Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden

Sculpture museum · City Park

Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden

Sculpture museum · City Park

4

1 Collins Diboll Cir, New Orleans, LA 70124

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Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by Linda Xiao
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by Linda Xiao
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by Linda Xiao
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by Linda Xiao
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by Linda Xiao
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by Linda Xiao
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null
Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden by null

Highlights

New Orleans’ Besthoff Sculpture Garden is a lush 11-acre oasis blending over 90 modern sculptures with serene paths, water features, and towering live oaks.  

Featured in Conde Nast Traveler
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1 Collins Diboll Cir, New Orleans, LA 70124 Get directions

noma.org
@neworleansmuseumofart

Information

Static Map

1 Collins Diboll Cir, New Orleans, LA 70124 Get directions

+1 504 658 4100
noma.org
@neworleansmuseumofart

Features

restroom
wheelchair accessible parking lot
wheelchair accessible entrance
wheelchair accessible restroom

Last updated

Aug 1, 2025

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@cntraveler

The 23 Best Things to Do in New Orleans

"This five-acre sculpture garden is a park within City Park, and acts as an open-air annex to the wonderful New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA). 90 sculptures—mostly modern and abstract—are set among magnolias and live oaks, framed by bridges and reflecting pools, with world-renowned artists Henry Moore, Antoine Bourdelle, and Ossip Zadkine represented. The lake-set Virlane Tower by Kenneth Snelson is a favorite, as is the familiar Love, Red Blue sign by Robert Indiana, but it’s best to come without a map. Surprise and delight are over every bridge." - Paul Oswell

https://www.cntraveler.com/gallery/best-things-to-do-in-new-orleans
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@cntraveler

Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden

"Let’s start big picture here.This is a park within a park, and acts as an open-air annex to the wonderful New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA). What looks like an nicely landscaped area of magnolias and live oak trees in fact houses 90 sculptures of varying scale. Paths, bridges, and reflecting pools all frame the artwork, collected and donated by the eponymous philanthropists and encompass works from artists all over the globe. Any standout features or must-sees?The sculptures and statues are mainly modern and abstract, and include world-renowned names such as Henry Moore, Antoine Bourdelle, and Ossip Zadkine. The lake-set Virlane Tower by Kenneth Snelson is a favorite, as is the familiar Love, Red Blue sign by Robert Indiana. Was it easy to get around?It’s best to meander without too much of a plan; in fact, going in knowing very little about what’s in store leaves more room for surprise and delight. It’s basically parkland, so there are no real accessibility challenges. That sounds cool. All said and done, what—and who—is this best for?Fans of sculpture or just curious minds who also like surprises will love the garden, and the large shapes and vibrant colors will also appeal to children. There’s almost a playground feel to the place." - Paul Oswell

https://www.cntraveler.com/activities/new-orleans/new-orleans/sydney-and-walda-besthoff-sculpture-garden
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@goop

"One of our favorite New Orleans experiences has nothing to do with eating or drinking. This enchanting five-acre garden is perfect for a wander around ponds and magnolia and live oak trees. There are also sixty-four sculptures by artists like Henry Moore and Kenneth Snelson. Originally intended as an offshoot of the New Orleans Museum of Art, the garden is an attraction all on its own. Come in the early morning or hazy late afternoon to see these wonders come alive when the light is most reflective."

The New Orleans Guide
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@cntraveler

The Essential Things to Know Before You Visit New Orleans

"Explore the five-acre Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at NOMA: it's arguably one of the country’s best, with works by icons like Renoir and Robert Indiana."

https://www.cntraveler.com/story/the-essential-things-to-know-before-you-visit-new-orleans
View Postcard for Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden

Frank Biermann

Google
Pretty sweet spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for a little while. We hopped on the streetcar from Canal and after a short 20-30 min ride we were enjoying the greenery in this free sculpture garden. Theres a bunch of sculptures to view and take photos with, loads of odd paths going over, under, and around. It was overall a great change of pace from the rest of the city and we felt like we were able to relax. Apparently this garden was just a small portion of the entire park, which we wish we had more time to explore.

