Ogden Museum of Southern Art
Discover the vibrant art and culture of the American South at the Ogden Museum, featuring diverse exhibitions and stunning architecture.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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Best Time
Save money and experience art
Ogden Museum of Southern Art
Best Time
Save money and experience art

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the vibrant art and culture of the American South at the Ogden Museum, featuring diverse exhibitions and stunning architecture.
"A gem with well-curated exhibits, stunning architecture, and friendly staff, making it a must-visit in New Orleans."
🎯 Plan for Free Days
Check for free local days to save on admission and enjoy the museum.
⬆️ Start on the 5th Floor
Staff recommend starting upstairs and working down for a cohesive experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Keith Duncan's HBCU Portraits
Joyful and beautiful portraits celebrating HBCU culture and students. A vibrant tribute to music and memory.

Raven Halfmoon: Flags of Our Mothers
A powerful exhibition by Caddo Nation ceramicist honoring Indigenous women and their resilience.

Bé সহায়তাize and the Frey Children
Permanent Collection
Features a recently restored enslaved boy, offering new insights into historical narratives.

Hoa Tay (Flower Hands)
A thought-provoking exhibit celebrating Vietnamese-American culture and heritage.
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Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to the Ogden Museum
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Plan for Free Days
Check for free local days to save on admission and enjoy the museum.
⬆️ Start on the 5th Floor
Staff recommend starting upstairs and working down for a cohesive experience.
🛍️ Explore the Gift Shop
Wonderful selection of books, art, crafts, and clothing inspired by Southern art.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking across multiple floors.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Plan for Free Days
Check for free local days to save on admission and enjoy the museum.
⬆️ Start on the 5th Floor
Staff recommend starting upstairs and working down for a cohesive experience.
🛍️ Explore the Gift Shop
Wonderful selection of books, art, crafts, and clothing inspired by Southern art.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of walking across multiple floors.
📸 Rooftop Views
Don't miss the beautiful rooftop area for great city views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Ogden Museum of Southern Art as a gem, highlighting its well-curated exhibitions across multiple floors and its stunning architecture. Many appreciate the reasonable admission prices and the friendly, helpful staff. The gift shop is also a frequent point of positive mention.
"This is one of the best I have been around the world. Small modest building with really well curated exhibitions over three floors. The gift shop is wonderful! 😍"
Thian Jong
"Such a gem! We loved the exhibits: Keith Duncan's HBCU portraits were joyful and beautiful, Benny Andrews was a revelation, Hoa Tay (Flower Hands) was thought provoking and the images of New Orleans from the permanent collection gave us new insight into the creative history of a great American city. The Ogden is everything a local museum should be:a space for new voices, old voices with new perspectives and a beautiful space that fosters our imagination and dispels labels and eschews stereotypes. This was an afternoon well spent."
Janet Williams
"While visiting New Orleans, my daughter and I stopped by the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, and it was an absolute highlight of our trip. Staying at the Hilton Riverside, we found it an easy, flat, 20-minute walk to the museum.
The admission price was very reasonable at $15 for adults and just $7 for kids/teens up to 17. The staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, suggesting we start on the 5th floor and work our way down. This was great advice—giving us a wonderful perspective and made the experience feel cohesive and well-paced.
The exhibits were thoughtfully curated, showcasing a fantastic mix of Southern art, culture, and history and diverse exhibit showcasing everything from traditional paintings to modern art installations.
The architecture of the museum is stunning—bright, airy, and thoughtfully designed. The open layout, with views across all levels, added to the experience, making it both visually striking and easy to navigate.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for something memorable to do in New Orleans, this museum is a must-visit. Highly recommend!"
Shaune Hayes
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Ogden Museum is located in New Orleans' Warehouse Arts District. It's an easy 20-minute walk from many central locations, including hotels near the Hilton Riverside. Paid parking is available nearby.
Yes, there is paid parking available in lots near the museum, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk, typically around 20-30 minutes depending on your starting point in the French Quarter.
Walking is highly recommended if you're staying nearby. Otherwise, ride-sharing services or taxis are convenient options.
While specific routes vary, the Warehouse Arts District is generally served by New Orleans' public transportation network. Check local transit schedules for the most convenient options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
General admission is typically around $15 for adults and $7 for children/teens. Look out for discounted categories like students or SNAP/EBT cardholders.
Yes, the museum often hosts free local days, which are a great opportunity to visit without an admission fee.
