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    MS Rau

    4.7 (52 reviews)
    Ultra High-EndJewelry, Antiques, Art Galleries
    Closed 9:00 am - 5:15 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

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    Ginger P.

    This antique shop on Royal St is more like a museum, and I think it's an absolute must visit. I had to do a bit of research to discover this spot, so I do feel that it's very underrated. The works of art on display are very expensive and opulent. There are all sorts of things from jewelry to musical automata to fancy clocks and paintings and Japanese armor. It's almost as amusing to look at the price tag for these items as it is to look at the art itself. We were dressed very casually and clearly not in the same tax bracket as the people who can afford this stuff, but we were not made to feel unwelcome. There are many tourists who are also casual perusers, so we didn't feel out of place. If you're into antiquing, this is a must-visit spot. Even if you're not into antiquing, I'd highly recommend it.

    Carved guillotine toy, complete with beheading
    Meredith B.

    To anyone who hesitates to set foot here because they can't afford it, I invite you to view the gallery as a museum to be admired. Please go inside, it is absolutely worth it, and the staff will be unfailingly polite and helpful regardless of whether you have any intention of buying things. The gallery is a three-floor collection of high-end jewelry, decorative arts, paintings, statuary, and impressive furniture. Whether you would like to look at glittering gems, a desk full of secret cubbies, colorful glass, or the room full of walking canes, there is something there to delight almost anyone. Even better, they have a small gallery on a separate section of the second floor with rotating exhibits, currently occupied with a truly impressive number of pieces by Erte. The cool rooms are a quiet oasis in the midst of the bustle that is royal street, and you feel rather as though you have stepped into a different world while you wander through the displays. As it is in fact a place one can purchase these beautiful artifacts, there are prices, but they are a subtle addition to the cards accompanying each piece. It is easy to admire terracotta camels, silver repousse, and Picassos without feeling any sort of weight or pressure of expectation. So go, gawk at aquamarines the size of quail eggs, gleaming skeleton clocks, and wall-sized paintings of dancing princesses (One of my favorite fairy tales as a child) and carry home memories of the beautiful things human hands can make. And if you can afford something? Know it is something precious.

    Like an art museum, but the art is for sale
    Helene S.

    These are a few of my favorite things... Have you ever walked into a museum and thought, how much does that painting cost? At MS Rau, the art, the jewelry and the antiques are all actually for sale with price tags and an explanation listed on the wall next to the piece. Even though MS Rau looks like a world class art museum, it is actually a gallery where you can freely explore three floors of exquisite treasures and if you are lucky, and have the means, can take one or more home to enjoy. So interesting to hear how MS Rau was founded over a hundred years ago as an antique shop in the French Quarter. Max Rau opened the first shop in 1912 with an investment of $250. His store specialized in Victorian furniture, cut glass and decorative ironwork. Over the years, the business has faced challenges such as Hurricane Katrina, World Wars and a global pandemic. Interesting to hear how his son, Elias, worked at the Higgins Shipyard helping to build the boats that would storm the beaches at Normandy during WWII. After Katrina, MS Rau had a temporary showroom in NYC as the business and employees rebuilt after the devastating storm. They added masterpieces by Vincent can Gogh, Claude Monet and Edgar Degas to their offerings as MS Rau became a recognized art dealer. Loved exploring the three floors and enjoying the art, antiques and beautiful jewelry. Favorites included "Danseuse au double profil vert" by Marc Chagall which was recently sold almost $4 million dollars. The oil and tempura on canvas was so vibrant and iconic of Chagall's dreamlike images. Want to own an original Picasso drawing or painting, portrait by Renoir, or the Last Supper by Warhol, they are all available. I did not know that singer Frank Sinatra also painted, but there are several of his works in the collection as well. The special Patrick Hughes exhibit was so interesting. The composition of his three-dimensional sculpted planes create an optical illusion that the painting is moving as you walk past the pieces. Love how he incorporates other artist's works, like Robert Indiana's LOVE, Magritte's surrealism, or a Moulin Rouge poster by Henri-Toulouse Lautrec, into his artwork. So whimsical. From jewelry laden with rubies, emeralds and diamonds to complete sets of Tiffany flatware, antique orchestra organs to Napoleon's footbath, and an exquisite Battle of Issus Chess set created with 14 K gold, enamel and semiprecious stones (with an almost 2-million-dollar price tag), MS Rau is a very unique gallery full of history. Definitely worth a stop along Royal Street in the French Quarter. Note: even if you aren't buying anything, they were still so kind and willing to share their knowledge.

    Zachery P.

    This is one of the most incredible galleries I've ever been too. There are things here that you truly can't find anywhere else. From mesmerizing self playing violins, to gorgeous priceless art, this place has it all.

    Picasso ($7.95M+!) Rockwell Matisee ($885K) Renoir
    Mia K.

    Exterior looks unassuming BUT take a look at works by Renoir, Rockwell, Winston Churchill, Tiffany etc. Really! Feels like you are at a mini art museum but with price tags! Art, antiques & jewelry suddenly got a lot more interesting! They have a 125% guarantee of their fine antiques! MS Rau has been in business since 1912, over 100 years, and run by 3rd generation owner William Rau, an expert in 18th & 19th European fine art and a member of the American Society of Appraisers. Located -on the east side of Royal St between Toulouse St & Peter St -1 block NW of the NW corner of Jackson Sq

    Batmobile analog clock
    Rose S.

    A museum experience without the admission. Chagall, Picasso, Rockwell and other great works abound. Exquisite jewelry and former King's furniture are a delight. Watch the video of the Italian iron safe or can you figure out how to open it without. A true collector's paradise - being those tech stock gains and see what might catch your fancy

    Glydia C.

    This place is like a museum. You think this is just one of those antique stores but when you arrive, you are mistaken because the space is vast, takes up multiple floors and best of all, you can buy anything you see. There are so many unique things here, you have to stop in and allow ample time to explore, if you are into historic pieces that you could take home. There were so many paintings and sculptures by famous artists on display. Definitely stop in and check it out while you're here.

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    2 months ago

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    11 months ago

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    2 months ago

    Beautiful, unique items. Knowledgeable staff Very client friendly. The items are amazing

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    3 years ago

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    6 months ago

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    Lauren S.

    We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your visit to M.S. Rau!

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    3 years ago

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    10 months ago

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    5 months ago

    Experienced, knowledgeable, intelligent support for a world class collection of the very best

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    Lauren S.

    Thank you so much!

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    2 years ago

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    We are thrilled to hear that you enjoyed your visit to M.S. Rau!

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    4 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Super unique & one of a kind treasures! There were so many cool antiques & pieces of fine art. Loved the experience!

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    Review Highlights - MS Rau

    Rau Antiques, and I think it was pretty obvious to the sales people, however, they were so nice and helpful to us, particularly Ludovic.

    Mentioned in 5 reviews

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