Written by RuinMyTrip Editorial from published research and official sources, not from a personal trip. It is not a traveler review and is never counted in the community rating. How we research.
What it is
New Orleans' principal art museum, in City Park, holding European and American painting, photography, Japanese and African art and decorative arts, with an adjoining free sculpture garden.
Why travelers go
For the photography collection and the French rooms, and for the Besthoff Sculpture Garden, which is free and better than the museum's reputation suggests.
What is genuinely good
Free under 20. A free eleven-acre sculpture garden under live oaks. Strong photography and decorative arts. A calm alternative to the Quarter.
Downsides and tourist traps
Two-tier pricing that charges visitors more. A long trip from the centre. Conventional gallery presentation. Closed on several holidays including Mardi Gras.
Best for
Families, given free entry under 20, and anyone wanting a half day away from Bourbon Street.
Consider skipping if
You have two days in New Orleans. The WWII Museum and the city itself have the stronger claim.
Practical advice
Do the sculpture garden even if you skip the museum, because it is free and open separately. Take the Canal Street streetcar to City Park and allow half an hour each way.
Tickets and reservations
Adults $18 for Louisiana residents and $23 out-of-state; seniors 65 and up $13 and $18; active military with ID $13 and $18; university students with ID $11 and $16; youth 19 and under free. Members enter free. The Besthoff Sculpture Garden is free to all.
Getting there
The Canal Street streetcar to City Park and Museum, which stops at the entrance, about twenty-five minutes from the French Quarter.
Where it sits
City Park, a large park north of the centre with live oaks, lagoons and the sculpture garden, well away from the tourist districts.
How long to allow
Two hours for the museum, plus an hour for the sculpture garden.
Accessibility
Step-free with lifts throughout the museum, and the sculpture garden paths are level and paved.
The RuinMyTrip verdict
Go for the free sculpture garden and stay for the photography. Free under 20, and the out-of-state surcharge is the only irritating part.
Sources
- Adult admission is $18 for Louisiana residents and $23 for out-of-state visitors. source
- Youth aged 19 and under enter free, both residents and out-of-state visitors. source