J M

Google
Fantastic collection of sculptures. Some styles and mediums were abstract representational, true representational, bronze, plexiglass I think?, stainless steel, and more. The gardens were great too. Free admission! Great place to get some inspiration or just a nature walk in for the day.

Caterina Bassano

Google
Lovely park for a walk after visiting the museum. Lots of interesting sculptures, paths, ponds and bridges. Very peaceful.

Mikhail Glazyrin

Google
Such a wonderful set of modern sculptures. We spend 1t hours there to stroll around all of them. One of the best sculpture garden we ever seen.

Anna Limarenko

Google
100% five stars! This park delivered much more than I was expecting, it was surprisingly big and packed with awesome modern-ish but very pleasant sculptures.

Carrie Jeske

Google
I love the Mississippi meanders glass bridge designed by JEI structural façade engineering and drafting. The other artwork is absolutely spectacular and it’s amazing to see how much more is being done with glass, aluminum, steel and other mixed materials and the sculpture artistic realm as well as commercial building construction.

Cecile H

Google
Delightful Escape in New Orleans This sculpture park is a gem! The sculpture area is beautifully curated, with stunning pieces that blend seamlessly into the tranquil surroundings. The peaceful paths provide a perfect setting for a relaxing stroll, allowing you to take in art and nature at your own pace. Highly recommend this serene spot for anyone looking to unwind and enjoy a bit of culture in New Orleans.

Malcolm Earhart

Google
Cool free sculpture garden. It was bigger than I thought, we didn't make it through the whole park. It was cold and rainy so that didn't help. I got to play the local taking my tourist friends to things I hadn't been to. The grounds was as varied as the artwork. Looked like they were setting up a stage for some new event or display. I would come back in better weather.
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Reggie B.

Yelp
The sculpture garden is simply incredible. This is my third visit and I always find a new spot to lounge or a sculpture that I missed on my previous visit. I cannot believe it is FREE! There some of the most incredible sculptures (I've attached a few) and so many peaceful spaces for a mediation or a picnic. We chose a picnic today after a ballet performance in the garden. Come for a walk through the New Orleans Museum of Art. Come for a stroll through the sculpture garden. Or just come to chill out alone, on a date, or with a group. Bottom line, COME!
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Kathleen K.

Yelp
Excellent sculpture garden. There is even a path that takes you along a little canal with concrete walls that is very cool. The sculptures are in several different materials and range from modern to classical. Some move with the wind and others are somewhat hidden in the shrubbery. Lots of interesting foliage and plants. The live oaks with their moss are beautiful. They must have been what Kilmer was looking at. We walked the gardens before our gondola ride and it was a perfect afternoon.
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Isaac E.

Yelp
This was a lovely find in City Park which is a short walk away from the Louisiana Childrens Museum. First thing first, it's free. Just walk in. Second, the art is diverse and stunning from piece to piece. They range in scale and artistic style. My personal favorite was the massive mosaic that I jokingly wanted to take home with me. The kids had a great experience, it's outdoors and was a wonderful part of the afternoon. I would 100% recommend it for anyone wanting to stop by.
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Elle B.

Yelp
Highly recommend if you're looking for something free to do in the city, especially if the weather is nice. Absolutely gorgeous park. This is about 12 acres housing some 90 sculptures tucked into a picturesque nature trail with green space and waterways. Plenty of space to picnic or otherwise relax among the art. We went late morning on a Saturday and it was still pretty quiet. Located within City Park, you can keep exploring the park (seasonal public restrooms here before you keep walking) or pop into NOMA to further satiate your art fix. We actually walked from here to another sculpture garden at the NOLA Botanical Gardens for an extra dose of affordable art and nature tourism.
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Charles S.

Yelp
What a mistake. I've been to NOLA maybe 10 times but I had never been to the sculpture garden in City Park. Wow!! The setting is fabulous -- among the live oaks alongside two small lakes. The sculptures are impressive. And the weather in December was perfect. Here's my review: Art. Fabulous. Sculptures. Outside. Great setting. Don't miss.
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Alexis M.

