welcoming and informative. This was an amazing place before. It's even better now. 20 dollars for both the home tour and exhibit across the street. Close walk to the temple canteen and Corona plaza, so you can make a day of it. About 3-4/10 of a mile from the 7 train.

Julia S.

Yelp

GEM - simply put, this home is an absolute gem. Impeccably maintained time capsule of Louis and Lucille's life in Corona. I've lived in Queens for some time now and the tenant who lived in our apartment prior was actually a jazz singer and she talked about how many jazz legends have a history in Queens! I'm a fan of the Bowery Boys podcast and they recently featured an episode titled "#381 The Wonderful Home of Louis Armstrong." He had an amazing career, but this really focused on his later life in Corona Queens and how much he loved his home. This museum pays homage to how important Lucille was because she knew life on the road could be grueling and she emphasized how important home was. His community in Queens brought him peace and joy - this museum is an amazing ode to Louis and his influence on jazz, film, civil rights, and so much more. Our guide Chelsea was welcoming and knowledgeable - I can't wait to return once The Armstrong Center opens across the street this fall!

Amber J.

Yelp

I am a HUGE fan of Louis Armstrong and I'm so happy that I got to check this place out! This museum is in Corona, NY and definitely a place worth checking out if you love his music. The welcome center is a small former garage-turned information desk + gift shop, and if you can buy tickets for the tour there. The tickets were $12/person. The tour itself is about 45-50 minutes that starts with a short introduction video. When my husband and I went, we had a group of 8 people on the tour (including us). The guided tour in the house is super informative. You get to see pictures, listen to audio clips, and ask questions as you walk through the house. Also, the guides know a lot about Louis Armstrong's life so you'll get to hear some anecdotes that are not very well-known to the public. If you're in the area, it's definitely worth the visit!

Michael A.

Yelp

Oh What a Wonderful Tour!! This is a gem of a museum. I have been meaning to visit this historic house for awhile, and I am glad I got around to it today. I was blown away by the dedication and professionalism of the staff. My family and I took the three o'clock tour our guide Brian was extremely personable, and did a great job of telling the story of the Armstrong family while always connecting it back to the site. The tour used a good mix of photos and oral histories, the furniture is all original to the family. Surprisingly the house is modest given the celebrity and wealth of Louis Armstrong. The museum is administered by Queens College and the have secured funding to build a brand new education center across the street in the upcoming years. I can't wait to return for a second time, if you are looking to tour a hidden cultural treasure make visiting this site a must on your to do list. It is a short drive away from the Queens museum so if you plan it right it will be easy to do both in one day, I did it today at the last minute. Thank you for a wonderful experience.

Mickey C.

Yelp

What a wonderful world! I had no idea Louis Armstrong's House was in Queens, NYC. Your ticket includes watching a short film of Louis Armstrong on an old TV connected to a laptop that had it's glitches. Several of Louis' instruments were on display. This house was purchased by his wife. They had the state of art kitchen during their time. The bathroom fixtures were gorgeous. They had a lot of Asian art in the house. I liked Louis' studio or what I call his "man cave". You'll hear recordings of their own voices. They even had a stair lift installed. It was great to learn about Louis and his wife's lives. His music lives on. And he had a great smile in every picture.

Grace A.

Yelp

Went for the Fourth of July weekend and it was so very cool as they celebrate his birthday with an outdoor jazz fest. So much fun.. started with the tour (~45min) and ended in the beautiful back yard with cake and music. Had the best fourth of July yet!

Jessica D.

Yelp

What a wonderful place! I've been here twice with two groups of cranky students and they were just enthralled - and I really can't figure out why. Everyone likes Louis Armstrong, but I can't say I was actually a fan before I came here, and sad to say, many of my 11th graders had never even heard of him. But after we left, we felt like we had met the man himself, and were the better for it! Maybe the positive energy of Louis and his dynamic wife, Lucille, lives on. Or maybe it's the excellent tour guides who seem so familiar with Louis, and never fail to treat even the most recalcitrant teenager with respect. This is a magical place, and I urge everyone to grab some good tacos nearby and head over to 34-56 107th St in Corona to meet Satchmo!

