Whether you’re an art aficionado or just a lover of aesthetically pleasing works and spaces, then you should pay a visit to NOMA. It’s housed in the center of New Orleans’ City Park, where you can also easily spend a day exploring. The museum features more than 40,000 objects, ever-changing exhibits by world-renowned artists, and is the oldest fine arts institution in New Orleans. 

A massive museum dedicated solely to the war that changed the world, The National World War II Museum is the largest museum in the state. Their campus consists of six buildings and permanent exhibits, three restaurants, everchanging special and traveling exhibits, their own in-house theater and much more. A weekend can easily be spent exploring all that the National WWII Museum has to offer, and you’d still barely scratch the surface.

There’s no place that highlights New Orleans' deep and unique culture quite like the Backstreet Cultural Museum. A labor of love, Backstreet was created by the late Sylvester “Hawk” Francis. His goal? To document Carnival celebrations, second lines and jazz funerals throughout New Orleans. After nearly three decades of documenting, and two decades of operation, Backstreet remains one of the most respected and unique spaces highlighting Mardi Gras Indian culture. Backstreet also serves as the annual starting point for the Northside Skull & Bone Gang - well-known for kicking off Mardi Gras Day.

Cocktail connoisseurs rejoice! Sazerac House is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the vast and often untold history of craft cocktail culture, with an emphasis on the first: the Sazerac. From its origin to production, Prohibition and everything in between, this three-story museum does a flawless job of walking guests through the history of craft cocktails as we know them today. Each floor has a different focus, cocktail samples, interactive exhibits, and more. They also house their very own distillery space, bitters lab, and fun cocktail-making classes. The best part? Admission and tours are 100% free! Simply reserve your spot ahead of time.

The Ogden Museum of Art is housed in New Orleans’ Arts + Warehouse District. It is the largest and most comprehensive collection of Southern art in the world. Its ever-changing lineup of featured exhibits perfectly captures varied aspects of life in the American South throughout time. Check their calendar for reception openings, children’s events, workshops, and more.

The name says it all - this museum is dedicated to preserving all things food and beverage in the Deep South. Uncover the hidden histories of local favorites like Louisiana's own Popeye’s Chicken and red beans and rice. The museum even offers private cooking classes that are perfect for all ages. Learn to cook classics like gumbo, Bananas Foster and pralines for the full Southern Food & Beverage experience./p>

Enjoy a family-friendly day at the Louisiana Children’s Museum. Its campus within New Orleans City Park is the perfect home for LCM. The museum encourages tons of opportunities for open play and exploration, with interactive exhibits focusing on everything from regional produce and foodways to local music, architecture, and the ever-popular Mighty Mississippi River experience. LCM's campus also includes its own in-house, kid-friendly restaurant as well: Acorn. After a morning exploring the museum, guests can take advantage of the outdoor activities throughout City Park.

A labor of love, the Lower 9th Ward Living Museum was founded and curated by Ms. Leona Tate - one of the four little girls who desegregated public schooling in the United States. The six-room house museum tells the history of New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward through the perspective and voices of those who live there. It is a true hidden gem, and completely free.

It’s only fitting that New Orleans has a museum dedicated to all that JAZZ. After all, we are the home and heart of jazz music. Nestled on the edge of the historic French Quarter, the New Orleans Jazz Museum is a great way to get your day started in the Vieux Carré. It highlights local and international jazz giants like Danny Barker, Louis Prima, Fats Domino, and Louis Armstrong. You can also head to the Jazz Museum for weekly live music, and several local festivals are held on their grounds.

The Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience houses a collection of nearly 4,000 artifacts including household items, business records, photographs, letters, and more to help tell the story of the experience of Jews in the South. This museum highlights a unique and niche aspect of history.

The HNOC is on a mission to preserve the French Quarter and New Orleans history. The space houses seven different exhibition halls with constantly evolving collections. Afro-Creole poetry, French Quarter life, second lines and social aid & pleasure clubs are just a few highlights.

Who knew the world of pharmaceuticals could be so fascinating? At least at the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, it is! What is now a museum was originally the apothecary of the United State’s first, licensed pharmacist, Louis Dufilho Jr.  The museum tells the history of early medicines, superstitious cures, and the evolution of pharmaceutical care and regulations. It is a truly fascinating find within the French Quarter!

The McKenna Museum is a fine art institution with a direct focus on African Diasporan pieces. In addition to their collection, McKenna offers a range of diverse programming such as guest speakers, workshops and book readings to further their mission and work.