Yelp
The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden is located on 11 acres in New Orleans City Park. Created in 2003, it is part of and is property adjacent to New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA). The sculpture garden is named after Married New Orleans Philanthropists /Art Collectors /Business Leaders /Cultural Leaders Sydney & Walda Besthoff. You can expect to see what we saw during our enjoyable visit in June - luscious greenery, gorgeous landscaping, and beautiful modern /.contemporary sculptures. Sculptures shaped like a skeleton, shaped like people sitting on benches (people were taking pictures next to them, which was cool), etc. One of my favorites is a Safety Pin - Shaped Sculpture. There are lovely waterways as well as multiple pedestrian paths to walk on throughout the sculpture garden. Admission to the Sydney & Walda Sculpture Garden is free. You are headed in the right direction once you pass Cafe Dumonde, make a left, and proceed to walk for a few minutes. There is also a lake w/ boating in the area. Hours of Operation - 7 days a week (April - Sept.) 10am - 6pm (Oct. - Mar. ) 10am - 5pm Specific holidays open 10am - 3pm: Martin Luther King, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) Website - noma.org Instagram - @newsorleansmuseumofart General Inquiries - info@noma.org -One can sign up via email to receive news updates and event information. The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden also has a Pinterest and a Facebook page as well as a YouTube channel.
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Helene S.

Yelp
Love this Sculpture Garden that is part of New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA). Sydney and Walda Besthoff donated the original sculptures in 2003. Now the expanded garden has over 90 outdoor sculptures in the collection, Artists featured include Yaakov Agam, Frank Gehry, Frank Stella, Tony Cragg and Beverly Pepper. LOVE by Robert Indiana is so classic. Don't miss George Rodrigue's Blue Dog. Love the bridge that maps changes of the route of the Mississippi River in Mississippi Meanders created by Elyn Zimmerman. Make sure to visit the installation inside the Sculpture Pavilion that was created by Maya Lin who also designed the Vietnam Veterans Memorial on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The sculpture garden is free to visit and explore. Perfect for a sunny day at the New Orleans City Park.
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Kio C.

Yelp
Beautiful sculpture garden that any one of any age can appreciate. It was spacious and peaceful and the sculptures were breathtaking. Best of all, admission is free! I would recommend spending at least an hour here. It's definitely bigger than I thought!
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Karen S.

Yelp
After a stop at the Art Museum, we took a stroll through the sculpture park. Admission is free, but they do have a donation box at the entrance. We took the street car, easy once you find a way to get a pass. We were there on a weekday and there were several field trips with 10-12 year olds. It was very peaceful except for the occasional kids running through. LOL It's a nice change from the crowds in the French Quarter.
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Sean A.

Yelp
Perfect way to spend a few hours on a nice day. There is no cost (although they have a kids area and botanical gardens that can attend for a fee). It's a fun experience with some interesting pieces emerged in a great natural background. We finished it off with a drink inside the main museum and had a perfect Saturday morning
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Lateef A.

Yelp
I only had an hour free before I was leaving town and wanted to check out this place. The walking path was very enjoyable and it was nice being able to see how the landscape really played into the vision of the some of the pieces. If I could do it all over again, I would definitely attempt again but give myself two hours to really be able to take it all in.

John B.

Yelp
Fabulous place to visit on a nice day. Lovely place and some cool pieces. If it's hot, there is a Cafe du Monde.
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Luke H.

Yelp
We took one of the RTA streetcars from Canal Street which only cost $1.25 per person per ride to City Park. RTA streetcar stop is just in front of City Park entrance. Enjoyed walking through this well kept garden inside City Park. Opens at 10 am seven days a week and it's FREE to get in! Saw some great sculptures throughout the garden.
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Sunny P.