Martina W.

Yelp

My son who is a huge Louis Armstrong fan and I came here. Being that we are from Chicago, we have our own ties to Satchmo..so we had to see this place. Thanks to Yelp, I discovered this wonderful place as a last minute surprise. Everyone that we met that works there was soooo nice. They have literally kept his house in pristine condition and I know that he and his wife would be so pleased. I learned so much more about the man and sometimes that gives you a clearer picture of who the person is. From the Tony Bennett picture in his den, to his voice in his own house, the shining part of the entire for me was the tour guide and her warm ness. Actually, everyone that we met that works there was sooo warm. The tour guide made us feel like we were family just coming over Uncle Louis house and I'm sure that's the way people felt when he actually lived there. You can only take pictures in the garage part, not in the house...and I was fine with that. Currently, they are building a bigger building across the street. It will House sooo much more treasures and you can believe me and my little Satchmo fan will def come back.

Lisa K.

Yelp

This place is an absolute gem! I came here with my mom and we are so pleased we finally made the time to visit. Since my parents still live in the neighborhood we were offered a neighborhood discount of $2/pp (with ID). The tour is absolutely fascinating (this is especially true for Louis Armstrong fans). You get to hear live recordings Louis and Lucille made in each room of the house. The garden is so lovely. Make sure to spend some time exploring the garden area before or after the tour. They have summer concerts in the garden so make sure to look for the schedule of events.

Dacora W.

Yelp

Whoa! Was my reaction the whole time touring this museum. The day we went was a very rainy day but it added to the ambience of the museum. Moreover, we attended the last show of the day and it wasn't too crowded. I absolutely enjoy jazz music and Louis Armstrong has been my go to musician. I tour guide was very knowledgeable and very enthusiastic about what she was getting across. You could tell she also had a deep love for Louis Armstrong as well. Hate to admit but I was on the verge of tears touring his home. It's just so surreal how everything was as he left it. It was so intoxicatingly wonderful. Armstrong legacy lives on!

Stephen K.

Yelp

This is a wonderful experience for music lovers of any kind. I can't say I was a particular fan of Louis-mostly from just lack of attention on my part. But the tour, our guide, and the perfectly preserved home really made this one of my favorite parts of my NY trip. The guides in particular are such fans and students of Louis that their enthusiasm is contagious. Stories were funny, interesting and touching. For an audiophile like me, seeing his office and his "hi-fi" equipment and reel to reel tape decks was a high point. Oh and I want his wife's kitchen-supercool! Another perfect moment: seeing my girlfriend camp out on Louis' couch much to the chagrin of our guide who had told us to "make ourselves at home" while he went to retrieve a last minute couple who were joining the tour. The look on his face when he came back in and saw her sitting there was pretty amusing, especially with her feet up on the coffee table and all (jk). Apparently the movie one watches before the tour (which we had to watch after the tour the way it worked out) specifically warned you not to touch any of the furniture. Oh well. This is definitely worth a visit if you have any interest. Easy access from bus or subway and the walk to the house adds to your understanding of Louis' environment.

Nadia Z.

Yelp

"Pardon the smile on my face my friend, Dreamin' of reachin' my journeys end. I'm headin' straight for my hearts desire, Gee, it's good to know I'm near the home fire. All of the folks that I love are there, I got a date with my favorite chair, With every step every hope grows higher, Didn't know how much I missed the home fire..." -Louis Armstrong, The Home Fire. The king of Jazz... The beginning of it all... What a great find! In a heart of Queens, there is a house in which Louis Armstrong lived, created and played... Lots of history in this house. The recording studio... Hand-made tape covers... Recording notes... Everybody standing here quietly while listening to recordings of his real conversations in every room. It was interesting to find out that he was inspired in his childhood by Russian lullabies... Imagine that! The garden is beautiful - there are concerts held here in summertime. I will have to come back for that.

