NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, JULY 12:  The New Orleans Museum Of Art, July 12, 2012, in New Orleans, La.  Celebrating 100 years, NOMA is now featuring the "Ralston Crawford And Jazz" exhibition.; Shutterstock ID 107506952; Your name (First / Last): Josh Vogel; Project no. or GL code: 56530; Network activity no. or Cost Centre: Online-Design; Product or Project: 65050/7529/Josh Vogel/LP.com Destination Galleries

Shutterstock / Chuck Wagner

New Orleans Museum of Art

New Orleans


Inside City Park, this elegant museum was opened in 1911 and is well worth a visit for its special exhibitions, gorgeous marble atrium and top-floor galleries of African, Asian, Native American and Oceanic art. Its sculpture garden contains a cutting-edge collection in lush, meticulously planned grounds. Other specialties include Southern painters and an ever-expanding collection of modern and contemporary art. On select Friday nights, the museum is open until 9pm.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby New Orleans attractions

2. Botanical Gardens

0.13 MILES

Located within City Park, both local and international flora is exhibited here. You'll also find stirring examples of Works Progress Administration (WPA)…

3. Singing Oak

0.2 MILES

This oak tree near Big Lake in City Park stands festooned with chimes, some up to 14ft in length. Standing under the tree during the slightest breeze is…

4. Peristyle

0.22 MILES

This eye-catching pavilion in City Park, built in 1907, is marked by Ionic columns and flanked by four lions. It looks like it was summoned via some time…

5. Storyland

0.27 MILES

There are no rides at Storyland, located next to Carousel Gardens, but the fairy-tale statuary provides plenty of fuel for young imaginations. Children…

6. City Park

0.27 MILES

Live oaks, Spanish moss and lazy bayous frame this masterpiece of urban planning. Three miles long and 1 mile wide, dotted with gardens, waterways and…

7. Bayou St John

0.32 MILES

Back in the day, this was a true bayou – an overgrown morass of Spanish moss and prowling alligators. Native Americans, fur trappers and smugglers would…

8. Carousel Gardens Amusement Park

0.38 MILES

This little amusement park is anchored by a 1906 carousel that's a gem of vintage carny-ride happiness. Other thrills include a Ferris wheel, bumper cars…