Contemporary Arts Center, New Orleans
New Orleans, LA
The Contemporary Arts Center is New Orleans’ main museum for works by contemporary artists, and showcases everything from photography exhibits to immersive installations. Many of the works displayed here are by artists from New Orleans and elsewhere in the Gulf region, and visiting is a great way to get an introduction to the area’s arts scene.
The basics
The Contemporary Art Center is housed in a historic building that features a mix of galleries, a bookstore/café (Mr. Wolf Espresso and Books), and an event space. Exhibits here change regularly, so if you haven’t visited in awhile, it’s worth coming back to see what’s new. Most people arrive independently or visit on a private, customizable city tour. The museum also offers guided tours (primarily to groups), but they need to be reserved in advance.
Things to know before you go
- The Contemporary Arts Center is a must for art fans and artists.
- While there's no gift shop, you can pick up art books at the museum’s bookstore/café.
- The building is accessible to people using wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and walkers.
How to get there
The Contemporary Arts Center is located in the Warehouse District, across the street from the Ogden Museum of Southern Art and around the corner from the National WWII Museum. It's about a 15-minute walk from the edge of the French Quarter or 5 minutes by car. You can also reach the museum by hop-on, hop-off bus or by streetcar (the St. Charles line stops a block away).
When to get there
The museum is open every day except Tuesday, from late morning until early evening, and sees more crowds on the weekends. Mr. Wolf Espresso and Books is open daily. Check the Contemporary Arts Center website for information about special events and exhibits.
The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA)
To see more art while you’re in NOLA, check out the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA), which houses a gargantuan collection of works by renowned artists from around the world (think Picasso, Renoir, and Monet). Don't miss the museum's Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, an outdoor art space featuring more than 60 sculptures.
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