The Historic New Orleans Collection's 2013 New Orleans Antiques Forum takes place Thursday, August 1"Sunday, August 4, in the French Quarter. The four-day program includes talks by local and national decorative arts experts and optional preconference activities. Registration for the event is now open.

With the theme 'Opulence and Intrigue: Exoticism in the 19th Century,' this year's forum will examine the proliferation of non-Western motifs and styles in decorative arts and architecture. Exoticism was a defining trend in the 1800s as doors to new worlds were opened and interest in ancient and distant cultures flourished.

Designed for a general audience, the forum sessions take place Friday & Sunday, at THNOC's Williams Research Center, 410 Chartres St. This year's topics include decorative arts at World's Fairs, exotica-influenced Carnival designs, Middle East and Far East inspired architecture, Chinese art and American artists who found inspiration in the Holy Land.

Those who register for this year's program will once again have a choice of optional preconference tours, a day trip to visit two plantations in south Louisiana (Lakeside in Batchelor, La., and Poplar Grove in Port Allen, La.) or a walking tour of the historic French Quarter. Following the final session on Sunday, forum participants will also have the option to join speakers and fellow participants for a brunch at New Orleans' celebrated Antoine's Restaurant. Separate registration is required for the preconference tours and the brunch.

Registration for this event is required. Rates start at $100. For a detailed event schedule or to register, visit www.hnoc.org/antiques.htm or call (504) 523-4662.