Want a way to beat the heat in New Orleans this summer? Why not get out and head to one of the city’s amazing museums?
New Orleans Museum of Art
For the sake of length, we’ll focus on three (and have a few honorable mentions). Let’s start with one of the city’s largest, and perhaps most famous museums, the New Orleans Museum of Art. NOMA is located in City Park in the mid-city neighborhood. It’s accessible via streetcar on the Canal line and costs only 12 dollars for adults (and 8 for students). With an ever-rotating and changing series of featured exhibitions, as well as permanent installations, days can be spent exploring this museum before one has truly taken it all in. Be sure to check out NOMA’s current featured exhibition on the history and life of New Orleans in honor of the city’s 300th anniversary. Also, be sure to take a look at their calendar where you’ll find weekly events ranging from yoga to film screenings to free live music.
New Orleans African American Museum
The New Orleans African American Museum is located in the the Treme and is dedicated to preserving, protecting, and promoting the histories and art of New Orleans’ African American communities. One of their centerpiece collections features 70 pieces of exquisite African beadwork, masks, costumes, instruments, and divination objects.
Ogden Museum of Southern Art
While NOMA is impressive, it is also only one of the many great museums in our city. New Orleans is also home to the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. This art museum holds the art of well-known and famous southern artists, while also showcasing the art of lesser-known and up-and-coming southern artists. Each piece features a small graphic of the state in which the artist is from on the plaque next to it. The Ogden truly is a journey through the south’s art history (and present for that matter) in one building. Located at 925 Camp Street in the Central Business District, the Ogden is a short drive from just about anywhere in the city. With new and exciting exhibitions throughout the year, the Ogden is a place to spend multiple hours in more than once. From after-hours music to photography camps and artist workshops, the Ogden has an event for everyone! It is also worth noting that every Thursday access to the museum is free for Louisiana residents!
National WWII Museum
A few short blocks away from the Ogden sits another famous Museum well worth a visit. At 945 Magazine Street, the National WWII Museum is one of a kind and well worth your time! This beautiful museum has a six-acre campus! This includes many exhibits, historical material, restoration work, restaurants, and a 1940s-themed dinner theater! Commissioned by Congress, the National WWII Museum has a unique and moving blend of exhibits, historical information and events. Whether you are a recent history buff, or you’ve been one for a long time, immerse yourself in history with a trip to this museum. It deserves a full afternoon at least, but be prepared to spend a full day exploring the museum and all it has to offer. Don’t forget to check out the list of events to line up your trip with a once in a lifetime opportunity, or even just to catch a weekly show that catches y our eye. While this is a national museum, you’ll find that there is something about it that is uniquely New Orleans.
Honorable Mentions
Algiers Folk Art Zone and Blues Museum
Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes & Culture
The Blackstreet Cultural Museum
Whatever you end up doing this summer, don’t forget to keep on drinking water! No matter which museum you end up checking out, be kind! Be New Orleans!
