Explore the Best Art Museums in New Orleans

The New Orleans Museum of Art

This 25,000 square foot Beaux Arts style museum was originally endowed in 1911 by Isaac Delgado, who was a prominent sugar cane planter and educational philanthropist. Over the years, the museum has significantly expanded, now housing the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. This extensive collection positions it among the top 25 percent of the Nation’s most significant museums.

The Museum is conveniently located at One Collins C. Diboll Circle, City Park, New Orleans, Louisiana 70124.

The Contemporary Arts Center

The Contemporary Arts Center is an essential stop for anyone visiting New Orleans. This multi-disciplinary arts hub features dynamic experiments in various forms of art, including painting, theater, photography, performance art, dance, music, video, education, and sculpture. Consequently, the CAC serves as a unique celebration of contemporary artistic expression.

Located in the New Orleans Warehouse Arts District at 900 Camp Street, just one block off the Lee Circle and the Saint Charles streetcar line, the center is also within close proximity to the National D-Day Museum and the Ogden Museum of Southern Art.

The Ogden Museum of Art

Roger Ogden’s profound love for southern art led to the creation of this esteemed museum. As a private collector, he amassed an impressive array of sculptures, photographs, and various artistic media, recognizing their significance over time. Collaborating with the University of New Orleans, the Ogden Museum was established with a mission to enhance knowledge and appreciation of the visual arts and culture of the American South. The museum features several permanent collections, along with educational programs and a research center. Furthermore, it houses the Goldring-Woldenberg Institute for the Advancement of Southern Art and Culture.

The Ogden Museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and is located at 925 Camp St.

Sculpture Garden at New Orleans Museum of Art

The Sculpture Garden at the New Orleans Museum of Art in City Park is open to the public and features over 50 contemporary and modern sculptures. Admission is free, and visitors can access it by passing through a set of cast stone and bronze pavilions. Once you enter the Sculpture Garden, you’ll begin a tour of this world-class exhibition. The pavilions also provide docent services and offer a wealth of information to enhance your visit, including opportunities for guided tours.