Museum Month by Neighborhood Itinerary

Start the day with beignets and coffee from Café du Monde before browsing The Cabildo and Presbytère. These two identical buildings are Louisiana State Museums that flank St. Louis Cathedral on either side in Jackson Square. Nearby, The Historic New Orleans Collection is a museum, research center, and publisher with exhibits ranging from sculptures to photographs of the French Quarter. Take your time exploring the wealth of artifacts before walking to Hermann-Grima House. This restored French Quarter home built in 1831 includes a Federalist architectural façade, original operating open-hearth kitchen, a courtyard, and more. After hitting these museums, head to Napoleon House for a lunch of muffulettas and Pimm’s cups.

After lunch, visit BK Historic House & Gardens​, a historic home dating back to the 19th century complete with twin curved staircases, a Tuscan portico, and a brick-walled garden. The 1850 House is on the National Register of Historic Places and is another historic home.

Another option is the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, where you can learn all about the history of medicine in the apothecary of America’s first licensed pharmacist.

For dinner, sit in the courtyard of Broussard’s, enjoy casual Cuban cuisine at Manolito, or experience a taste of Africa at Bennachin.

In Uptown New Orleans, start the day with breakfast at Cafe Porche. We'll be in Central City, just off Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, for both of our museum stops today. Another great spot for breakfast, Lagniappe Bakehouse is a James Beard Award semifinalist bakery with creative pastries, coffee, and tea.

Take a brisk walk to Ashé Cultural Arts Center which includes a gallery and performance space with regular programming. Nearby, Café Reconcile is a great place for an affordable New Orleans lunch on the weekdays, and Maïs Arepas offers authentic Colombian cuisine.

After lunch, head to the Southern Food & Beverage Museum. This museum has exhibits on the history of Southern cuisine, including displays on Popeye's, Piggly Wiggly, and Tabasco.

For dinner, take the St. Charles Avenue streetcar and stop for oysters at Superior Seafood, ceviche at Tito's, or wine at The Delachaise.

For this day, we’ll start in Tremé with breakfast at Backatown Coffee Parlour. The crawfish quiche is a delicious start to the day. Next, head to the nearby New Orleans African American Museum. Dedicated to showcasing Black art, the museum is home to rotating exhibits. Nearby is Backstreet Cultural Museum, a space dedicated to showcasing Mardi Gras Indian suits and other artifacts and memorabilia. Next, drive, bike, or take the bus down Esplanade Avenue for a visit to Pitot House. Built in 1799 by Spanish merchant and ship owner, Bartholome Bosque, during the Spanish Colonial Period, Pitot House has been a New Orleans landmark for centuries.

Now that we're in Mid-City, a brisk walk takes us to City Park, home to both the Louisiana Children’s Museum and the New Orleans Museum of Art. Perfect for families, the Louisiana Children’s Museum (LCM) offers hands-on learning and play spaces dedicated to teaching children about sustainability and the resiliency of Louisiana. The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) is one of the country’s leading art institutions, home to over 40,000 objects as well as traveling exhibits. Both museums have dining options for lunch: Acorn overlooking the picturesque lagoon in LCM and Café NOMA in the art museum.

A bit of a ways outside the neighborhood, we'll end our day by exploring Longue Vue House & Gardens. This house museum was built by the late philanthropists Edith and Edgar Stern. The Classical Revival-style mansion is surrounded by eight acres of breathtakingly landscaped gardens designed by some of the finest outdoor architects of the early 20th century.

For dinner, enjoy Vietnamese fare at Cafe Minh or po-boys and pizza from Katie’s.

Today’s adventures take us to downtown New Orleans, specifically the Arts/Warehouse District. Start the day with breakfast at Mr. Wolf Espresso, a coffee bar and book shop within the Contemporary Arts Center, which we’ll be hitting up later. Bearcat is a great option for those looking for a hearty brunch.

Our first museum of the day is The National WWII Museum, which you could really spend a whole day at. View the interactive exhibits, enjoy a 4D film experience in the Victory Solomon Theater Pavilion, and explore an array of vintage aircrafts and personnel carriers.

For lunch, head to Magazine Pizza for gourmet pizzas, pastas, salads, hot sandwiches, and cheesecake.

We recommend hitting Sazerac House next, a reservation-only, three-story museum dedicated to the history of the Sazerac cocktail. Enjoy interactive elements, the behind-the-scenes of a distillery, and free samples (ages 21+).

History buffs have a lot to choose from next. Head to the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, which features exhibits, collections, and programs focused on the unique and remarkable history of Southern Jews. Another option is the Louisiana Civil Rights Museum, a small museum detailing the state’s civil rights history. And then there's the American Italian Cultural Center, detailing the impact of Italian immigrants on New Orleans.

If you're interested in fine art, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art and Contemporary Arts Center are both right across the street from each other and full of mixed media exhibits.

Cap off your visit to museums with a stop at Vue Orleans, an observatory deck and cultural experience, featuring the only 360 degree panoramic riverfront views of New Orleans. While at Vue Orleans, enjoy a cocktail or snack while taking in views of the city.

For dinner, the Warehouse District boasts several fantastic restaurants: there’s Gianna if you’re craving (more) Italian, Pêche for seafood lovers, Meril for American cuisine, and Cochon for Cajun delicacies.

Need a nightcap in the area? Check out the Baroness on Baronne or Commons Club at the Virgin Hotels New Orleans.

For breakfast in the Bywater, head to Elizabeth's for down-home Southern cuisine or Satsuma for vegan-friendly foods. 

Next, visit Studio BE, Brandan 'Bmike' Odums' 35,000 sq. ft. warehouse that features that the stories of revolutionaries, heroes, and everyday New Orleanians through large-scale art. 

For lunch, check out St. Roch Market, a food hall offering different cuisine from more than eight vendors. Enjoy Caribbean, Egyptian, Cuban, Japanese, and Southern cuisine at St. Roch. Also be sure to check out the oyster bar and happy hour specials.

Head into the Lower Ninth Ward to visit the Tate Etienne Prevost Center (TEP Center). The center promotes anti-racism and includes education, exhibition space, affordable housing for seniors, and hosts Undoing Racism workshops. Other experiences offered include TEP Talks (recounting untold stories from the Civil Rights Movement), Ringing the Bell workshops for educators, and TEP tours of the property.

Dinner back in the Bywater is made simple at Galaxie Tacos, Bacchanal, and Arabella Casa di Pasta.

Find a full list of participating museums here and remember to take part in Museum Month this August!