Rusty R.

Yelp

After having this on my "to-do" list for years, I finally made it a point to get to the Louis Armstrong House Museum. Sure am glad I did. It's a ways out in Corona, Queens, but the walk from the station to the house is about a brisk 8 minute walk. Felt quite safe. The tour runs every hour on the hour and costs $10. You start with a 5 minute video and then enter the house with your guide. Our guide (I think his name was David?) was excellent. He was full of information and clearly loved Louis Armstrong and his place in history. He was full of facts and tidbits that I don't think you could hear anywhere else. The house is well preserved with all of the furniture that did belong to Louis & his wife. She lived in that house until her death and then it was preserved. She certainly did have interesting decorating taste! There are also audio recordings for you to listen to of Louis' day-to-day conversations. Even for someone who isn't extremely familiar with Louis Armstrong, this is worth a visit. You learn about a pivotal figure in music and American history, you see an architectural and design time capsule, and you will have a fun time!

Cathy G.

Yelp

Why did I wait so long to visit this museum? Don't you wait! And a big thank you to excellent docents.

Dewan A.

Yelp

Great museum. 1) The tour is great. Gives you an insight of his life and works. 2) Highlight of the Museum is his home. Which is very nice. 3) Plus the small exhibit is great. 4) Only downside is, they do not let you take picture of the home.

Jen S.

Yelp

This is a very personal museum. There were just two of us in our party and the tour guide took us to the tour. We were able to converse freely with her, ask questions along the way. Also, along the tour, you will have a chance to sit with Louis at dinner, as well as have him sing to you acapella in his den. The museum itself is but a small home in Queens but of all the museums I've seen in different parts of the world, this is beyond compare in the insight it imparts of the person it pays tribute to. It is a truly wonderful concept. I highly recommend it to all with interest in jazz, music and even just history. It is also very reasonable, charging only $8 per person. It is very accessible from the subway (I think it was the 7). There is also a lovely garden on the property where museum guests are encouraged to enjoy. It is equipped with picnic tables and benches, scattered chairs and a small grassy area. While there are places around the museum wherein food may be purchased, if you are not familiar with Latin American foods, perhaps bringing your own would be better.

Meli N.

Yelp

Visited the house with my father. We had an excellent tour guide. The exterior of the house is unassuming. The interior is fascinating! No photos allowed. Please abide by the rules. The house is preserved as it was when he and his wife lived there. Everything is intact. If you take pictures, it will ruin the surprise element for anyone who ever plans to visit in the future. There is a gift/ souvenir shop where you'll find his books , family photos, memorabilia among other things. I felt Louis Armstrong's spirit there but in a good way. My father and I teared up in a few of the rooms as the tour guide reflected on his beautiful life in Queens. Recommend as one of the top activities not to be missed in NY.

Amber L.

Yelp

I've lived in NYC for 10+ years. Never knew this existed. Went on a tour today with a Meet Up group (Outdoor Afro). The absolute best experience ever. If you are a music head and/ or history buff, it's a spiritual experience. I teared up a couple of times on the tour. Highly recommend.

Min Min I.

Yelp

Woooooow. Going to Louis Armstrong's house was a real treat. What a great man. Every room was filled with stories and original memorabilia and furniture. Both my mom and I fell in love with this place, especially the kitchen. Thankfully they have made the rooms air conditioned so that it's fairly comfortable to visit. You can also access the original backyard with the Japanese gardens, bar patio and bathroom lit by a skylight. Amazing tour guy too. Get Michael S. if you can! No photos inside. Souvenirs also very reasonably priced. I picked up a rare 1930s CD.

Rob M.

