New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA)

The Basics

The art museum started life 100 years ago with just nine items on display. The collection has grown over time to include more than 40,000 works of fine art, sculpture, furniture, and historic artifacts. Of particular interest are the French impressionist and post-impressionist works by Degas (who lived in New Orleans for a time), Monet, Renoir, Picasso, Gauguin, and more. The building itself, with imposing Doric columns and impressive classic façade, also deserves your attention.

The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden is a another highlight, which can be enjoyed via a guided audio tour or a self-guided walk. The shaded garden is home to 50 modern works of sculpture dotting the landscaped grounds. The museum is a stop on some New Orleans city tours and you can buy a pass with fast-track entry so you can skip any lines.

Things to Know Before You Go

• There is free parking at the museum.

• Wednesdays are free for Louisiana residents.

• Discounted tickets are available for students, seniors, active military (with ID), and children. Children under 6 can visit for free.

• The museum and sculpture garden are both wheelchair accessible, and there are a limited number of wheelchairs on-site for visitors.

• A café is available for refreshments.

• Entry to the sculpture garden is free of charge.

How to Get There

The New Orleans Museum of Art is at 1 Collins Diboll Circle, City Park, New Orleans. The Canal Streetcar Line stops a short walk away from the museum, which is also accessible by car, taxi, bus or as part of a citywide guided tour.

When to Get There

The New Orleans Museum of Art is open Tuesday–Sunday. It is closed on Mondays and some holidays. Opening hours are: Tuesday–Thursday, 10am–6pm; Friday, 10am–9pm; Saturday, 10am–5pm; and Sunday, 11am–5pm. Plan on spending at least two hours here to give yourself time to enjoy the exhibits as well as the sculpture garden.

Riding the Canal Street Streetcar

Three lines operate the classic streetcars of New Orleans. Canal Street Line runs from the bottom of Canal Street downtown to the New Orleans Museum of Art at Collins Diboll Circle. St. Charles Line, the oldest continuously operating streetcar line in the world, travels through the Garden District’s antebellum mansions, from Canal Street to Carrollton and Claiborne avenues. Riverfront Line takes in the sights along the Mississippi River, such as Harrah’s Casino and the Riverwalk Marketplace.

Ways to explore

The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) is a top cultural attraction, so it’s worth booking tickets in advance to avoid the crowds. You can also book skip-the-line private tours, which are typically led by a guide who offers insight into the museum’s masterpieces and are ideal for travelers short on time or who’d like guidance navigating the museum’s many pieces. NOMA also features on some self-guided smartphone tours and city exploration games—ideal for anyone who would like to explore at their own pace.

Accessibility

The museum is fully accessible to wheelchairs. Loan wheelchairs are available (you will need to present ID to borrow a wheelchair), and there are accessible restrooms. Paths in the Besthoff Sculpture Garden are suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Service animals are welcome.

Age limits

None; anyone aged 19 and under enters for free.

What to pack

Digital or printed ticket, portable power bank

What to wear

Wear comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing to explore the adjacent Besthoff Sculpture Garden and the surrounding New Orleans City Park.

Not allowed

Outside food and drinks, luggage, large bags, tripods, flash photography, pets, picnicking in the sculpture garden

Amenities

Museum shop, café, restrooms, coat check

Address

The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) is within New Orleans City Park, which is just a short drive or streetcar ride from downtown. Visitors typically arrive by car, rideshare, or as part of guided tours.

Driving

From the French Quarter, it’s around a 15-minute drive to the museum via Esplanade Avenue. Once there, there’s free parking on Lelong Avenue or behind the Besthoff Sculpture Garden.

Public transportation

You can get the Canal-City Park streetcar to the intersection of Esplanade Street and Wisner Avenue, which is a short walk away. Alternatively, RTA bus lines 27, 60, 90, and 91 stop nearby.

Best times to visit

If you’d like to avoid crowds, arrive at the museum in the morning, close to opening time.

Best days to visit

The museum is closed on Mondays. On Wednesdays, it operates later opening hours from 12pm to 7pm. Visit on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday to miss the weekend rush.

Best months to visit

The museum is open year-round. The spring months of March to May are lovely in New Orleans, boasting pleasant temperatures without the heat of summer.

Special events

The springtime Art in Bloom festival, typically in March, showcases beautiful floral designs created by talent from New Orleans and beyond.