Ogden Museum of Southern Art

Art museum · Central Business District

Ogden Museum of Southern Art

Art museum · Central Business District

925 Camp St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Highlights

Nestled in the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, this compact shop offers a delightful array of books, crafts, and clothing, showcasing Southern culture in style.

925 Camp St, New Orleans, LA 70130 Get directions

ogdenmuseum.org

@ogdenmuseum

@cntraveler

"The Ogden Museum of Southern Art is Smithsonian-affiliated and, as its name suggests, celebrates the culture and aesthetic of Southern artists. The permanent collection showcases more than 4,000 pieces from 15 states; in fact, with works dating back to 1733, the institution boasts the most comprehensive collection of Southern art in the world. Exhibits feature paintings, photography, sculpture, and handicrafts, and place historical works alongside contemporary artists working in the South." - Paul Oswell

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@cntraveler

"Zoom out. What can we expect from this museum?The buildings that make up the Ogden Museum of Southern Art honor the past and the present in a one-two punch. At the front, the Patrick F. Taylor Library is a church-like structure dating back to the late 1800s; meanwhile, the modern glass and stone of the Stephen Goldring Hall, which opened in 2003, is a contemporary counterpoint. The museum is Smithsonian-affiliated and, as its name suggests, celebrates the culture and aesthetic of Southern artists. Let's get specific—what can we expect to see here?The permanent collection showcases more than 4,000 pieces from 15 southern states; in fact, with works dating back to 1733, this museum boasts the most comprehensive collection of Southern art in the world. The exhibits feature paintings, photography, sculpture, and handicrafts, and place historical works alongside contemporary artists working in the South. Any temporary exhibitions we should check out?We viewed an exhibition on self-taught art, a theme that recurs throughout the museum. Many of the visiting or temporary exhibits draw from esoteric creative sources, and there’s little snobbery to be found in the collection. Who can we expect to see here?The museum may not have the profile of the New Orleans Museum of Art, but it attracts culture-vultures. The crowd tends to be more mature and very well traveled. What's the space itself like?The museum isn’t huge and it's easy to move between floors. The atmosphere is unrushed and contemplative—even when it's busy, you can still enjoy a good amount of personal space. Any guided tours worth trying?There are docent-led tours every Thursday at 1:30 p.m. and on the first Saturday of the month at 2 p.m. Is the gift shop worth a stop?The shop has a decent selection of prints and art books, as well as some of the more affordable handicrafts on display in the museum itself. If we're tight on time, what parts of the museum should we prioritize?Skip right to the third and fourth floors of Goldring Hall for a perfectly serviceable sampler of Southern art over the last 280 years." - Paul Oswell

Ogden Museum of Southern Art

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@afar

"Traditional and Contemporary Southern Art The three floors of art on display at the Ogden, one of a handful of museums in the city's off-the-radar museum district near Lee Circle, run the gamut from Clementine Hunter's paintings of plantation life to Shelby Lee Adam's photographs of Appalachia. The medium varies, but everything on display has some tie to the South."

The Best Things to Do in New Orleans

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@cntraveler

9 Best Museums in New Orleans

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Anna F

Google

The Ogden is amazing!! Finally visited last summer on one of the free local days, and it’s now one of my favorite art museums. The architecture of this place is amazing, and there’s also a rooftop which has a great view of the city. Lots to see and you can spend quite awhile here looking around. It’s paid parking but there’s a lot nearby so it’s not too difficult. Definitely worth the visit. Their gift shop also has a lot of cool stuff as well.

Asif Khan

Google

Art is very subjective and personal. This is my opinion but I believe Ogden displays a plethora of art of a lesser known artists that evoke intense emotions while simultaneously displaying a variety of art styles. There are sculptures, cubism, realism, impressionism, and many more. The museum is not huge but offers enough content to spend a few hours of your time engaging and enjoying the displays. They also have a terrace on the fifth floor that overlooks the WWII Museum and the GNO bridge. I definitely recommend this museum to anyone, local or tourist.

Ceal Craig

Google

Great views of New Orleans from top floor. Interesting collections of most modern local art. Quiet. Not crowded Tuesday midday.

Tiffany Maria Indar

Google

Beautiful collection of mostly contemporary art through the decades! My group and I visited on the First Friday of the month where admission is free for college students. Highly recommend starting at the top floor, to the rooftop area to get a view of the city and working your way down. I loved that they had a lot of artist diversity in their exhibitions! A great way to spend a cloudy afternoon in NOLA! 🖼️

L Swan

Google

What a delightful museum in small footprint! Comprehensive overview of Southern Art. Great little roof top with views of the WW2 museum nearby. Museum is part of the Narm network of museums.