Yelp

Louis Daniel Armstrong (1901-1971) was one of the most famous jazz musicians of all time. Often called "Satchmo," he rose to prominence in the 1920s due mostly to his cornet and trumpet skills, his enthralling gravelly voice, and his ability to improvise on stage. From 1943 until his death, he lived in Corona with his wife, Lucille, who donated the house to the city for use as a museum upon her death in 1983. The inside is basically untouched, as nobody else has lived in this national landmark. Guided tours are enhanced by audio clips of Satchmo making music, socializing, and even eating. In the back is a Japanese-inspired garden. As of 2016, the museum was undergoing a campaign to build a large education center with parking in a lot across the street.

Nick H.

Yelp

You will love this house/museum if you are any kind of music fan. Absolutely recommended. I've been wanting to take a tour of the house for a while now, ever since I completed a research paper on Armstrong and his music a few months ago. My girlfriend and I finally made it there this afternoon and we had a great experience. We drove right past the house at first, as there is no real sign outside that indicates where the house is. We found a parking spot right away and walked a block or two towards the vicinity of the house. As we got closer, we saw a small metal sign on the sidewalk with a picture of Pops, very easy to miss if you are driving in your car. They give tours every hour on the hour. Luckily, we arrived almost exactly at 2PM, just as they were beginning a tour. The tour lasted about 45 minutes and our guide was great. He took our group through the entire house, sharing personal information and stories about Armstrong and his wife, Lucille. The house is small, but you can tell that the Armstrong's took pride in their abode and their neighborhood. Every room in the house is beautifully decorated, with each finding a perfect balance between extravagance and modesty. Most, if not all, of the furnishings in the house are all original and untouched. The empty lot across the street from the house may look blighted, but sometime soon, hopefully later this year, construction will begin on a new visitors center which promises to make this landmark even greater than it already is.

New Y.

Yelp

I grew up listening to this man's music on Ed Sullivan during the 1960s. It was amazing to see the house that he lived in--a great international star, but a down to earth guy to the end. It was with great pleasure that I visited the home where he and the Mrs. lived for many decades. It is a beautiful place, precisely organized, neat and welcoming. I felt like I was visiting not only a musical legend, but a time and place when Queens was a kinder place.

Robert G.

Yelp

I've been to the Armstrong house four times now. The first time was for the tour of the residence only and the subsequent three times for an afternoon outdoor concert. If you are a fan of jazz, or even local history, I recommend you give this place a visit. The staff is very knowledgeable and will give you a very detailed tour. Several times every summer they have an afternoon concert in the yard where they have very talented artists come play. Be warned: this museum is located on a residential street and parking can be challenging. If you can, you might be better off taking mass transit.

Kat S.

Yelp

Ah this was so awesome!! For $10 you can receive a personal tour and education about Louie and Lucille Armstrong and their lovely home in Corona, kept intact since both of their passings. Our tour guide, Elaine, was just lovely. She was very sincere in her enjoyment of Louie and Lucille, jazz music and history. You are entitled with your ticket to watch a short film, see artifacts, tour the entire house and then visit the adjoining garden. I would recommend this to anyone who is a fan of the Armstrongs, of music, of local history and culture or anyone with a curiosity for preserved lots. Every item is left just as it was since 1983.

Mark F.

Yelp

Amazing! We travelled all the way from Virginia since my father 90 knew L.A. Terrific house, tour and archive material. Interesting neighborhood. Stayed at the Corona Hotel if it helps. Get a rear room.

Gina S.

Yelp

I had such a wonderful time here. It effected me more than I expected. The fact that this is the actual home with his actual possessions is impressive. You really get the feel for him and his beloved wife, Lucille. The people that work there were so enthusiastic and friendly. You can tell the love him and their job. It also has a lovely garden that they have jazz shows every now and then. If you are a jazz fan or even architectural fan I recommend it. The cool kitchen alone is worth the trip.

S R.

