Whenever I think about New Orleans, my mind instantly dances to the rhythm of jazz bands in the French Quarter, the aroma of gumbo simmering in a cast-iron pot, and the kaleidoscope of beads from Mardi Gras parades. New Orleans is not only a city of music and food, but also a cultural treasure chest of museums that showcase art, history, and science in ways I’ve rarely seen elsewhere.
- The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) – the crown jewel for fine arts.
- The National WWII Museum – a world-class historical journey.
- Ogden Museum of Southern Art – a soulful celebration of Southern identity.
I’ll share not just the facts — tickets, hours, and how to book — but also the emotional journey each museum took me on. I’ll talk about three pieces I personally loved in each, and three more I’d recommend to any visitor. And because I’ve been there, I’ll let you in on the little secrets, pros and cons, and money-saving tips that make all the difference.
The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA)
Location: City Park, 1 Collins Diboll Circle, New Orleans, LA 70124
Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (closed Mondays)
General Admission: Adults $15, Seniors $10, Students $8, Children under 12 free.
Booking Platforms: Tickets available directly on the NOMA website, but I also found them listed on TripAdvisor and GetYourGuide. (Direct purchase gives priority entry.)
Getting There
NOMA sits inside City Park, one of the largest urban parks in the United States. I took the Canal Street streetcar (the green line) and hopped off at the City Park/Museum stop — it was about a 25-minute ride from the French Quarter and cost me just $1.25 one-way with my Jazzy Pass (a must-have for unlimited streetcar/bus rides). From the stop, it was an easy 10-minute stroll through oak-lined paths to the museum entrance.
My Experience
Walking into NOMA felt like entering a sanctuary for creativity. The grand marble staircase, the soft glow of the natural light, and the hushed excitement of other visitors made me pause and smile. The museum houses over 40,000 works, from Renaissance paintings to contemporary photography, but three pieces etched themselves into my memory:
My Three Favorite Works
- Claude Monet’s “Water Lilies” – Standing in front of this painting, I felt as if I’d been transported straight to Giverny. The brushstrokes shimmered like ripples in the pond, and I remember thinking: This is what peace looks like on canvas.
- Kehinde Wiley’s “Charles I in Three Positions” – Wiley’s bold, modern reinterpretation of classical portraiture blew me away. The vibrant backgrounds almost danced off the canvas, and I loved seeing a powerful Black subject depicted with such dignity and grandeur.
- Ancient Japanese Samurai Armor (16th century) – Hidden among the global collections, this piece fascinated me. The lacquered helmet, the silk cords, the ornate detailing — I could almost hear the footsteps of history echoing through the gallery.
My Three Recommendations for Visitors - Edgar Degas’s “Portrait of Estelle Musson Degas” – Painted during the artist’s time in New Orleans, it connects you directly to the city’s artistic history.
- The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden (free with museum admission) – Wandering here felt magical. Imagine 90 sculptures nestled among live oaks, lagoons, and winding paths — a true outdoor gallery.
- Native American Pottery Collection – Tucked in a quieter gallery, this display reminded me of the deep cultural roots of the region long before jazz and jambalaya.
Services and Amenities
• Café NOMA: Run by the Brennan family (of Commander’s Palace fame), it served me a shrimp po’boy and iced tea for about $14 — honestly, one of the best museum cafés I’ve tried anywhere.
• Gift Shop: I couldn’t resist a set of Degas-inspired postcards ($12) and a locally made ceramic mug ($25).
• Accessibility: Fully wheelchair accessible, with elevators and wide galleries.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
• World-class collection with a balance of European masters and Louisiana artists.
• Easy to reach by streetcar.
• Sculpture garden is a gem.
Cons:
• Closed on Mondays (I had to adjust my itinerary).
• Limited evening hours — I wish they stayed open late for a different vibe.
Discounts and Booking Tips
• Students & Seniors: Always carry ID; you’ll save a few dollars.
• NOLA Pass: If you’re planning multiple attractions, consider the Go New Orleans All-Inclusive Pass — it includes NOMA entry and can save 30–40%.
• Free Days: On Wednesdays, Louisiana residents get in free (I envied locals for this perk!).
My Reflection
Leaving NOMA, I felt like I’d taken a trip around the world and through centuries — all without leaving New Orleans. The mix of French Impressionists, Southern artists, and global treasures mirrors the city’s own identity: layered, diverse, and endlessly inspiring.Great! Let’s keep going — now I’ll take you through Museum #2: The National WWII Museum in New Orleans, one of the most powerful cultural institutions I’ve ever visited. I’ll follow the same storytelling approach: personal experience, detailed works/exhibits, pros/cons, ticket info, and travel tips.
The National WWII Museum
Location: 945 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Hours: Daily, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
General Admission: Adults $32.50, Seniors $29.50, Students (K–12, college with ID) $22.50, Children under 5 free.
Booking Platforms: Tickets can be purchased directly via nationalww2museum.org. I also saw them on GetYourGuide, TripAdvisor, and Expedia. Direct purchase is best if you want to secure add-ons like the Beyond All Boundaries 4D experience or the Final Mission: USS Tang Submarine Experience.
