Arts Districts

From the expanding gallery scene of Julia Street and the Warehouse District to the elegance of Uptown, and the tenacity of Royal Street, the New Orleans Art Scene has established itself as one of the major players in the art community across America. With more than 950 galleries representing local, regional, and international artists, the New Orleans Art Districts comprises the largest collection of art in any one city in the Southern United States. With the recent additions to the New Orleans Museum of Art, and its Sculpture Gardens, along with the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, the New Orleans Art District boasts an internationally noted collection. Special community projects by the NOLA Arts Council and Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) make for local shows worth experiencing.

Credited as the fastest growing business in the city, the New Orleans Art Districts have played a major role in the revitalization of one of America's jewels, The Big Easy. 

Royal Street and the French Quarter: Stroll through the Historic French Quarter, especially Royal Street, to view collections highlighting modern and pop artists including Basquiat and Warhol at Martin Lawrence Galleries located at 433 Royal St., and The Gallery of Light located at 540 Royal St. Known for its regional works, the French Quarter plays host to the Jamie Hayes Gallery located near Jackson Square on Chartres Street where visitors can purchase the world famous "Make A Wish Doll."  The Rodrique Studio at 730 Royal St. holds a Blue Dog staple in the Royal Street art scene. Located at 617 Bienville St., the Michalopoulos Gallery brings New Orleans homes to the rest of the world. European and modern masters are housed at 541 Royal St. where Galerie d'Art Francais offers serious art investors the opportunity to view the works of the French phenom Marc Clauzade and the American sensationalist Todd White. 

Julia Street and the Warehouse District:  Bringing modern art, furnishings, and accent labeling to a standard seen in larger cities are the galleries comprising the Julia Street Warehouse District art scene. Galleries line the streets from Convention Center Boulevard to St. Charles Avenue creating an atmosphere geared towards philanthropy and education. The Jonathan Ferrara Gallery, located at 400 Julia St., houses local and national artists who are also shown nationwide in museums. Look for art with a statement at this Manhattan-style gallery that has become a fixture in New Orleans. Michelle Y Williams Gallery has it all in the name as the Houston-based artist creates a thriving visual world from 835 Julia St. Arthur Roger Gallery brings art and home furnishings into one space and shows visitors that your home can be a work of art uniquely designed for you. The gallery is located at 432 Julia St.

The Contemporary Arts Center at 900 Camp St. is one of the most impressive collections New Orleans has to offer. Celebrating the performing arts, visual arts, and just about anything connected to art, the CAC, as it's called by locals, is famous for its Halloween bash, raising funds to support the arts in New Orleans. It's also the corner stone for many other fundraising events and programs within the Big Easy art community.

The Ogden Museum of Southern Art, a part of the University of New Orleans, is located at 925 Camp St. just a short block from famous Lee Circle. It houses one of the world's most impressive collections of Southern artist, reflecting the region's history and culture. The museums goal is to broaden the knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the visual arts and culture of the American South through its permanent collections, changing exhibitions, and educational programs. 

Magazine Street, Uptown, and the River: The elegance of Uptown is enhanced with the collections featured along Magazine Street. In the earlier blocks, the art leans towards a more affordable, regional market, with pottery and sculpture as the theme. At 1812 Magazine St., the intricate and amazing designs of Thomas Mann can be seen and purchased at the Thomas Mann gallery. With roots in early craft movements, Mann's works can be seen, hung, and worn. His jewelry designs are the most impressive. As the addresses increase, look for galleries catering to local and regional folk art, and a market that describes itself as 'vintage' and 'kitsch.' With galleries like Anton Haardt at 2858 Magazine St., the city is celebrated via the hands of greats like Annie Tolliver and Purvis Young. The collection at Cole Pratt Gallery is one of the most elegant in the city. Known for its peaceful landscapes and history in the art community, this space is a must-see while taking a tour of the New Orleans Art Scene and can be found at 3800 Magazine St. If it's art for your personal space that you are looking for, hop off Magazine and head over to Carol Robinson Gallery at 840 Napoleon Ave. The space itself is designed to look and feel like home, and the knowledgeable staff will make sure your visit is as educational as it is relaxing.