Yelp

I was in awe when I visited in August of 2014. Long live the great Satchmo!! Damn near came to tears when the tour guide showed us Louis's bedroom where he passed away in his sleep. She also mentioned that Louis would play his horn on the balcony outside his office to let the neighborhood know he was home from off the road!!The kitchen was definitely a lovely, well maintained throwback. He and Lucille chose a beautiful home!!!!

Bob Q.

Yelp

There can be no dispute that Louis Armstrong was royalty who chose to live among the common folk. This King of Jazz had the means to live anywhere in the world. His wife bought this house eight months before he ever stepped foot into it. Once he did, he felt at home and made a life there. He was a good neighbor and enjoyed the life going on around him. This place inspired him to write "It's a Wonderful World". I just returned from a tour of his home and am still smiling from the experience. I highly recommend this Museum to anyone who enjoyed his music and his life.

PEACEPIPE P.

Yelp

I'd give this 6 stars if I could -- granted, I'm a Satchmo fan since childhood when I used to take out Armstrong LPs from the library in the early 70s. Being a jazz musician myself, to me, the museum is a loving tribute and almost a shrine to one of the most important and significant figures in American music and really, in the world. His impact has been felt from his hometown in New Orleans to Africa to all continents and nations. To be in his humble neighborhood and private home setting where this man and his lovely wife Lucille spent 30 years, as their private chill-out pad and re-charging station, is a priceless experience. if you're not a Louis Armstrong fan yet, you just might become one after a visit to this fine museum.

Michele G.

Yelp

Perhaps it is my bias as a huge Louis Armstrong fan, but I thought the museum has done an excellent job at preserving the home and character of Louis and his wife, Lucille. The tour guide, Paul, was eloquent and decent and happily answer all of the many questions my friend and I had. Even more special, Ms. Selma Heraldo, a life-long best friend of Lucille came outside at the end of our tour. We were previously told that she often traveled with the Armstrongs and still lived next door. Ms. Heraldo was kind, witty and she even allowed my friend and I to take pictures with her. It's a wonderful experience from a wonderful man. Definitely check it out.

Gina C.

Yelp

Tucked away in a random block in Queens, you'll find the home of Louis Armstrong! His house is perfectly preserved...it's like walking into the past and as if you'll see him around the corner at any minute!! It's open to the public...and there are little vignettes that play in certain rooms playing music and snips of conversation between him and his wife as if he was still there. There's also a little gift shop and a garden...this is a perfect little escape...for the jazz enthusiast or the architecture student. A must go...

Laura B.

Yelp

We took a tour during Open House New York and had a wonderful tour guide (Michael). The house/museum is beautiful, full of history and well-preserved. I highly recommend!

Mark H.

Yelp

This is a great little gem of a museum that offers deep insights into the life of Louis Armstrong, into life during the middle of the last century, and into the music of that time. Satchmo was a quirky guy with a larger-than-life personality, and of course immense talent as a musician. His house in this quiet Queens neighborhood has become something of a shrine, with tour guides speaking reverently about the man who grew from humble beginnings to become a cultural icon and international superstar. You really get to understand what he might have been like as a person as you walk through his uniquely decorated abode. It's worth the visit just to check out that awesome, ultra-modern kitchen! And of course, the bathrooms... you'll see what I mean...

Carl B.

Yelp

Fascinating history, beautiful house, so well preserved. Arrive on the hour for the film and tour (though they did let a few people join ours late, too), and check out the garden in the back afterwards.

Barrie P.

Yelp

Very cool museum in Corona. You can see how Armstrong lived in New York. It is hot in the summer and the stairs are narrow but you learn a lot. You can only go through the house on a tour and they run every 30 minutes. We were on a time crunch so I did not get to see the gardens but I was told they were nice. The staff is friendly and let us pay after the tour so we could catch up with one that had just started. I would check it out if you are in the COrona area.

