Last Updated: Wednesday, June 23, 2021 10:48 AM by Lauren Saizan
Seasonal discounts. Free admission for Louisiana residents. Discounted tickets on Mondays. These are just some of the deals you can score when visiting a New Orleans museum or attraction. While there are many free things to do in New Orleans that don’t require admission, the places that do can be experienced without paying full price. We’ve rounded up the deals for you below.
One of the newest attractions that New Orleans has to offer is JAMNOLA, a permanent pop-up celebrating the music, art and culture of the city brought to life by 20+ local artists. Exhibits include films on Mardi Gras traditions, murals representing the faces of New Orleans, a life-size interactive crawfish boil pot, a wall of rotating second line umbrellas, a touch-free sensory sound exhibit and more. Each room provides a different unique photo opportunity, like taking a bite out of a larger-than-life po-boy mural or posing in front of digital headdresses.
Admission price: $29 for adults, $20 for children ages 3-12, $20 for students*, children 3-12 years old*, military*, seniors*, first responders* and health care providers*, free for children 2 and under. On Wednesdays and Thursdays, Louisiana residents save 15% with coupon NOLALOVE (*note: not eligible for Louisiana residents discount)
Go behind the scenes of New Orleans' famed cocktail, the Sazerac, just a few yards from where it was birthed. Learn the history of the signature drink and how it's celebrated today at Sazerac House. Tours are always free but must be reserved online in advance.
NOMA is free to Louisiana residents on Wednesdays courtesy of the Helis Foundation.
Visit the Ogden Museum on Thursdays for a taste of Southern and local art. Free admission is provided to Louisiana residents courtesy of the Helis Foundation.
The CAC has free admission for Louisiana residents on Sundays courtesy of the Helis Foundation. The museum focuses on multi-disciplinary programming and rotating exhibits.
Courtesy of the Helis Foundation, Louisiana residents receive free admission to the Botanical Garden in City Park on Wednesdays.
Explore the history of New Orleans' historic Lower 9th Ward pre-, during, and post- Hurricane Katrina. Admission is always free.
The Irish Cultural Museum is one of those hidden gems nestled in the French Quarter just waiting to be discovered. Stop by to learn the untold stories of Irish adventurers, soldiers, mercenaries, priests, entrepreneurs, philanthropists and public servants who made their mark on New Orleans--and stay for a cocktail. Admission is free every day.
Once a month, Longue Vue hosts Free Family Sundays for Louisiana residents. Check their monthly calendar to see which Sunday includes free admissions to the gardens.
If you're looking to keep the kids entertained, look no further than the Louisiana Children's Museum. On the second Sunday of every month, receive free admission courtesy of The Helis Foundation.
If you can’t make it to one of the above museums on free admission day, or you’d like to explore other attractions (such as the Audubon Zoo or New Canal Lighthouse Museum), consider checking out a culture pass through the New Orleans Public Library system. All you’ll need is a library card and you can make your culture pass reservation online.
Lauren Saizan is a New Orleans native raised in the Gentilly neighborhood. In addition to being the editorial and online content manager for New Orleans & Company, she is also a member of Mélange Dance Company. Lauren has performed professionally in many venues across the city, including the Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, the New Orleans Museum of Art, Longue Vue House & Gardens, and Marigny Opera House. When not writing or dancing, she can be spotted sipping the Blue Eyes tea at French Truck, attending a concert downtown, or visiting a local library.
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