Art & Culture

New Orleans' Old World roots have created a strong foundation and long-standing appreciation for the arts. Early residents of the city often traveled back to Europe for musical instruction or training in the visual arts. And operatic performances took place in the city as early as 1796.

Today the scene thrives via countless galleries, performance spaces and museums. But perhaps what sets our cultural institutions apart from other cities is their ability to embody the joie de vivre (joy of life) mentality so prevalent in New Orleans. So whether it is a Ralph Brennan restaurant in the New Orleans Museum of Art or Thursday night musical performances at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, New Orleans' unique culture and love of food, music and fun blends perfectly with our vibrant arts scene creating experiences you can't find anywhere else.

Here you can learn more about some of the city's most popular cultural institutions and attractions.

Performance Art

The New Orleans Opera Association

This opera association carries on a performing arts tradition dating back to 1796, when the first opera in North America was performed in New Orleans. neworleansopera.org

The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra

The only musician-owned orchestra in North America is led by musical director Carlos Miguel Prieto. lpomusic.com

New Orleans Ballet Association

The ballet association is the region's premiere presenting and service organization dedicated solely to the art of dance. NOBA's dynamic season features stellar performances from a variety of world-class dance companies. nobadance.com

Southern Repertory Theatre

New Orleans' professional theater, focuses on bold new-world and regional premiers by American playwrights. southernrep.com

Visual Arts

The New Orleans Museum of Art

The premier art museum of the Gulf South is world-reknowned for its photography, decorative glass collection and its collections of French, Asian, African and American art. noma.org

The Ogden Museum of Southern Art

The University of New Orleans museum is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and home to the largest and most comprehensive collection of Southern art in the world. ogdenmuseum.org

Contemporary Arts Center

Located in the heart of the New Orleans Arts District, the CAC is home to bold experiments in painting, theater, photography, performance, music, video sculpture and more. cacno.org

Museums

The Historic New Orleans Collection

Located in the French Quarter, this collection is the best introduction to New Orleans history you can get. hnoc.org

The Cabildo

This flagship building of The Louisiana State Museum is the site of the Louisiana Purchase. Today it houses exhibitions on the Purchase and on Louisiana history. Lsm.crt.state.la.us

Madame John's Legacy

Located at 632 Dumain Street in the French Quarter, Madame John's is an excellent example of Louisiana Creole residential design at the end of the 18th century. The architectural complex consists of three buildings: the main house, kitchen with cooks quarters and two-story garconniere. It too, is part of The Louisiana State Museum. lsm.crt.state.la.us

The Old U.S. Mint

The Old U.S. Mint is the only building in America to have served as both a U.S. and Confederate Mint. In 1981, the Greek Revival-style National Historic Landmark opened to the public as a museum. lsm.crt.state.la.us

The New Orleans African American Museum of Art, Culture and History

Located in the historic Faubourg Tremé, one of America's oldest black neighborhoods, the museum is comprised of 7 historic buildings and is anchored by the lovely Tremé Villa. The museum features rotating exhibits as well as a fine collection of African artwork and crafts. The museum acts as a gateway the Tremé neighborhood and offers walking and bus tours of the neighborhood. noaam.org

The National World War II Museum

This historical gem takes you from the beaches of Normandy to the sands of the Pacific Islands with interactive displays and dramatic exhibits. The Museum's recent additions include the Solomon Victory Theater, the Stage Door Canteen and The American Sector Restaurant- a Chef John Besh creation. Nationalww2museum.org