Michael W.

Yelp

Delightful and fascinating tour. Wonderful to see a piece of the very real life lived by one of the true legends of 20th Century entertainment. Wonderful, knowledgeable and informative tour guide. Not to be missed! I'm going back and taking friends!!

Ashley B.

Yelp

It was a pain in the ass to find this place but it really is a time capsule. Do you remember when foil wall paper was hip? Probably not. It is truly amazing and I really cannot capture it in words. The museum is a tour of his house and mainly talking about his marijuana use and political activism then his actual music. I'm thinking my 55 year old aunt would've rated this three stars and she's a huge fan of his music. I only love him in passing and I have a new found respect for him and his wife.

Marina M.

Yelp

One of my most favorite places in the world. I am a huge Louis Armstrong fan, and this museum is the absolute best considering it is Satchmo's actual home. Everything is exactly where he left it, which is probably what I love most about it. My tour guide gave me a great tour and was full of little extra facts about each room. Any music lover should absolutely stop by.

Cine G.

Yelp

Visiting Satchmo's house was like visiting Mecca for me. The walls just oozed history, a magical, wonderful place. When visiting New York City, go off the beaten path and take the subway to Corona, Queens, there's more to NYC than Times Square!

William S.

Yelp

The tour works on many levels: cultural, historical, and musical. Our tour guide, Roberto, had a great appreciation for Louis and Lucille and did a terrific job of keeping things fun and interesting. The tour is $10 and you can only see the house by tour. Tours start at the top of each hour. If you arrive early you can check out an exhibit room in the basement with letters, a robe, a trumpet, awards, photos, and the recipe for Pops Favorite Dish. By the end of the tour you will have learned a lot and will have a greater appreciation for this American legend.

Daya A.

Yelp

This is an honorable mention in Corona and should be visited for those who need to obtain an insight on Louis Armstrong's life. The house is preserved beautifully and it's worth checking out because the tour is outstanding. The cost of the tour is $10 and it runs every hour. The tour itself is very detailed so it will give you an idea of the pinpoints in Louis Armstrong's life. All the pictures, documents, recordings, viewings within the premises just shows how vibrant Louis Armstrong was. Having this house preserved for the public is a jewel for the community. Don't forget to check out the flower garden in the back, it's open to the public even without taking the tour.

Renuka V.

Yelp

A must visit. Plus recommended that you take the 7 and walk from the CoronaPlaza stop as you can go through the neighbourhood streets and soak in the atmosphere (and gorgeous houses along the 10 mins' walk) . Why tis important is coz as per our tour guide, LouisArmstrong was making so much $$ at that time that he could've owned homes in London, BeverlyHills & ParkAve COMBINED but chose to live right here in Corona,Queens until his death because he loved the neighbourhood and was close to everyone in it. Also he was an avid audio recordist so you can actually hear stuff from the "horse's mouth" instead of the usual tours! Went there on the last Saturday of May at around 2:45pm on a glorious day and took the 3pm tour and left at 4pm. Also, on the walk from the subway station, you will pass the church round the corner from the house which is where his funeral was held.

John B.

Yelp

Though not a Historic House Trust site, the Armstrong Museum is probably the best historic house museum in the northeast. I don't own anything of Louis's besides Hot Fives and Sevens (and that's mostly for the occasional jape). The house is in terrific condition. Louis's life is celebrated, though not sanitized. And there's a good collection of historic documents and sound files. These latter are the result of Louis's obsession with tape recording his daily life. Luckily, the tapes are less creepy than Dick Nixon's.

J Scott C.

Yelp

This was a wonderful tour. Felt like he was just here yesterday. And the audio tracks really added to the experience. If you are a fan of his music (or even if you are not) it is definitely worth a visit!

Dana R.