Kevin Kwok

Google

I think this museum is really nicely organized and I liked the flow. The exhibits at the time (Aug 2022) want them most exciting to be honest. It's small, you can probably finish washing the whole thing in about an hour. I don't think it's worth the price of the ticket but I'm glad I went. I would visit again if I saw something interesting being shown.

Daniela Sandoval

Google

The exhibit they have on the fifth floor blew my mind, I could’ve stayed for hours if I hadn’t gone so late in the day. I appreciate that the attendant at the front told me how she recommended I navigate through the exhibits going from top to bottom floors, it definitely helped me get the most out of my short time there. Would absolutely return if I’m ever back in New Orleans.

James Carr

Google

Really stellar art museum, with a wide range of styles. From very accessible contemporary to beautiful abstract, to incredible photography and sculpture. Entry is affordable and staff where friendly and helpful.

Anna F

Google

Asif Khan

Google

Ceal Craig

Google

Great views of New Orleans from top floor. Interesting collections of most modern local art. Quiet. Not crowded Tuesday midday.

Tiffany Maria Indar

Google

L Swan

Google

What a delightful museum in small footprint! Comprehensive overview of Southern Art. Great little roof top with views of the WW2 museum nearby. Museum is part of the Narm network of museums.

Kevin Kwok

Google

Daniela Sandoval

Google

James Carr

Google

Holly P.

Yelp

I visited this museum today. Admission happened to be unexpectedly free when we arrived but the admission price is reasonable. There was street parking nearby for a reasonable price. We spent about 2 hrs going through the museum. I'd recommend giving yourself a little over 2 hrs in order to not have to rush. I found the exhibits interesting and unique. The staff were helpful. I'd recommend a visit to this museum.

Quinney H.

Yelp

I grew up in the South and have been visiting New Orleans since I was a teenager in high school. Over the years, I've done numerous cultural activities in the city such as narrated tours, visiting historic attractions (i.e., cemeteries, public squares, and markets), attending dinner parties and heritage festivals, riding the streetcars, etc. On my most recent visit, I decided to branch out and check out one of the city's museums. I ended up at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, and I found it extremely moving as a Southern culture enthusiast and former Gifted Art student. It took me roughly an hour to tour the museum, and I thoroughly enjoyed the selection of local and regional art on display. A few standouts from my visit in fall 2022 included art from well-known Southern artists such as Walter Anderson, a temporary exhibit featuring student art from college students enrolled in local HBCUs, Southern folk art, and a painting of the late Chef Leah Chase (Queen of Creole Cuisine). The museum's staff and docents were also pleasant and provided satisfactory customer service. I highly recommend adding the museum to your itinerary if you need a healthy dose of culture to round out your "laissez les bons temps rouler" adventures in New Orleans!

Pam M.

Yelp

There were some interesting art. From very modern to traditional. It's not what you would expect. It was 4 floors of art.

Lisa B.

Yelp

A 5 floor museum you can easily walk through in an hour. First and second floors are mostly Administrative. Artwork includes a designation of where the artist was from on the map as well as many artist statements.

Amanda M.

Yelp

Loved it. Was pleasantly surprised by all of the art inside. There were some interesting pieces. Cheap to enter and right across the street from the Contemporary Art Center and the World War II Museum. Hot Tip: Parking on a Sunday in September was $38 PER HOUR in the lot next to the building. If I went back, I'd check if street parking is less. I'm also kicking myself for not asking if the museum might have validated parking. So ask if you end up parking there, check with he museum about validation.

Bill G.

Yelp

Pretty expensive, but a relatively simple and small collection. The collection primarily consists of small impressionist paintings, with a few contemporary pie from local artists. The organization is a bit quaint; large silhouettes on each plaque denote the particular southern state that each piece is from. I would not recommend this museum, unfortunately.

The M.

Yelp

Very nice museum. Lots of really interesting art. All from southern artists, a few artist are local to the city.

Annette F.

Yelp

Lovely museum. Customer service is nice and helpful. And the art, a window into the South over time in many different mediums. My friend and I both enjoyed all that we saw. Where were the Florida artists?

Juliette D.

Yelp

This is my favorite museum in New Orleans and one of my favorite in the world. There are some stunning pieces from their permanent collections and there are always interesting current exhibits. Cool architecture; I like to take the elevator up to the fifth floor and work my way down. Great for kids too. Not so much that they are overwhelmed and they love the circular design.

