Best Arts and Culture Places in New Orleans

"In the 1912 the sugar broker and art collector Isaac Delgado left New Orleans a sizeable grant to establish what would become the New Orleans Museum of Art. The main building went up soon after, to a design partly by Benjamin Morgan Harrod, New Orleans’s former chief engineer, while new wings and expansions followed in the early-1970s and 90s. The collection is huge, with more than 40,000 pieces from the Italian Renaissance to today."

"Set smack dab in City Park among the Spanish moss-draped oaks complete with Greco-Roman columns and a charming sculpture garden, the grounds alone warrant a visit to this NOLA institution that’s oozing with grandeur. It’s the city’s oldest fine arts institution and boasts a permanent collection of nearly 40,000 pieces. Not only that, but it’s one of the most impressive and revered fine art collections in the whole of the south."

"The New Orleans Museum of Art is known to be the oldest fine arts museum in the city of New Orleans which is perfect for anyone looking for a cheap but immersive experience."

"Behind the museum’s main building is a gated outdoor space in 11 acres of mature parkland enriched with more than 90 works of sculpture. The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden opened in 2003 and at the time of writing in 2019 had just doubled in size with an expansion that included 26 new works, mostly by 21st-century artists. On serpentine paths among pines, magnolias, camellias and live oaks draped with Spanish moss there are pieces by Henry Moore, Deborah Butterfield, Barbara Hepworth, Pierre Auguste Renoir, Robert Indiana, Gaston Lachaise and René Magritte, as well as contemporary sculptors like Katharina Fritsch, Hank Willis Thomas and Jeppe Hein."

"Mid-CityWhile the adjacent New Orleans Museum of Art charges an entrance fee on most days (see below), the glorious sculpture garden on its grounds is open seven days a week and totally gratis to all comers. Meander the footpaths and marvel at over 60 impressive -- and sometimes disturbing -- works of sculpture by a bevy of international artists. When you get tired, you can always avail yourself of mini-golf, beignets at Morning Call, or any other variety of fun activities to be had in City Park."

"Visit the spacious art galleries of the Contemporary Arts Center to see some world-class fine art in the up-and-coming warehouse district in downtown New Orleans. There are different artist residences happening and constantly rotating and changing exhibits. The museum is famous for the events that it hosts with different performances and lectures."

"Right next door to The National WWII Museum is the Contemporary Arts Center, known to locals as the CAC. This artistic hub hosts a variety of exciting contemporary art exhibits and events. To open the 2018 season, the CAC is presenting “Constructing the Break,” their annual open call exhibition of 29 regional artists."

"Take in cutting-edge exhibits, featuring both local artists and the work of national and international talent, at this cornerstone of…"

"A beacon of locally made art and jewelry on Frenchmen Street since 2013, this evening market is open nightly from 7 pm to midnight or 1, depending on crowds. Right next door to the Spotted Cat and in the heart of the Frenchmen Street nuttiness, this brightly lit marketplace boasts a revolving roster of serious artists creating everything from sculptures made from flatware to Impressionist style streetcar scenes and inventive offbeat t-shirt designs. This is where locals in the know buy their gifts and art for the wall and wearing."

"Featuring handmade goods and artwork made entirely by local artists. Browse art, find gifts and meet local artisans. Take a break from the clubs to hangout in one of the outdoor living rooms and take in the ambience of the market and the fun of Frenchmen Street!"

"Classical shapes, iridescent colors and interior designs are combined to provide a unique approach to an ancient art. The creative force and owner, Mark Rosenbaum, brings to Rosetree an unusually diverse background in glassblowing, glass casting, ceramics and jewelry. The result is an exciting interpretation of the art of glass."

"The French Quarter's Dutch Alley Artist's Co-op, located at 912 N. Peters St., is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the fancy art gallery 4.5 stars out of 29 reviews. The site can tell you a thing or two more about Dutch Alley Artist's Co-op."

"The 6,600-square-foot arts facility hosts theater and dance performances, drumming and dance classes, storytelling, music and other events highlighting the city’s African-American performing arts community. It’s also home to New Orleans Youth Open Mic performances and an art gallery. View this post on Instagram"

"When we think of French Quarter art galleries, a place like Le Jardin – that’s French for ‘The Jardin’ (ha ha) – often comes to mind. Effectively a narrow corridor that leads to a spacious dream of a Vieux Carre courtyard, all of the wall space in Le Jardin is crammed wall to groaning wall with the work of local artists. Much of the stuff you’ll see on display has a folk art-y feel; the bright colors, bold presentation, locally focused subject matter and the general haphazard, slightly chaotic atmosphere of the place makes for an art experience that feels quintessentially New Orleans."

"Pythian Market, 234 Loyola Ave., (504) 309-5344; www.lacocinitafoodtruck.com. A Venezuelan sampler includes a brisket and cheese arepita, pork pataconcito, a cheese empanada and avocado salsa."

"Expect the unexpected at Maypop, where chef Michael Gulotta effortlessly marries the flavors of New Orleans, Southeast Asia, and Italy. Take the fried oysters, with bourbon barrel soy aïoli and Manchego cheese, the gulf fish swimming in crawfish coconut cream, and the crawfish étouffée curry, with gnocchetti pasta and puffed rice crust. Don't miss the weekend Dim Sum brunch, where you'll find traditional Bloody Marys and mimosas along with innovative dishes like turnip cakes with smoked andouille and head cheese and blue crab soup dumplings."

"Maypop is a modern and elegant eatery in the CBD offering creative Southeast Asian-meets-southern cuisine. Chef-owner Michael Gulotta, who Food and Wine named Best New Chef in 2016..."