Yelp

Its crazy how this amount of historic value can be tucked away in such a rough neighborhood. The walk from the train can be pretty rough if you are not used to the area so just be prepared to see some boarded up houses and lots of pawn shops & liqour stores. The house is preserved perfectly and being a landmark helps this greatly. What a hidden gem in Corona.

James C.

Yelp

Great entertaining experience. Tours are on the hour and don't be late or you will have to wait. The film is awesome and the tour guides are fantastic. they know their stuff and are very personable. Great for all ages and all types of interests especially musically inclined people.

Lew S.

Yelp

One of the best experiences at a historic site I've ever had. The way the tour of the house is put together makes it a very personal, special experience. Kind of off the beaten path in Corona, but well worth it. There's more here: http://lewserviss.com/road-trip/

Adam F.

Yelp

Passed about 30 pawn stores and barber/ shops as you travel from the 7 train, you'll see a couple condemned houses, and then there's Louie's house! Enter through the garage and share smiles with the gift store clerk/museum operator. Hang out in the basement where they keep a bunch of Louie's cool stuff--gold-plated trumpet given to him by the king of England, and a piece of his writing about how he loves the neighborhood. They play a documentary about Louie that's actually really interesting and entertaining--I think it's called "Pops". And then this really tall guy came in apologizing for daring to disturb the reverent Louie documentary and led us out to the outside of the house, making claims like "Louie Armstrong was easily the greatest entertainer in history, but he was also the best human being." Really, you think he clearly was better than, like, some medieval bards or Maori whatever kind of performers they had hundreds of years ago? And Louie basically cheated on his wife but was still the best that people get? But okay, I'm nit-picky about claims; I'm kind of a douchebag. Louie was a phenomenal entertainer and a great guy. And I really love this tour guide's beaming enthusiasm to talk about Louie. So long story short, Armstrong was a much more interesting guy than I had expected. I figured: jazz musician, probably slept with a lot of women and maybe had some kind of family life, struggled with drugs, blah, blah, blah. No, this guy was not the reckless, mindless creature that we've seen dozens of times in biopics. He had many talents, entertaining quirks, was a civil rights activist. I do have to agree with the tour guide when he says that Louie Armstrong should be a part of our national curriculum. You get to see a lot of the material history associated with all of that. I don't think you possibly could get a feel for this neighborhood without going there--and I don't think you can get a feel for Louie without knowing about the neighborhood he loved so much. That said, there are unfortunately not as many of the objects as one would like to see at a museum. But the place will be going through some major renovations in a couple years, so maybe with that will come some greater investment. In the warmer months they also host a lot of jazz performances in the back yard. How awesome is that?

Don L.

Yelp

What an absolute treat! There were a multitude of reasons why Louis Armstrong was (and is) so beloved an American icon, but this attraction, located in the middle of a semi-funky section of NYC makes you grin from ear to ear..... just like his music! The to the point ,personal,and extremely friendly and loving tour of his actual and amazingly preserved home gets to the heart of a humble and incredible man and talent, and you might wish they actually offered overnight stays (I sure did). The tour cost and souveniers are quite reasonable, and there's plenty of great food to find the in immediate surroundings. They sometimes have special events ,and will one day have a seperate archive and performance center accross the street. You'll know you've been on the "sunny side of the street" when you've left! Bravo!

https://www.travelandleisure.com/best-museums-in-new-york-city-7975916

20 Best Museums in New York City

"Preserves the home of Louis and Lucille Armstrong, featuring a collection of recordings, photographs, trumpets, and awards." - Travel + Leisure Editors

https://www.travelandleisure.com/louis-armstrong-house-museum-expansion-queens-new-york-7556432

Louis Armstrong House Museum Expansion Opens July 6

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/black-musicians

@atlasobscura

35 Places to Celebrate Black Musicians and How They Changed the World

Best Things to See in New York (2025)

Tour Satchmo’s preserved Queens home and the new Louis Armstrong Center across the street. Winner of the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, recognized for deep community impact.

Best Museums in New York (2025)