It's recommended to purchase tickets at the museum, especially if you qualify for discounts. Online options may be available.
The museum is generally open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but it's always best to check their official website for the most current hours.
Yes, the Ogden Museum offers various membership levels, which can provide benefits like free admission and discounts.
🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience
Highlights include Keith Duncan's HBCU portraits, Raven Halfmoon's 'Flags of Our Mothers,' and exhibits like 'Hoa Tay (Flower Hands)' and 'Bé সহায়তাize and the Frey Children.' The permanent collection also offers great insights.
Most visitors find 2-3 hours to be sufficient to explore the exhibits thoroughly. You can easily spend longer if you're deeply engaged.
Yes, the museum often hosts Free Family Days with arts and crafts, making it a fun and educational experience for children.
Yes, the museum features a beautiful rooftop area offering great views of the New Orleans skyline.
The museum boasts stunning, modern architecture with a bright, airy, and open layout that enhances the visitor experience.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
The gift shop offers a wonderful selection of books, artworks, crafts, and clothing, often inspired by Southern art and culture.
The museum itself does not typically have a full-service restaurant, but there are many dining options in the surrounding Warehouse Arts District.
Absolutely! The store is known for its curated selection of unique items that make for great souvenirs.
Yes, the shop often features works by local and Southern artists, reflecting the museum's focus.
Typically, museum gift shops are accessible to the public, but it's always a good idea to confirm their access policy.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed for personal use, but flash photography is usually prohibited. Some special exhibitions may have restrictions.
Yes, the museum's architecture, the rooftop views, and the diverse artwork provide many excellent photo opportunities.
The rooftop, the open atrium spaces, and specific visually striking artworks are popular for photography.
Drone photography is almost certainly not permitted within the museum or on its grounds due to safety and privacy regulations.
Tripods are often restricted to avoid obstructing other visitors. It's best to check the museum's specific photography policy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Admission prices are reasonable, with discounted rates for children and teens. The diverse exhibits, from vibrant portraits to thought-provoking installations, can spark curiosity and conversation among family members of all ages. Don't forget to explore the gift shop for unique souvenirs that kids might enjoy!
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider purchasing tickets at the museum, as they may offer discounts for students or those with SNAP/EBT cards. The museum's location in the Warehouse Arts District also makes it accessible via walking from many popular tourist areas, saving on transportation costs.
🎨 Art Enthusiasts
With thoughtfully curated exhibitions that highlight both established and emerging artists, the Ogden offers a continuous stream of engaging content. From historical narratives to contemporary explorations, the museum provides a rich and nuanced understanding of Southern artistic expression. The stunning architecture and the opportunity to explore the rooftop further enhance the immersive art experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of the American South
Visitors can expect to see everything from traditional paintings and sculptures to contemporary installations and photography. The exhibits are thoughtfully curated, often highlighting diverse voices and perspectives within Southern art. This focus allows for a deep dive into the region's history, social issues, and cultural identity, as reflected through the eyes of its artists.
Whether you're interested in folk art, modern masters, or emerging talents, the Ogden Museum offers a compelling journey through the artistic landscape of the South. It's a place where stories unfold, traditions are honored, and new dialogues are sparked through visual expression.
Architectural Marvel and Visitor Experience
Many visitors appreciate the museum's self-paced and quiet atmosphere, making it a relaxing escape. The staff are consistently praised for being incredibly friendly and helpful, often offering great advice on how to best experience the museum, such as starting on the top floor and working down. This thoughtful approach ensures that visitors can fully immerse themselves in the art and the museum's unique environment.
Beyond the galleries, the museum offers a beautiful rooftop area that provides great views of the city, adding another dimension to the visit. This combination of impressive architecture, a welcoming atmosphere, and helpful staff makes the Ogden Museum a truly memorable destination.
Exploring Exhibitions and Collections
Beyond temporary exhibits, the museum's permanent collection is a treasure trove, offering new insights into the creative history of New Orleans and the broader South. Exhibitions like 'Hoa Tay (Flower Hands)' celebrate cultural diversity, showcasing thought-provoking works that engage with heritage and identity. The thoughtful curation ensures a diverse and engaging experience for every visitor, reflecting the multifaceted nature of Southern art.
These exhibitions are not just displays of art; they are invitations to explore complex themes, celebrate resilience, and gain a deeper understanding of the American South. The museum acts as a space for new voices, old stories with new perspectives, and a platform that challenges stereotypes.
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