Getting There
From the French Quarter, I walked to Canal Street and caught the St. Charles Avenue streetcar — it’s about a 10-minute ride, followed by a 5-minute walk. You can also grab a quick rideshare (Uber/Lyft) for around $7–10, depending on traffic.
My Experience
Stepping into the WWII Museum felt like entering a living time capsule. Unlike many history museums that rely heavily on text panels, this one immersed me in stories through sound, light, and interactive exhibits. It’s not just about battles and dates — it’s about people, decisions, and emotions.
I remember standing in the “Road to Berlin” exhibit, surrounded by recreated bombed-out walls, listening to veterans’ voices narrating their experiences. It wasn’t just history; it was human history.
My Three Favorite Exhibits
- Beyond All Boundaries (4D film, narrated by Tom Hanks) – This was worth every penny of the $7 add-on. Imagine being seated in a theater where the seats rumble, snow falls from the ceiling during the Battle of the Bulge, and archival footage blends seamlessly with Hollywood production. I actually teared up at moments — it was that powerful.
- Final Mission: USS Tang Submarine Experience – I volunteered to “become” one of the submarine crew members (each visitor gets a card). As the lights dimmed and the simulation began, we reenacted the final mission of the Tang. It was tense, gripping, and incredibly emotional knowing the fate of that real submarine.
- Personal Letters Exhibit – Among the big tanks and planes, I stumbled upon a quiet corner displaying handwritten letters from soldiers to their families. One simple line — “I miss your apple pie” — stopped me cold. It reminded me that history is always made up of ordinary lives and small details.
Three Recommended Highlights for Visitors - The Boeing Center – A massive hall showcasing restored aircraft like the B-17 Flying Fortress. Standing beneath those giant wings was jaw-dropping.
- The Road to Tokyo – This exhibit takes you through the Pacific theater with recreated jungle environments. It gave me goosebumps walking through the dimly lit “island caves.”
- Victory Theater Performances – Occasionally, live performances bring wartime music back to life. If you’re lucky, you’ll catch a big-band style swing show.
Services and Amenities
• American Sector Restaurant & Bar: I grabbed a fried chicken po’boy here for $16 — pricier than a street spot, but the quality was excellent, and it gave me a needed break.
• Museum Store: I picked up a replica WWII ration book ($10) and a Rosie the Riveter tote bag ($22). They also sell model planes and books.
• Accessibility: The museum is fully accessible, with elevators, ramps, and audio guides.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
• World-class immersive exhibits; one of the best history museums I’ve visited anywhere.
• Emotional storytelling that makes history personal.
• Great for families, school groups, and history buffs alike.
Cons:
• The size! You realistically need at least 5–6 hours to see everything. I did it in two visits.
• Add-ons like Beyond All Boundaries and Final Mission cost extra.
• Gets very crowded in the afternoon — mornings are quieter.
Discounts and Booking Tips
• Combo Tickets: If you’re also planning a swamp tour, plantation visit, or city pass, look for packages that include museum admission.
• AAA & Military Discounts: Veterans and active-duty military often receive reduced admission — always bring ID.
• Membership: If you live nearby or plan multiple visits, the annual membership ($50 individual) pays for itself quickly.
• Book Early: If you want to see Beyond All Boundaries, reserve your seat when booking your main ticket, because times do sell out.
My Reflection
Leaving the WWII Museum, I felt humbled. I’ve been to history museums around the world — from London’s Imperial War Museum to Berlin’s Topography of Terror — but this one was different. It was personal, emotional, and deeply American, yet universally human.
I caught myself thinking: This isn’t just a museum — it’s a reminder of resilience, sacrifice, and the fragility of peace.
The Ogden Museum of Southern Art
Location: 925 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA 70130
Hours: Wednesday–Monday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm (Closed Tuesday)
Admission: Adults $13.50, Seniors (65+) $11, Students $7.25, Children under 5 free. Louisiana residents get free admission on Thursdays thanks to corporate sponsorship.
Booking Platforms: Tickets can be booked directly at ogdenmuseum.org, or purchased onsite. Platforms like TripAdvisor and GetYourGuide also list combo passes that include the Ogden, the Contemporary Arts Center across the street, and the WWII Museum.
Getting There
The Ogden is part of the Warehouse Arts District, just across from the WWII Museum. I simply walked from there — it was less than a 5-minute stroll. From the French Quarter, you can hop on the Canal Streetcar (Cemeteries line) and walk about 10 minutes.
My Experience
After the intensity of the WWII Museum, the Ogden felt like a breath of fresh air — colorful, soulful, and uniquely Southern. From the moment I stepped inside, I noticed the difference: the art here wasn’t about global wars or grand narratives but about identity, place, and culture.
It felt like walking into a friend’s home — intimate, sometimes messy, but always filled with stories.
