It’s a subtle distinction, but when you are enjoying NOLA architecture, you should know the difference between balconies and galleries.

Galleries have support poles underneath, while balconies do not. Simple, right?

There’s a healthy mix of both types of outdoor spaces all over the city, but the vast majority of those lacy wrought iron versions are concentrated in the French Quarter. Influenced by the Spanish in the early days of the city, you can spend an entire day picking out the differences from building to building.

Those support poles on the galleries are also the scene of the annual greasing of the poles before Mardi Gras. Keeping revelers from shimmying up onto some of the best people viewing spots is important, y’all.

Also read: Guidelines for New Orleans Porches, Galleries, and Balconies

Next time you are wandering through the Quarter, you’ll thank me 🙂

The support poles mean this is a gallery

No support? It’s a balcony