Yelp
Absolutely loved this find at the City Park in New Orleans! We had heard such great things about the park and some of the fun things you could do, but this was truly a hidden gem.The sculpture garden is donation only and is huge. We spent a few hours just walking along all the paths and exploring the over 100 different art pieces they had around the ground. Most were very unique and were something he had never seen before. It was such a peaceful and serenity place to be in the middle of the great city. We bought a trolley pass for the week were there and this garden was just a shirt walk from one of the trolley stops. I know there is so much to see and do when in NOLA, but this is a great stop if you are looking for a slight break from the hustle and bustle of the French Quarter.
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Daquynh N.

Yelp
Beautiful art all around. It's family friendly and plenty of parking space. This park/ garden is free and there are lots of opportunities to take pictures. There is a small little pawn that can walk around, and there's lots of small little animal creatures in birds surrounding you. I highly recommend this area for a date or a family outing after going to the museum of arts nearby.
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Lynda B.

Yelp
The Sculpture Garden instantly moved me from the moment we entered to see the first few pieces. Inside City Park, adjacent to NOMA, situated on roughly 11 acres, and open 7 days a week, 10am to 5pm daily && FREE, this breathing taking garden is beyond worth spending time inside. With more than 90 sculptures among picturesque mature existing landscape of pines, magnolias and live oaks surrounding two lagoons this is a MUST see!! A few of our favorites were Reclining Mother and Child, Karma, Pablo Casal's Obelisk andd Diana (my favorite) We literally could have spent a better part of the day here & ate lunch, added bonus Cafe Du Monde is right outside of the gates so be sure to grab some to enjoy while you take in the beauty of everything.
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Diana S.

Yelp
Beautiful sculpture park in the heart of New Orleans located right next to the New Orleans Museum of Art. It's free to enter and a great place to stroll around looking at all the unique sculptures. It's a fairly tranquil place and they enforce no touching of the sculptures so it's not an ideal place for young children. FYI: No pets allowed and this garden is open 10am-6pm during the summer season, closes at 5pm during the winter season. It's definitely worth a visit if you're in the area!
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Andi F.

Yelp
Lovely spot in City Park, right behind the museum of art. Free admission, donations are accepted. They always seem to be adding on to the sculpture gardens. Lovely spot to walk around and see the flowers, plants and sculptures. Come and take a walk around. You will not be disappointed.
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Karleigh W.

Yelp
This is such a great, free attraction. We spent about an hour walking around and we could've spent about double that but we had other afternoon plans. So many great pieces that are pretty well-maintained in a beautiful outdoor space.
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Lesley B.

Yelp
Must see! Take the City Park streetcar (it's $1.25 each way or $3 for a daily Jazzy Pass). The pleasant air-conditioned ride through a lovely part of town takes about 30 min. Then it's a short walk in the shade to the free sculpture garden. Such a beautiful day. Don't miss it!
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Nicole D.

Yelp
GO HERE! Beautiful FREE Sculpture Garden and Grounds that feels as if you should pay to enter!! Take a pic nic and relax or stroll around and take in the amazing scenery and views! So very peaceful! Glad we went in November on a cool day after it rained. I cannot imagine walking around here in the normal Louisiana heat & humidity! NO SHADE! The whole thing if strolling and taking your time to appreciate the sculptures, will take about 3 - 4 hours. The restrooms are sporadicly placed so go in the beginning and then halfway thru go again! LOL. It's on the same grounds as the Museum and the huge park. Beautiful well kept grounds. Definitely a must visit. Perfect for dates or relaxing alone time.
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Aaron H.

Yelp
Where to start... 1) it's free. But please give a donation if you can to help keep this available to everyone 2) it's beautiful. I've lived in New Orleans for 3 months and been here 3 times already. You see something new each time. It gives you a moment for reflection, and an opportunity to admire and contemplate art. 3) it's a great place to bring friends when they're in town, and a great starting point for a day in city park 4) it's free Plenty of street parking around but you may have to walk a short distance. There's no one around to answer questions about the art if you have some. You're all on your own to make your own interpretation of it. Plan on taking about 1.5 hours to see everything.
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Robert C.

Yelp
January 2020. Took the tram cable car downtown New Orleans to the massive City Park. Half an hour ride. Got off with the wife, and we walked another half mile past the New Orleans Museum of Art into the Sculpture garden in the back. Free entry at that time, and the main reason we didn't go into the Museum of Art. The Sculpture Garden is a series of sculptures and artistic exhibits accessible by pathway, boardwalks and bridges over the swamp and grasslands of City Park. Impossible to categorize them, as some human, some animals, some fantasy, and others dazzling designs. Life size sculptures of humans sitting on the benches, with me posing as a tourist sitting shoulder to shoulder with a lady sculpture -she didn't object. Another sculpture of four cave men walking au natural with hairy bodies head to toe. Would have preferred watching four women walking au natural. A third sculpture of a man wearing an Asian hat, hanging upside down by chains around his feet, with his arms at his side. Supposedly a sculpture by a Chinese dissident with a protest message. Ponds full of swans and ducks. Even on the hottest day, don't want to dip your feet into the water, as another sign has a no wading warning, with a silhouette of an alligator!
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Jen B.

Yelp
THIS! Do this. Seriously, it's free and they do accept donations. Be sure to check to make sure they are open but GO! What an absolutely beautiful sculpture garden. Be sure that you see both sides since it has expanded. The location inside City Park, behind NOMA and Cafe du Monde, make it a perfect addition to any trip in New Orleans. Get on/off the Street Car from here and explore. Please. You 100% won't regret it.
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Dylan M.

Yelp
I run and bike city park on the regular and although I pass by the sculptor garden I had never actually entered into the gated area (which is completely free). It had been on my list forever and recently I finally took advantage of this wonderful parcel within city park. I highly recommend it for locals or visitors. And it can be combined with the city park cafe du monde or one of the museums which reside next to it for a fun adventure for visitors. On a side note there are two public restrooms inside the sculpture garden which can come in handy for those in need while strolling around the park.
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Tyler G.

Yelp
This is a must visit in New Orleans. It's free. It's gorgeous. It's serene. The art is diverse and awesome. The grounds are well-maintained. I was stoked about the variety of birds. Just a magical place at the end of the street car line.
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Miriam W.

Yelp
This may be the best free attraction in New Orleans. Located in City Park on the grounds of NOMA, this sculpture garden is situated in a beautiful park setting, with paths that wind and meander over the 11 acre grounds. The surroundings are just as lovely as the art, as the existing landscape of mature, local flora and fauna have been included in the design. Magnolias, pines and live oaks give shade and natural beauty. Two lagoons provide boating opportunities (canoes and swan boats can be rented) and fun duck and ibis watching. This park is open daily, and, for visitors, is a nice respite from the crowds in the Quarter.
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Mira D.

Yelp
really nice sculpture garden with a wide variety of art pieces! it's free to visit (right near NOMA) and you can easily take a streetcar. the entrance is a bit confusing but once you find it, you're able to walk along a long windy path that goes through the garden with sculptures spaced apart. it's quite peaceful and interesting to see all the different types of sculptures. we wish there were information placards or some signs with descriptions of the sculptures as many are quite abstract. otherwise, definitely worth a visit if you're on vacation in NOLA
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Sarah A.

Yelp
The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden is a lovely addition to the grounds of the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA), perfect for strolling in unseasonably warm December weather and taking in some interesting pieces of art and water features.
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John B.

Yelp
If you want to get off the beaten path and see where the locals go just to kick it. This is a good place Right now. The sculptures are free. You can walk around, there's more than you expect. So this little codes you can go down and there's more so make sure you go left in all the way right past the restrooms under the bridge. You'll actually be going almost below water but just check it out. You you have a good time
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Lydia T.

Yelp
Beautiful, Beautiful garden arts!! Full of self-expressive pieces. A Powerful composition that stands way-high, you cannot miss it! 3-D Sculptures! Even, palette of plant's and solid concepts! Was told by the 'great' Ticket Personnel, you MUST not forget to check out our Outdoor displays! Displays?! Well, I think I spent just as much time in the garden, as I did inside the museum! Definitely, venture onto the Green and walk the path of Sallows (Weeping Willows) immerse in City Park. Known as the "Archetypal Urban Greenpeace!" One of the 'Eldest Parks in the Country!' If yah traveling to the area, "Everyone's Welcome Here!" Their moto. Till next time..
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Trisha W.

