New Orleans Warehouse District
New Orleans, LA
Head south from the French Quarter and you'll soon find yourself in the Warehouse District, home to some of the best museums in New Orleans, including the National WWII Museum, Mardi Gras World, and the Contemporary Arts Center. This hip neighborhood is also home to loads of art galleries and boutiques, along with plenty of award-winning restaurants.
The basics
The Warehouse District experience is centered on museums, and many visitors come here on art tours or on city tours. Others zip right through on hop-on, hop-off buses or stop to visit a museum or two. However, it's worth lingering in this 19th-center industrial area to check out the independent art galleries on Julia Street (nicknamed "Gallery Row”) and celebrated area restaurants such as Emeril’s and Compère Lapin.
Things to know before you go
The Warehouse District is a must-visit for art fans or anyone who wants to go museum-hopping. Bring sun protection and comfy shoes if you plan to walk around the area, plus a sweater to keep you warm in air-conditioned museums. The neighborhood is mostly accessible, with sloped sidewalk curbs and wheelchair-friendly museums.
How to get there
The Warehouse District is southeast of the Central Business District (CBD), about a 15-minute walk from the southern end of the French Quarter. If you don't feel like walking, you can take a hop-on, hop-off bus to the area or ride on the famous St. Charles Streetcar, which passes through the neighborhood.
When to get there
The New Orleans Warehouse District is a great place to visit throughout the year, but expect crowds if you come around Mardi Gras, and serious heat and humidity if you’re here in the summer. While weekdays are generally best for avoiding crowds, it’s worth braving the masses to visit on the first Saturday of the month, to catch the gallery openings. Most of the museums are open daily, but the Contemporary Arts Center is closed on Tuesdays.
Museums of the Warehouse District
The Warehouse District is home to plenty of ultra-popular museums, including the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, which has a massive collection of works from acclaimed artists across the South. Mardi Gras World is another neighborhood must-see, and it's the place to go if you visit New Orleans outside of Mardi Gras season but want to see colorful floats, masks, and costumes. Other must-visits include the National WWII Museum and the Contemporary Arts Center.
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