My Three Favorite Pieces
- George Rodrigue’s “Blue Dog” – This painting is iconic. Rodrigue’s instantly recognizable blue dog, with its piercing yellow eyes, felt whimsical yet haunting. I stood there smiling, thinking of how this single image became a symbol of Louisiana art.
- William Christenberry’s Photographs – His series of weathered, abandoned buildings in Alabama captivated me. They reminded me of road trips across the South where you stumble upon a forgotten shack and wonder about the lives once lived there.
- Herb Williams’ Crayon Sculptures – Imagine everyday objects crafted entirely out of Crayola crayons. It was playful, colorful, and nostalgic — I could smell the wax and instantly thought of childhood art projects.
Three Recommended Works/Exhibits - Southern Vernacular Art Collection – Folk art from self-taught artists, including quilt-makers and woodcarvers. It’s raw, powerful, and gives voice to people who aren’t always represented in mainstream galleries.
- Contemporary Southern Photography – Rotating exhibits that showcase life across the South, from Mardi Gras parades to rural landscapes.
- Music-Inspired Works – The Ogden often highlights the connection between Southern visual art and jazz, blues, and gospel. One gallery pulsed with colors that seemed to echo the rhythms of a brass band.
Services and Amenities
• Museum Store: One of the best places to pick up unique, handcrafted souvenirs. I bought a hand-painted mug ($18) and a set of postcards featuring Southern folk art ($12). They also had jewelry from local artists.
• Docent-Led Tours: Free with admission on certain days. My docent shared stories about the artists that weren’t on the placards — that personal insight made the visit much richer.
• Ogden After Hours: Every Thursday night, the museum hosts live Southern music (from jazz to blues). Tickets are $13.50 for non-members, and the vibe is amazing — art plus music equals the perfect New Orleans night.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
• The most comprehensive collection of Southern art in the world.
• Friendly, knowledgeable staff who love sharing stories.
• Smaller scale, so you can see everything in 2–3 hours without feeling overwhelmed.
• Fantastic gift shop with authentic local crafts.
Cons:
• Limited café options (I had to step out for lunch).
• Closed on Tuesdays, which can catch some travelers by surprise.
• Some exhibits rotate often, so a specific piece you’ve read about may not always be on display.
Discounts and Booking Tips
• Free Thursdays for Louisiana Residents: If you’re local, take advantage of this!
• Combination Passes: Buy a multi-museum ticket with the WWII Museum and Contemporary Arts Center to save around 15%.
• Student Discounts: Bring your student ID — the $7.25 ticket is a steal.
My Reflection
The Ogden Museum touched me in a different way than the grand historical narrative of the WWII Museum or the classic European collections at the New Orleans Museum of Art. Here, I felt the heartbeat of the South — its joy, its struggles, its creativity.
I left thinking about how art reflects identity. The Ogden reminded me that the South isn’t just a place; it’s a story constantly being told in paint, fabric, metal, and sound.
Why New Orleans’ Museums Are More Than Just Buildings
As I wrapped up my days of exploring New Orleans’ museums, I realized something profound: these aren’t just collections of artifacts, paintings, or installations. They are storytelling spaces. Each museum — from the powerful WWII Museum to the soulful Ogden, and from the timeless halls of the New Orleans Museum of Art to the quirky local collections — offers a different lens through which to understand the city and, more broadly, the human experience.
New Orleans is already a city alive with music, food, and architecture, but its museums add another layer — one that grounds the city’s vibrancy in history, memory, and creativity. Walking through these spaces, I felt like I was not only learning facts but also having conversations across time with artists, soldiers, dreamers, and everyday people whose lives shaped the South.
For me, the highlight wasn’t just the famous paintings or world-renowned exhibitions, but the moments of connection:
• Standing in front of George Rodrigue’s “Blue Dog” and laughing at how something so whimsical could feel so haunting.
• Listening to a docent’s story at the Ogden that made a painting come alive.
• Watching a group of schoolchildren at the WWII Museum ask tough questions about courage and loss — proof that history still resonates with new generations.
My Final Tips for Travelers
• Plan Ahead: Popular museums like the WWII Museum sell out during peak weekends. Book tickets online early.
• Look for Discounts: Louisiana residents often get free admission on certain days. Students and seniors can also save significantly.
• Mix Big and Small Museums: Spend a half-day at the major institutions, but leave time for smaller, specialized museums — they can be just as rewarding.
• Give Yourself Time: Don’t cram too much. Museums here deserve to be savored, like a bowl of gumbo where each ingredient adds to the flavor.
New Orleans has always been described as a place where cultures meet, collide, and create something entirely new. Its museums embody that spirit perfectly. Whether you’re an art lover, a history buff, or just a curious traveler, these spaces will leave you not just with knowledge, but with a deeper sense of why New Orleans is unlike any other city in America.
And as I left my last museum visit, stepping out into the lively streets with jazz floating in the distance and the smell of beignets in the air, I couldn’t help but smile. Museums here don’t just showcase history — they remind you that in New Orleans, the past, present, and future are always in conversation.
