New Orleans Museum of Art
A grand marble museum housing over 40,000 global art pieces, complemented by a stunning 11-acre outdoor sculpture garden.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration.
New Orleans Museum of Art
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A grand marble museum housing over 40,000 global art pieces, complemented by a stunning 11-acre outdoor sculpture garden.
"The sculpture gardens are incredible, offering a gem of outdoor art and landscapes."
🎯 Explore the Sculpture Garden First
This outdoor art haven is a major highlight and often free!
💰 Check for Discounts
Admission can be costly; look for senior, student, or teacher rates.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Besthoff Sculpture Garden
Adjacent to the main museum building
An 11-acre outdoor wonderland with over 90 sculptures amidst lush landscapes. A true hidden gem!
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European Art Collection
Stunning and brilliant pieces, particularly noted for its incredible European Catholic art.
Global Art Collections
Explore diverse artworks from Africa, Asia, North America, and South America.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Sculpture Garden
+1Timing is Key for Value
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Explore the Sculpture Garden First
This outdoor art haven is a major highlight and often free! +1
💰 Check for Discounts
Admission can be costly; look for senior, student, or teacher rates.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Set aside at least three hours to fully appreciate the museum and gardens.
📸 Photo Opportunities Galore
The sculpture garden is especially perfect for capturing memorable shots.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Explore the Sculpture Garden First
This outdoor art haven is a major highlight and often free! +1
💰 Check for Discounts
Admission can be costly; look for senior, student, or teacher rates.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Set aside at least three hours to fully appreciate the museum and gardens.
📸 Photo Opportunities Galore
The sculpture garden is especially perfect for capturing memorable shots.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Especially important if visiting the outdoor sculpture garden on a warm day.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the stunning Besthoff Sculpture Garden, highlighting its beauty and free admission as major draws. The museum's diverse global art collections, particularly European pieces, are also well-regarded. However, some find the general admission price to be quite high, and parking can be a challenge on busy days.
"This review is mostly about the sculpture gardens. Although the museum is nice, it's the sculpture gardens that really wow you. The landscapes, combined with the outdoor art is just incredible. Paths wander around ponds, and sculptures are located along the paths, each one has a plaque telling you who the artist is and when it was sculpted. We went during the week, so it was probably less crowded. So many great photo opportunities along the way. Highly recommend going. What a gem."
Tom P
"Best spot to cool off during the week. Free on weds for Louisiana residents. Sculpture garden is great when it’s cooler outside. Must visit for anyone in the area."
josh sewell
"My daughter had this Art Museum on her list to visit. We had a nice time at this location. So much to see and read about, very nice art pictures and collectibles items. History, l loved it."
LaShunda Knowles
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) is located in City Park. You can reach it by car, taxi, rideshare, or public transportation. The park itself is a destination, so consider exploring other attractions nearby as well.
Parking is available and shared with City Park. It can get busy, especially on weekends, with parallel parking along the street often being the only option.
Yes, public transportation options are available to reach City Park and NOMA. Check the local transit authority for routes and schedules.
The museum is generally accessible, with efforts made to accommodate visitors with disabilities. It's always a good idea to check their official website for the most up-to-date accessibility information.
NOMA is situated within the expansive City Park, which offers numerous attractions including botanical gardens, walking paths, and recreational areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, and some reviews mention it being around $40 per person for adults, so it's advisable to check for discounts like senior, student, or teacher rates.
Some sources indicate that Wednesdays might be free for Louisiana residents, but it's best to confirm this directly with the museum.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance can save time, especially during peak seasons or if you're looking to secure a specific time slot. Check the official NOMA website for booking options.
The Besthoff Sculpture Garden is often highlighted as being free to enter, making it a fantastic accessible art experience.
Opening hours can vary, so it's recommended to check the official New Orleans Museum of Art website for the most current information on days and times of operation.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
Highlights include the extensive European art collection, diverse global art from Africa, Asia, and the Americas, and the immersive Besthoff Sculpture Garden.
Most visitors recommend dedicating at least three hours to fully explore both the museum's collections and the expansive sculpture garden.
The sculpture garden, with its open spaces and engaging art pieces, can be particularly enjoyable for children.
Photography policies can vary by exhibition. Generally, personal photography without flash is permitted in permanent collection galleries, but it's best to check signage or ask staff for specific exhibition rules. The sculpture garden is excellent for photos.
NOMA offers amenities such as restrooms, a cafe, and gift shop. The adjacent City Park also provides additional recreational opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the museum typically has a cafe where visitors can purchase refreshments and light meals.
Being located in City Park, there are dining options within the park and in the surrounding neighborhoods of New Orleans, offering a variety of culinary experiences.
Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted inside the museum galleries. It's best to consume any personal food items in designated outdoor areas or before entering.
📸 📸 Photography
The Besthoff Sculpture Garden is a photographer's dream, with its diverse sculptures set against beautiful natural backdrops. The museum's architecture also offers great photo opportunities.
Photography rules can differ for permanent collections versus special exhibitions. Always check for signage or ask staff. Flash photography is typically prohibited.
Visitors often capture landscape shots in the sculpture garden, artistic details of the sculptures, and architectural elements of the museum building.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the indoor galleries offer valuable art education, consider focusing on specific collections that might capture younger imaginations. The museum's location within City Park also provides additional family-friendly activities, making it a great destination for a full day out. Remember to check for any family-specific programming or events the museum might offer.
💰 Budget Travelers
Keep an eye out for potential free admission days, particularly for Louisiana residents on Wednesdays, as mentioned in some discussions.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The interplay of light and shadow on the artworks throughout the day provides dynamic photographic opportunities. Beyond the garden, the museum's grand architecture and the art collections themselves offer compelling subjects. While flash photography is usually prohibited indoors, the permanent collections provide ample opportunities for capturing detailed shots of historical and contemporary pieces.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of the Besthoff Sculpture Garden
+1This garden offers a unique and immersive art experience, allowing visitors to engage with art in a relaxed, open-air environment. It's a perfect spot for photography, offering endless creative possibilities with its diverse sculptures and scenic beauty. Many find it to be a tranquil escape and a highly recommended part of any visit to NOMA.
Unlike the indoor museum, the sculpture garden is frequently cited as being free to access, making it an excellent option for budget-conscious travelers or those looking for a more casual art encounter. It's particularly enjoyable during cooler weather, providing a refreshing way to experience art and nature simultaneously.
Navigating NOMA's Collections
Visitors often praise the quality and breadth of the collections, noting that even though the museum might be smaller than some counterparts in larger cities, the pieces on display are consistently worthwhile and engaging. The museum is well-organized, allowing for a thorough exploration of its diverse artistic offerings.
When planning your visit, consider dedicating ample time to explore these indoor galleries. The museum's grand marble building itself is an architectural point of interest, providing a beautiful setting for the art it houses.
Value and Visiting Tips
Look out for potential discounts such as senior, student, or teacher rates. Additionally, some sources suggest that Wednesdays might offer free admission for Louisiana residents, a tip that can significantly enhance the value of a visit for locals or those eligible. Always verify these details with the museum directly before your trip.
Beyond cost, planning your visit strategically can enhance the experience. Visiting on weekdays, especially in the morning, often leads to a less crowded and more intimate encounter with the art. Allowing at least three hours is recommended to fully appreciate both the indoor collections and the expansive outdoor sculpture garden.
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