Yelp
An absolute must. This was one of the highlights of our trip. It was recommended by locals. Such a cool gently breezy day. So stunning. Wonderful curation of art work. Easy to walk. Not too crowded - at least when we went mid week. Well kept. Restrooms everywhere. Water fountains too. Helpful lovely visitors center. This is a big sculpture garden and we spent 2 hours here wandering around. Absolutely exquisite work. For the record I'm not a sculpture garden person, I find them to be boring and dull. But this sculpture garden is world class and easily my favorite sculpture garden ever. I've been to all sorts of sculpture gardens all over Europe and the US, this one is far superior and in a class of its own.
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Michelle B.

Yelp
Covid-19 update: Augh! As Jennifer L. Pointed out somehow our detailed reviews of the sculpture garden were folded into our reviews for the main New Orleans Museum of Art. Oh well, I suppose it's time for an update since they expanded the sculpture garden and I finally got to see the expansion yesterday! Since my friend paid for our tickets I'm not sure if it's necessarily free anymore bc they have ticket prices listed with the most expensive ticket being $5. Their are discounts for seniors, students and free for NOMA members. Regardless, it's worth paying to come visit! Keep in mind that food and drinks are not allowed inside which is understandable but a shame bc there are some beautiful spaces to have a picnic. During this pandemic they have signs to wear a mask which I appreciate and free standing hand sanitizer stations and signs on the bathroom to limit the number of people inside. And might I say their bathrooms are very clean and beautiful with the skylights! When I used to do the Crescent City classic I would sneak in here to use the bathroom bc it was the cleanest one in the park! Haha FYI, the way to get into the expanded part of the sculpture garden is a ramp that goes underneath the railroad tracks and bridge. It's near the silver moving sculpture. If I wasn't with my friend it would have taken me a while to figure it out even though they have arrows pointing to it as well. I should have taken a picture of it but it's a beautiful walkway that you walk through with the water on both sides of you. Fair warning don't come when it rains too hard bc I suspect that the water overflows into this space bc the water is right at the edge! The expanded side of the sculpture garden is huge and beautiful! It feels like an even bigger space and brighter with a little less tree coverage. One of my favorite pieces is the huge golden circle , great picture spot but don't touch the sculpture! And the mirrored labyrinth is neat as well! They also have bathrooms on this side too which I didn't go into bc someone else was already in there and I didn't want to invade their space. Overall this is SO worth it to come check it out! I still say this is a great date spot for yourself and with friends and loved ones! Happy exploring!
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Tomas R.

Yelp
This is where Gossip Girl would've been filmed had it occurred in New Orleans. Not only is it free and accessible to the public but it's one of my favorite sites in the city. Aside from the beautiful views of City Park. This garden is adjacent to the NOMA which is another experience to endure. The works of art are all unique and different. You'll see so many different uses of media and they really do utilize the whole grounds. Whoever is behind the design as the architect deserves high accolades. I love this place. There's plenty of opportunities to sit down and read a book, mediated, or simply take a nap. Make sure to explore the expansion as it had some of my favorite pieces. The indoor gallery and the Gehry bear were my fave!

C K.

Yelp
My husband and I stumbled upon this amazing sculpture garden while visiting NOLA. We loved the garden but my 4 stars is really for the bathroom door. The women's restroom outside has a black door that faces the sun. I, along with everyone else that touched that door jumped at how hot it was. Like ridiculously hot...like not safe hot. All I could imagine is some little kid will run up, put both hands on it with all their strength to open it and seriously burn their hands. Please... paint the door, get it shaded, something. That door is NOT safe with how hot it gets.
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Julie F.

Yelp
The sculpture garden occupies 11 acres within the New Orleans City Park. It has more than 80 works of art. The original gardens opened in 2003. Just this year, they opened an expanded park with more space and additional pieces. The gardens are free to visit and are open every day. The sculptures are beside walkways, along lagoons, and under 200 year old oak trees. It's very picturesque. Art and nature together. I was at the City Park as part of a tour and we'd made a brief stop nearby. I'd just started to explore on foot when it started pouring rain. I only got to see just a very few of the sculptures, but could tell I'd love to come back when time permits and revisit. In front of one of the entrances are rental bikes and that might be an easier way to traverse it as the Garden covers quite a large area to walk.
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Shelbey N.

Yelp
Such a beautiful sculpture garden to walk through. They have so many weird and interesting sculptures set into a gorgeous landscape of native plants. Kid-friendly too! Half of it is well-shaded, but the new half is completely exposed to the sun, so keep that in mind when you visit. It's also free again (it wasn't for the past couple years).
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Dominik D.

Yelp
Why is this place not in every tour guide of NOLA? It's open 7 days a week, it's beautiful, and it's FREE! You shouldn't just come here if you are a tourist, you should come here for dates, with your kids, and when you're bored on a weekend. Highly recommended, period!

Joe K.

Yelp
What a beautiful day to be in the park, New Orlean's Coty Park. The sculpture park of NOMA is one of the best I've been too. It has a wide variety of sculptures from traditional to contemporary. There are many really amazing pieces. I could have spent the whole day here and sad that we didn't have more time to explore. Will need to come back and especially when the museum itself is open.
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Kristen C.

Yelp
If you're in New Orleans you should definitely visit the sculpture gardens! They are beautiful and free to everyone. The garden is located in City Park, which is a true New Orleans gem and is conveniently located off of the trolley line. There are dozens of statues in the park. They range from traditional to very modern. There's a statue that everyone can enjoy. In fact, I think this is the perfect place to entertain everyone in the family young and old. Aside from the statues, the area itself is beautiful. There is a beautiful lake and even some trees. There is one inside exhibit, and it's a good place to get some respite from the heat and see some more beautiful artwork. This is a fantastic spot. It's 100% worth the visit!
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Helen K.

Yelp
Enchanting sculpture garden! If you're into abstract, contemporary, and landmark sculptures, you're in for a treat. Never found this during our first trip to New Orleans, but it was a whole different world compared to Bourbon Street. Garden is gorgeous with green foliage and you see the groundskeepers hard at work to maintain it. All the sculptures are unique and picture worthy from famous love, SF safety pin, trippy mirror art, figures, and so much more. While the garden is free, by the end you feel as if you would need to donate to keep it flourished.
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Vivian C.

Yelp
The plan was a good one. I was in New Orleans for the food, but you can only eat so much, and you need time to digest, so I was going to hit the The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden with its free entry and photo opportunities galore. Neighboring NOMA (New Orleans Museum of Art) and New Orleans Botanical Garden are only $12 and $8 per adult respectively, but I figured that would be another $20 I could put towards lining my stomach. On the only clear day forecasted, I headed on over on the Canal Street Streetcar after dropping off my stuff at the hotel. Unfortunately, I made an unscheduled side trip to the end of the cemetery line after my two scheduled stops for food. By the time I located the metal bars of the fence surrounding the sculpture park within City Park, the gate was closed. But it was scheduled to close at 5pm, it being winter hours, which was still a few minutes away, and I noticed people still wandering within. Unfortunately I could not for the life of me find the still unlocked exit where I could hope to slip through for a little while. 64 sculptures sprawled across approximately five acres - I could see a few of them from the wrong side of the fence. Oh well, at least I had the chance to see some neat public art along the water lining the entrance of City Park from where the streetcar dropped me off. *** NOMA offers a free mobile guide and audio tour of the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, which is accessible through a cell phone at bit.ly/nomaguide. Hours per the website: Summer Hours | April 1 - September 30 | 10 am - 6 pm Winter Hours | October 1 - March 31 | 10 am - 5 pm Closed Endymion Saturday, Lundi Gras, Mardi Gras, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
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Quandra T.

Yelp
This was on my list of NOLA activities during my trip there a few months back and it did NOT disappoint! PLEASE go here if you take a trip to New Orleans. It is beautiful and it is FREE. It's located right next to the New Orleans Museum of Art. It has a TON of sculptures, VERY well-kept and a Cafe Du Monde nearby that serves some banging hot chocolate. This isn't just some park with statues in it; this place is a landscaped work of art. The spanish moss, the lakes and ponds and reflection pools, the bridges. You can easily spend a few hours out here. And the art varies from traditional to contemporary to Harry Potter-ish to weird. There's something here for everyone. It was VERY serene and peaceful and altogether a gorgeous and revitalizing place to be in. When I say it's the best sculpture garden I have ever been to, I mean it. There is literally no reason not to make a stop here. Take the trolley while you're at it.
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Karen T.

Yelp
This sculpture garden is adjacent to the New Orleans Museum of Art within City Park. It is one of many free attractions found in the park and can be walked in less than an hour. The sculptures cover various styles with some being more classical and others more contemporary. The live oaks draped with spanish moss and water features provide a tranquil and relaxing setting for the art in what is truly a garden. We were happy we choose to include sightseeing there during our time in the park.
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Keith C.

Yelp
The crown jewel of the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden is truly a sight to behold. What seems like an endless amount of art is on display in a lush environment that almost seems to good to be true. Now twice as large thanks to an expansion, the FREE venue is easily the best deal in the city. You can spend all day admiring the collection and still not cover all the grounds.
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John B.

Yelp
One of City Park's many attractions, the sculpture garden is sandwiched between the art museum and the botanic gardens, and is obviously related to both, and yet unlike the other two is free. This is handy. Their hours aren't overly long and it isn't huge, but it's a very nice space. The local oak trees and their Spanish moss make for a great backdrop for art, and there are some water fixtures as well. It truly is a garden. It's not really a destination unto itself, but being close to other nice parts of the park it's definitely worth a stop by.
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Judy J.

Yelp
How stunning of a park and location for this amazing sculpture garden. Visit or bike around it. A must see
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Elizabeth T.

Yelp
This is a great sculpture garden, well worth the $5 entrance fee. Good mix of classical, modern, and fun. Definitely glad we checked this out- and it's a 3 minute walk from the park's Cafe du Monde, which didn't have much of a line and was delicious.
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Alvin D.

Yelp
5/5 public and natural art! Sitting here in the shade having all these thoughts. This in the past years had always been this nice extra thing, but the new expansion really refocuses the nature aspects for me. So we're not in an indoor, controlled environment. We have pieces made by humans in direct conversation with earth, sea, and sky. In particular, I've failed to notice how the trees and moss frame everything. The moving water shares life with the rest of the static objects. I'm particularly in love with the experience of the walking path right along the water that goes under the train bridge, I think it really speaks to the experience of living in New Orleans. Excellent expansion!
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Kevin J.

Yelp
They just expanded this sculpture garden in this year of 2019 AD and it's sprawling and busy, but not too overcrowded. Eleven acres of sculptures and landscaping are a lot to take in, especially if it's threatening to rain and closing time is fast approaching, but I did my best to take in all in. There's even a satellite gallery to the NOMA home planet this crazy constellation surrounds! I thought I covered the whole thing, but a quick browse through their website revealed sculptures I couldn't for the life of me remember seeing. Some of the sculptures struck me as too gimmicky or trying too hard, but it's impossible to please everybody with everything in a whole array of material, and the vast majority I really enjoyed. And fortunately, nothing was so insuffeably pretentious that it just made me groan and roll my eyes. Well, maybe one sculpture but I can't remember what it was right now. Stand outs for me included the spider by Louise Bourgeois, the girl riding the snail by Hank Willis Thomas, the suspended body by Alison Saar and the giant skull by Katherina Fritsch. Pablo Casals' obelisk rising out of the lagoon was impressive, too, reminding me of work by my friend Robert Sestok. The bridges, water and plant life add a lot to the experience here, which is included in admission to New Orleans Museum of Art. If I was a local I could definitely see myself returning periodically here. It seems like a sunny weather day could have definitely altered my perceptions of this place. Seems like a good place to sit with a sketchbook and draw, too.