Linda B.

Yelp

We enjoyed our visit to this interesting museum. There are many sculptures and textural exhibits along with the paintings. Worth the trip!

Makayla C.

Yelp

This museum has a wide variety of medias and styles represented in its collection. It was a great addition to our visit.

Abi S.

Yelp

If you're looking for something easy to do that doesn't take too much time this museum is right for you. Took us about 45 minutes to walk through it, and entry fee is cheap. It's good to support places like this!

Martha M.

Yelp

This is a beautiful museum. So many artists and eras make up this collection, but the most cathartic experience for me was a piece that allowed me to stomp on and rip up a confederate flag. I am a Middle-aged white lady whose ancestors "owned" people and fought for the confederacy, and getting to engage with this part of my history in a tactile way was incredibly healing. Thank you to the Ogden museum for promoting the kind of art that left me feeling challenged, joyous, grieving, and leading me toward greater curiosity, love, and expansion.

Mary N.

Yelp

I've visited this museum twice and both times have learned so much about the history of southern art. They introduce the basics and make you want to know more. I highly recommend it!

Bruce K.

Yelp

An hour to tour the multiple floors and exhibits of Southern art here. Some very striking and creating pieces, some of which I enjoyed immensely and some of which I thought were a bit blah. It was lovely to recognize some of the art here that I had seen at the Walter Anderson in Ocean Springs https://www.yelp.com/biz/walter-anderson-museum-of-art-ocean-springs-2?hrid=nXAHsDaDrivHoaxqYFRrxA and the Ohr-O'Keefe in Biloxi https://www.yelp.com/biz/ohr-o-keefe-museum-of-art-biloxi-3?hrid=N2TsJPhG1FAsCPCRBRmM9g. Too many great pieces that it's hard to choose a favorite. Certainly the Walter Anderson but also Will Henry Steven's "Biloxi Lighthouse" (1921) were wonderful. The museum is doing a decent job of COVID practice with masks required and social distancing notices with hand sanitizing stations throughout. I think they are also limiting capacity but that wasn't an issue today as there were only a few people in the museum while I was here. [Review 14216 overall, 1538 of 2020, number 35 in Louisiana.]

Sung Hee K.

Yelp

This museum had a diverse collection. The staff were also very helpful. It's next to several other museums. I would highly recommend adding this to your trip while you are in the neighborhood.

Anastasia L.

Yelp

This is a wonderful museum of Southern art. We've been several times over the years. The room of photography portraits of southerners is so moving. And Cora Nimtz 's amazing needle work creating "Log Cabin" was incredible, as well as Brierre Aziz's "Ain't Always Set in Stone" photograph of a P.G.T. Beauregard piñata, and a Robert E. Lee piñata, hanging from the P.G.T. Beauregard Avenue Street Street and the Robert E. Lee Boulevard Street Signs which have been removed and replaced because of their history was inspired. Wonderful. The main issue I had was the management of the Museum allowing overwhelming scented chemical, cleaning solutions to be used so that the entire Museum reeked of it from the entrance up to the fifth floor exhibit spaces. We rushed through the exhibits because of the lung issues caused because of the cleaning fluids. Very unfortunate and unnecessary. We reported the problem to a docent but there was nothing to be done. Hopefully, the Museum can switch to a less offensive and irritating cleaning product and spare visitors.

Robert C.

Yelp

January 18, 2020. Normally, adults $13.50 admission, seniors age 65+ $11, free to Louisiana residents 10am-5pm Thursday. Free for North American Reciprocal passholders. We didn't intend to visit this museum, except that it was on the same location as the World War II museum, and read on the internet that it was free admission on Martin Luther King's birthday. Artists from the 13 southern states, with contributions of the American South from the 1700s through today. More than 1,100 works donated from the private collection of New Orleans businessman Roger H. Ogden. More than 4,000 paintings, photographs, ceramics, and sculptures donated by dozens of artists such as Walter Anderson and Clementine Hunter. These include paintings of bayous, sharecroppers tending the land, farm animals pulling plows, bathing in the river, lighthouses, steamboats, voodoo dolls, hunting ducks and deer, and landscapes from a simpler life long ago. Top 4th floor has a great view of the surrounding buildings, including the 5 buildings of the WW2 museum, which takes up most of the neighboring block. Local musicians perform blues, jazz, country, folk ,Cajun and rock'n roll. at Ogden After Hours on Thursday nights from 6 to 8. Separate $13.50 entry fee. Busloads of teenage schoolkids put on a show of dancing and singing in the lobby, celebrating Martin Luther King's birthday. Most of these were from predominately black neighborhoods, ironic in that right next door to this place is the Confederate Memorial Hall.

