New Orleans Museum of Art
Art museum · City Park ·
Art museum with impressive French & American art, sculpture garden
Art museum with impressive French & American art, sculpture garden
"A must-see on most visitors’ New Orleans itineraries, and deservedly so. The building itself, set back in City Park, is imposing and grand with its alabaster walls and Greco-Roman columns. There's also a beautiful five-acre sculpture garden, with artwork beneath magnolias and Spanish moss-laden live oaks. Inside, the collection is equally impressive, with French and American art and traveling exhibits that feature everything from fashion to digital media. It remains one the South’s most impressive fine art collections." - Paul Oswell
"I suggest visiting the New Orleans Museum of Art to escape the August heat and enjoy cultural exhibits." - Lauren Dana Ellman Lauren Dana Ellman Lauren Dana Ellman is a New York-based writer and editor who specializes in travel, lifestyle, food, and shopping content. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"I consider the New Orleans Museum of Art an invaluable stop for its collections and cultural importance." - Jenny Adams
"Zoom out. What’s this place all about?A must-see on most visitors’ New Orleans itineraries, and deservedly so. The building itself, set back in City Park, is imposing and grand with its alabaster walls and Greco-Roman columns. If the weather is good, then be sure to make time to stroll around the equally impressive Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden. What will we find in the permanent collection?This museum opened with just nine works of art in 1911; now, the permanent collection has some 40,000 pieces. Although most eras and media are represented, NOMA is known for its French and American art, African and Japanese works, and photography and glass. It remains one the South’s most impressive fine art collections. How about temporary exhibits?The museum has as broad a roster of temporary exhibits as befits a large city art museum. Many of them have local relevance, and tie in with cultural life in Louisiana; these are complemented by national and global traveling exhibits that might include fashion or digital media. What did you make of the crowd?NOMA’s location in the middle of City Park means there’s a fair amount of casual foot traffic, but the rotating exhibits draw art buffs as well. On the practical tip, how were the facilities?The exhibits are spread over a number of floors, but accessibility didn't seem to be a problem. Is the café worth a stop, or should we just plan on going elsewhere?Locally famous restaurateur Ralph Brennan oversees Café NOMA; it's a great pitstop, even if you're just touring City Park. Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged?The museum does run a ‘highlights’ tour (free with admission) with curators and educators who'll discuss their favorite pieces. The must-see rooms are generally held the American collections housed in the Rosemonde E. and Emile Kuntz rooms." - Paul Oswell
"The New Orleans Museum of Art is listed among the city’s major museums and is located within expansive City Park grounds, making it an accessible cultural stop." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines