Jazz Museum Will Open Donna’s Bar Exhibition

The New Orleans Jazz Museum plans to debut a new collection dedicated to the iconic venue on October 29.

Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Jazz

Jazz Museum Will Open Donna’s Bar Exhibition

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The New Orleans Jazz Museum will debut an exhibition on October 29 documenting the legacy of Donna's Bar and Grill. The display showcases the history of the venue that served as a central hub for jazz and brass musicians for nearly two decades.

Why it matters

The exhibit highlights the essential role smaller music venues played in sustaining the New Orleans local cultural economy. It preserves the legacy of a site that served as a vital gathering place for brass bands for 18 years.

The bar operated at 800 North Rampart Street for 18 years. The museum located at 400 Esplanade Avenue curated the show to reflect the venue's tenure from 1993 to 2010.

The players

New Orleans Jazz Museum

This institution is dedicated to preserving the history of jazz music through collections, educational programs, and public exhibitions.

Donna Poniatowski Sims

She was the co-owner of Donna's Bar and Grill, which served as a staple for local brass and jazz performers.

Dirty Dozen Brass Band

This group is a globally recognized New Orleans brass band known for pioneering a modern, funk-influenced sound.

Hot 8 Brass Band

This ensemble is a celebrated New Orleans-based group known for incorporating hip-hop, funk, and traditional jazz styles.

The details

The exhibition features a curated collection of photographs captured by owners Donna Poniatowski Sims and Charlie Sims during the club's active years. These images provide an intimate look at the musicians and regular patrons who defined the space.

Donna's Bar and Grill opened its doors in 1993.
The venue concluded its operations in 2010.
The exhibition will open at the museum on October 29, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

The exhibition aligns with a broader trend of archiving the history of independent music venues that have been shuttered over the last two decades. By focusing on Donna's Bar, the museum highlights how these small spaces shaped the city's modern musical landscape.

Visitors can access the exhibit starting in late October to view photography and cultural artifacts from the venue's history. The display offers the public a chance to see rare, personal images documenting the club's influence on the brass band scene.

The takeaway

Smaller venues like Donna's Bar provide the foundation for the deep musical roots found in local communities. Residents can support ongoing musical traditions by visiting local historical exhibits and continuing to attend performances at independent clubs.