Nelson Y.

Yelp

Very nice museum! The whole museum is 5 floors, but the 2nd floor doesn't have any exhibits. But the whole thing was a very nice experience. Everything was carefully curated and the art is really inspiring. It's also near the WWII museum and other smaller galleries. It's a nice walk from the FQ, so you can definitely do some galleries hopping before heading the museum!

Jennifer K.

Yelp

Great museum, interesting art, manageable size. Go to gift shop before you go in. I went on Sunday and confirmed the shop would be open until 5 then they closed at 445. Disappointing. Otherwise, glad I went.

Tracey A.

Yelp

The Ogden is a nice little diversion from an otherwise perfectly fine plan to overeat, over-drink, and listen to excessive amounts of music while in NOLA. Not a must-see (when I visited there was art on only 2 of the 5 floors), but good for a couple of hours, I enjoyed the quiet as well as the art (a large photo exhibit and a less extensive painting collection). All are either by Southern artists and/or depicting Southern places/themes. Whether or not there's art up there, do head to floor 5 to check out the mellow rooftop deck. If you have time for only one museum in NOLA it should be the WWII Museum. If you like art and a chill place to clear your head, the Ogden will do but you might first want to check into how many floors of art they currently have on display. Anyone other than me likely wouldn't have lasted even 2 hours here. If this place sounds like a firm "maybe" use your yelp check-in offer to come on a Thursday evening for Ogden After Hours (OAH). Free admission to OAH (with yelp check-in), live music, food trucks, and the opportunity to explore the art with a cocktail in hand should be reason enough to bump this up to "let's go".

Michael F.

Yelp

If you are into Contemporary Art and have some time between hitting other Nola sites, Ogden's is worth a check-in. Don't let the five floors fool you, it won't take you too long to soak everything in. I was able to fully enjoy the exhibits in about an hour on a slower day. All the art are from southern artists. They are mostly assembled collections versus individual pieces from a large variety of artists. I felt that to be very interesting as it allowed me to really get to know the artists. They also had a small section dedicated to local students, high school and lower from the looks. There were some pretty impressive photographs from a pair of high school students that stood out for me - hopefully you'll be able to catch it as well.

Andrew B.

Yelp

I stopped by the Ogden briefly yesterday before coming back for a full visit today, and I'm so, so incredibly glad that I did. I mainly wanted to see the Beauford Delaney exhibit since it is closing this Sunday, but I also enjoyed the exhibit on the fifth floor, "What a Worldful World," featuring works by Luis Cruz Azaceta as well as some of the smaller exhibits. Across the gallery's five floors, there are galleries featuring a range of artistic styles - including as the Landscapes gallery or the Ceramics collection. Interspersed throughout these galleries are collections like "Letters," which features photographs taken by David Rae Morris displayed alongside letters that the artists exchanged with his father in the younger years of his life. Altogether, I appreciated how integrated, variable, yet carefully curated my experience was while viewing the works at the Ogden. I think an illustrative example of this would be how the museum placed a 1990s realist portrait, entitled 'Young Life' by Georgia painter Bo Bartlett that depicts a contemporary scene: of a deer hunter, his wife and child alongside their Chevy pickup and a newly-killed deer - on the corner opposite a realist portrait done in the 1800s in Louisiana depicting a more antique, or 'classical' scene: of a upper-class mother and her children, wearing formal dresses and posed in proper cotillion-esque fashion. By positioning these two realist portraits in contrast to one another, the museum highlights a continuity of style, yet underscores a drastic evolution in the social history in the American South. The comparison isn't written out for you on a plaque or anything, but it becomes apparent as you move along the works - I've always appreciated thoughtful curating work like this, as it feels more engaging to the museum's viewers. It's also worth mentioning that the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful - they checked my backpack, helped me pick out some postcards, and gave me recommendations for what to see. I'd recommend the Ogden to anyone interested in art or art history, regardless of their particularities - the museum truly has something for everyone across their collection, despite its focus on the contemporary. I'll definitely be returning for future special exhibits, or to revisit some of the collections that I had to hurry through. Also, be sure to check out the John Parfait duck carvings - they're located behind the register counter in the gift shop and are much cooler than their placement suggests! Note: since the museum has an admission fee, and is smaller / relies on admissions to support itself, I won't be posting any photos of the interior. I'm fairly sure there is one day a week when admission is free to NOLA residents if the fee is a concern, most of this info is available on their website.

Gloria G.

Yelp

If you are an art lover this museum is not to be missed. It's located in New Orleans Arts Warehouse District basically between the French Quarter and the Garden District. We went on a Friday morning when it was quiet and perfect for wandering through 5 stories of art created by Southern artists. I was impressed with the quality of the art and learned of many new artists. We took the advice of the friendly docent and began on the 5th floor which houses one of the current exhibitions, What a Wonderful World by Luis Cruz Azaceta. His work is vibrant, relevant and absorbing. There was enough of it to showcase his evolution as an artist though the years. Subsequent floors were equally interesting with very thorough descriptions of the work. I would've liked more women artists to have been represented but I did find some.

Karen M.

Yelp

Went to see Clementine Hunter and found such a treasure of contemporary art! This jewel of a museum is worth a visit with time for savoring.

George K.

Yelp

I would give it a 1-star, assuming you are not from the South and don't have a connection here. This is a small museum with no theme or organization. To boot, too much of the art focuses on social action issues, instead of trying to create a positive experience for the viewer. When you get inside, you see that the art space is much smaller than what you'd guess from the outside; a great central court takes up much of the middle, and the second floor is all offices. The only thing in the red-stone old building is a photo exhibit in the basement; otherwise, it has no public spaces. Museums have two roles: to educate, and to edify. The Ogden does nothing for me on either score. I learned nothing useful about Southern art. There were no themes, periods, locales, etc., that would have been used to organize the artworks and educate the viewer. Viewed simply as a visual experience, I did not feel uplifted. You will get uplifted if you go visit the Sculpture Garden in City Park, but you won't if you come here. If you're a local, I presume you might want to give it more stars, but still I think it's an unsuccessful experiment. There is no cafe or coffee shop. There is a small gift shop, but much of the merchandise has excessive pricing. $85 for an ordinary coffee mug?? No thanks. If you want an art museum, go to NOMA; that is an excellent museum and your time will be well-spent. Plus there is wonderful food in the cafe there.

John B.

Yelp

A red building on neighboring Andrew Higgins boulevard also bears the Ogden label, but this is not the museum, FYI. The museum is a boxy looking thing just north of that on Camp street. For me, it's a pretty simple quantity vs quality analysis. The museum is not large at all, five floors in height, with one being administrative offices and the ground level being mostly the entrance and gift shop. However, what was actually in this limited space was quite impressive. It did indeed feel distinctively Southern, with some exhibits marked with their state of origin. I was rather fond of a hall of photography of wildlife and scenery, but there was plenty else to be found. It doesn't have wifi or a cafe or anything; you're here for the art. You can get into Thursday evening events once for free with a Yelp checkin, which I could see taking them up on. I'll also reiterate that if you're local, New Orleans public libraries offer a free family pass to this museum that you can check out, and it's free to locals on Thursday even without that pass.

Chasity M.

Yelp

Ogden has remained my favorite museum in the city of New Orleans since I was a child. (Next to NOMA, of course) If you're a fan of contemporary art like myself, you're sure to enjoy their exhibitions. The building itself is gorgeous and nestled in the Warehouse District among eateries, barrooms and music clubs. If you happen to be visiting and your hotel is near this area, I would definitely recommend adding it to your plans. It is particularly perfect to visit between rainy showers or heat waves since the city and it's weather can never truly make up its mind. One thing that I enjoy about this museum is that is has a little something for everyone. There is vibrant and colorful art perfect for little eyes to view as well as striking art from well-known local artists for adult viewing pleasure. With five floors of art, I'm always sure to find my next favorite painter, sketcher or sculptor when I walk through the doors of Ogden. Don't forget to 1. visit the gift shop for super cool finds (especially jewelry made by local artists) and 2. take a peek while you stand on the balcony!

Tony L.

Yelp

We came here from out of town, and realised this place was nothing special - but nothing else was open. At $13.50/ticket, its art is not something I would seek out or tell friends is a must, even the artsy ones. The space and sculpture rooftop are superb, but the curation itself of local artists fell a bit flat. There were a few pieces that really grabbed my attention, but for the most part, it was unimpressive and blank.

Leo B.

Yelp

Mediocre and annoying. Mediocre: the art itself is definitely second-rate. This isn't New York or London, and apart from a couple of portraits, a lot of this stuff is just forgettable. The landscapes aren't great and there's almost no sculpture. Annoying: the politics. Particularly in the contemporary art, at least half the pieces were about the same old tired tropes: racism, sexism, different flavors of the Woke ideology. Particularly annoying was one of the video installations, which featured a looped film of a woman being abused by, of course, a brutish, angry white man.

Tomas R.

Yelp

Shout out to Amanda C for letting me be her plus one to the Ogden so I could attend one of their after hour events. This series normally occurs weekly on Thursdays for members. Not only do the highlight different musicians and groups every Thursday, you have full access to explore the museum. Best Part? You can explore the museum whilst sipping on a cocktail or drink you purchased at the bar! This event series is accessible to the public for a small fee and I highly suggest checking it out. Ogden curates quite a few exhibitions throughout the year so it's always rotating with new "content". They feature a few mediums of art such as glasswork, sculptures, print/photos, and oil paintings. You can definitely spend a bit of time exploring the five floors; however, make sure to take a swing to the top and check out the views from the balcony! I'll definitely be back and during this visit I loved there was an exhibition highlighting some photos from my hometown of El Paso and the contrast to it's close proximity to Ciudad Juarez.

Emily V.

Yelp

Love the Ogden museum. It is a well curated museum of Southern Art, mostly skewing more contemporary, though it depends on the exhibits present at the time. They suggest you start on the fifth floor and work your way down. On the fifth floor there is a roof deck with some sculptures and also a nice view of the city. I would say it takes about an hour to make your way through the museum. They have a well curated gift shop that is definitely worth checking out. If you are in the area I would suggest making a day of it and checking out the Contemporary Arts Center and the WWII Museum as they are all on opposite corners from each other. If you are a NOLA resident you can also go through the NOLA Library Culture Pass program and get a free ticket to each of these museums!

Phuong N.

Yelp

On my rare day off from work, I decided to invite a friend to go on a museum hopping. Our first stop was the World War II museum, second was the Contemporary Arts Center, third, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art and then the Confederate Museum. The Ogden Museum is my favorite one so far. It has 5 floors and the best way to see it all is to start on the 5th floor and then going down. Stepping outside the 5th floor balcony, there are arts outdoor and a nice view of the city and the WW ll Museum. There are restroom and elevator on ever floors or you can take the stairs to get down to the next floors. Don't forget to stop by the gift shop right across from the information check-in desk. Thursday admission from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. is free to Louisiana residents, courtesy of The Helis Foundation

Melissa K.

Yelp

While the French Quarter is lovely in so many ways, I don't come to New Orleans to visit that area. I came for the art, the gardens, the cemeteries and the food because no where in the US does those 4 things so well. Seriously. This city is pretty damn unique and diverse, and OMoSA is representational of that experience. I'd never tell anyone to avoid a museum so feel free to enjoy all the ones that New Orleans has to offer but make sure to put this one at the top of the list!

Sarah G.

Yelp

I wish I had been able to spend more time in this museum! In the short time I had there I was impressed with the flavor of the region that is represented in this museum. It's unexpected at times, thoughtful, and enjoyable - it also has a really great gift shop if you are into the merch scene.

Ciria G.

Yelp

Beautiful museum with amazing paintings and art exhibits! Totally worth Your money and super sweet staff! 5 floors of art.

Charles H.

Yelp

JUBILANT & UPLIFTING If you've just spent a rather depressing 20 minutes at the Confederate Museum next door among irrelevant tributes to irrelevant men couched in the somber theme of war and oppression it is an understatement to remark that the Ogden is elating. IT'S ART ABOUT US Southeast Louisiana, a misty landscape of the Riverbend, Creole portraits by Vaudechamp, explosive joyous murals in sub-tropical abstract color, laying around hungover in your unkempt backyard... RODRIGUE'S "AIOLI DINNER" If for no other reason head to the second floor to view our version of the Mona Lisa, his 1971 masterpiece depicting that Cajun banquet under drooping moss. PRO TIP: like most art museums I prefer to start at the top (the 5th floor) and then walk down to the following levels. That way the staircases work with you and you can enjoy the views of the atrium and sculpture easier.

Logan T.

Yelp

We came to the Ogden for the Lynda Benglis elephant necklace collection which was awesome but we stumbled upon so many other neat collections. There were contemporary pieces submitted by aspiring local artists from all over Louisiana. There was also a collection by William Christenberry about life in rural Alabama during the sharecropper period. There were 5 floors of exhibits. The staff was very nice and the prices were great. $26 for one student and one adult. It took us about an hour and 15 minutes to walk through. It's also in a great location with the WWII museum right across the street and several great restaurants nearby.

Stan S.

Yelp

This is perhaps one of the more interesting museums in New Orleans, its collection is not a general one covering the history of art but more curated toward southern art. Some really terrific exhibitions have been curated here and the staff is terrific. If your a member of an out of town museum as I am with the St. Louis Art museum, its free admission too!

Eileen R.

Yelp

If you have the time, check out this little gem. Start on the 5th floor and work your way back downstairs.

Selina I.

Yelp

I would give the museum itself a 3-star rating, but Ogden after hours is definitely 5 stars. The museum is TINY with very few exhibits, and the 4th floor is currently closed for updates. There is a lot variety of art on display which is great...but again there are only a handful of exhibits. Ogden after hours is awesome - and with a yelp check-in, you can go for free! (Though the front desk was throwing some shade when I showed them my check-in.) They often have themed after hours and last night was a king cake walk which was so much fun!!! Would I pay full price admission to enter this museum? Nah. Would I go to after hours with a free check in? Hell yeah.

Katie S.

Yelp

I've been to the Ogden twice, once a few months ago to walk through the collections and then again last night for Ogden After Hours. I'd give my first visit a three-star rating and my second a five-star rating, and would definitely recommend Ogden After Hours! The collection is beautiful and -- as someone from the northeast -- it was especially interesting and new to me to learn about southern art. I particularly enjoyed the variety of mediums -- paintings, sculpture, ceramics, videos, drawings, etc. The building is clean and well-maintained, and the small rooftop terrace is cool. I agree with other reviewers who wished for more background on some of the art, as I found the placards helpful but was wishing in some cases for a little more information (perhaps in the form of an audio guide). They do offer docent-led tours twice a month on the first and third Saturdays, but that timing didn't work out for my visit. I think Ogden After Hours is where the museum shines (at least in my experience). Last night's Mia Borders concert drew a huge crowd, as every seat on the main floor of the museum was full, and people lined the staircase to enjoy the music. The full collection is open, so you can walk around and take in the art while listening to the music in the background. Admission to Ogden After Hours is the same as a regular price adult ticket ($13.50), but free via the check-in offer on Yelp!!! Definitely recommend Ogden After Hours, and I'll be keeping an eye on the schedule of performers when I'm next in town in hopes of returning.

K K.

Yelp

Some really beautiful southern art but an appalling lack of female artists. Both major exhibits were male artists and every wing dedicated to one particular artist was male as well. I think we counted 5 female artists in the entire museum. I just don't understand how curatorial is making still making these kinds of decisions in 2022.

Amanda C.

Yelp

Take the time to visit this amazing space! Locals & tourists: great place to visit! This is, by far, my favorite museum in the city. Perfect sized museum for a quick trip through Southern art over the past few centuries. Easy handicap access, too, which is much appreciated. Tourists, this place is just steps from the WWII Museum, as well as across the street from the Contemporary Art Center. Ample parking in lots or the street, along with plenty of places to eat in the surrounding blocks. There really is no reason to not pop in here while you're on your way to somewhere else. You will not be disappointed. Locals - you must visit the great Thursday night music events Ogden After Hours (6-8 p.m.). Great local musicians among beautiful art work along with a cash bar and usually Ms. Linda's yakamein! If you can't attend a Thursday night, there are plenty of events on weekends, especially kid-friendly events with crafts. Sign up for their emails or follow them on social media to see all the events - from music to crafts for kids to art openings to art classes for adults and even book clubs, this is not your average stuffy museum.

Emma T.

Yelp

Updating my review for the Ogden because I was finally able to make it to Ogden After Hours. Ogden After Hours is 100% the best way to see this museum. For $13 you get entrance to the museum, but also access to a bar and live music show. Even better, if you go to the museum before you can check in to receive a free pass to Ogden After Hours - can't beat that! (Side note - the front desk was not too diligent on collecting payments from guests. Make sure you go up to the front desk when you walk in to get a sticker and pay the entrance fee to support this wonderful museum). We went and saw Mia Borders, who was fabulous. We arrived a little after 6pm, when the event began, and she was already in full form playing to a large crowd in the front foyer. You can watch the concert from rows of chairs the museum sets up, the large stairway, or walk through the museum and hear the music through all the exhibits. There is a full bar in the back of the museum so go and enjoy a cocktail as well. I parked in the lot directly across the street that advertises "cheapest museum parking" - $8 for 3 hours, not sure if that is actually cheapest but I felt it was reasonable. Dress is snappy casual. The music in addition to the museum makes for a great date night spot or place to go out with friends that is unique to any other music venue in New Orleans.

Sheryl G.

Yelp

The art was amazing. The layout of the museum was well done. Before we went there I searched to be sure the building was disability friendly. I was very disappointed. Although there are elevators there were no benches to sit on. I can't stand very long so I had a difficult time. The price for seniors is only $11, so that is positive.

D.S. A.

Yelp

I really enjoyed my visit to the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. While the museum is small(er) AND two exhibits were being installed, there was a wide variety of Southern art to enjoy. At the time of my visit, the Louisiana Contemporary exhibit was on view. I applaud The Helis Foundation for supporting Louisianan artists. My favorite piece in the collection is Robert Gwathmey's Asleep At The Table (I've attached a picture). I also really liked the juxtaposition of William Henry Stevens's earlier and later works. Finally, Connie Robert's carved wooden pieces are often irreverent and whimsical.

Louisa M.

Yelp

This beautifully curated museum focuses on contemporary Southern art, with an impressive collection of local and regional artists. All mediums are represented including sculpture, pottery, paintings, drawings, photography, digital and more. There's something for everyone at this unique art museum. I LOVED the huge collection of Outsider Art, it was the highlight for me. Don't miss the huge rooftop deck with sweeping city views. A must-visit for art fans visiting New Orleans.

Megan P.

Yelp

I loved this museum and loved the art. Start on the 5th floor, work your way down and smile. Contemporary, colorful, clean, and pictures are allowed. Hit up the little gift shop (bookstore) at the Contemporary Art place across the street after. I don't remember the exact cost, but it wasn't prohibitive. The St Louis art museums are all free so paying can be hard to swallow sometimes, but I swallowed this one right down.

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Anna F

Google

Asif Khan

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Ceal Craig

Google

Great views of New Orleans from top floor. Interesting collections of most modern local art. Quiet. Not crowded Tuesday midday.

Tiffany Maria Indar

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L Swan

Google

What a delightful museum in small footprint! Comprehensive overview of Southern Art. Great little roof top with views of the WW2 museum nearby. Museum is part of the Narm network of museums.

Kevin Kwok

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Daniela Sandoval

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James Carr

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Anna F

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Asif Khan

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Ceal Craig

Google

Great views of New Orleans from top floor. Interesting collections of most modern local art. Quiet. Not crowded Tuesday midday.

Tiffany Maria Indar

Google

L Swan

Google

What a delightful museum in small footprint! Comprehensive overview of Southern Art. Great little roof top with views of the WW2 museum nearby. Museum is part of the Narm network of museums.

Kevin Kwok

Google

Daniela Sandoval

Google

James Carr

Google

Holly P.

Yelp

Quinney H.

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Pam M.

Yelp

There were some interesting art. From very modern to traditional. It's not what you would expect. It was 4 floors of art.

Lisa B.

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Amanda M.

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Bill G.

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The M.

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Very nice museum. Lots of really interesting art. All from southern artists, a few artist are local to the city.

Annette F.

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Juliette D.

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Linda B.

Yelp

We enjoyed our visit to this interesting museum. There are many sculptures and textural exhibits along with the paintings. Worth the trip!

Makayla C.

Yelp

This museum has a wide variety of medias and styles represented in its collection. It was a great addition to our visit.

Abi S.

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Martha M.

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Mary N.

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I've visited this museum twice and both times have learned so much about the history of southern art. They introduce the basics and make you want to know more. I highly recommend it!

Bruce K.

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Sung Hee K.

Yelp

This museum had a diverse collection. The staff were also very helpful. It's next to several other museums. I would highly recommend adding this to your trip while you are in the neighborhood.

Anastasia L.

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Robert C.

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Nelson Y.

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Jennifer K.

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Tracey A.

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Michael F.

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Andrew B.

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Gloria G.

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Karen M.

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Went to see Clementine Hunter and found such a treasure of contemporary art! This jewel of a museum is worth a visit with time for savoring.

George K.

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John B.

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Chasity M.

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Tony L.

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Leo B.

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Tomas R.

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Emily V.

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Phuong N.

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Melissa K.

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Sarah G.

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Ciria G.

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Beautiful museum with amazing paintings and art exhibits! Totally worth Your money and super sweet staff! 5 floors of art.

Charles H.

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Logan T.

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Stan S.

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Eileen R.

Yelp

If you have the time, check out this little gem. Start on the 5th floor and work your way back downstairs.

Selina I.

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Katie S.

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K K.

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Amanda C.

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Emma T.

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Sheryl G.

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D.S. A.

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Louisa M.

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Megan P.

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