Mordern, Free, Best Art Museums in Terrytown

"Set smack dab in City Park among the Spanish moss-draped oaks complete with Greco-Roman columns and a charming sculpture garden, the grounds alone warrant a visit to this NOLA institution that’s oozing with grandeur. It’s the city’s oldest fine arts institution and boasts a permanent collection of nearly 40,000 pieces. Not only that, but it’s one of the most impressive and revered fine art collections in the whole of the south."

"Having opened in 1911, the New Orleans Museum of Art is the city’s oldest fine art institution. Back then, it had just a few art pieces but has since grown to house over 40,000 objects with a notable collection of French and American art. The museum is also home to the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, with over 90 sculptures on display in the 11-acre landscaped garden."

"The New Orleans Museum of Art is known to be the oldest fine arts museum in the city of New Orleans which is perfect for anyone looking for a cheap but immersive experience."

"Located directly adjacent to the New Orleans Museum of Art, the five-acre park provides a delightful instance for exploring the picturesque landscape of live oaks, Spanish moss, and lagoons. The 64 sculptures are, of course, another strong reason to venture to the garden. Location: 1 Collins Diboll CirArchitect: Lee Ledbetter Architects, Sawyer/Berson Architecture And Landscape ArchitectureDate: 2003Contact: https://noma.org/sculpture-garden"

"The sculpture garden that sits just outside the New Orleans Museum of Art is a wooded quilt of streams, pathways, lovers' benches and, of course, sculpture, mainly of the modern and contemporary sort. During spring and summer, theatrical productions are often put on here, but it's a lovely spot for a stroll any time of year."

"Visit the spacious art galleries of the Contemporary Arts Center to see some world-class fine art in the up-and-coming warehouse district in downtown New Orleans. There are different artist residences happening and constantly rotating and changing exhibits. The museum is famous for the events that it hosts with different performances and lectures."

"Take in cutting-edge exhibits, featuring both local artists and the work of national and international talent, at this cornerstone of…"

"Get your dose of nature at one of New Orleans’ two large parks.City Park is larger than Central Park in New York and is home to the New Orleans Museum of Art, as well as several gardens.Audubon Parkboasts the Audubon Zoo and is easily accessible by street car. Either way, both are excellent options for a relaxing afternoon."

"Located in the center of City Park is NOMA, New Orleans Museum of Art which the building itself is beautiful holding a permanent fine art collection of over 40,000 pieces. We will be checking this out on our next trip as well!"

"Take the famous St. Charles Streetcar to Central City to visit the McKenna Museum of African American Art. The museum’s mission is to make African Diasporan fine art available and accessible to visitors of all ages. They work to preserve the culture of the African American community in Louisiana."

"The McKenna Museum is a fine art institution with a direct focus on African Diasporan pieces. In addition to their collection, McKenna offers a range of diverse programming such as guest speakers, workshops and book readings to further their mission and work."

"After voodoo (or vodou) came to New Orleans in the 1700s—first via West African slaves, then with Haitians after the Haitian Revolution—it entwined with the city’s identity. Which is why, since the 1970s, a French Quarter visit has been deemed incomplete without a stop at the tiny Historic Voodoo Museum. If it’s lore you seek, you’ll find it here."

"First raised in 1875, this old market hall on St. Claude Avenue came through a post-Katrina renovation between 2012-15, reopening as a modern, chef-centric food hall. In this bright and airy space are 11 dining options around an acclaimed craft cocktail bar, The Mayhaw. T2 Streetfood does Vietnamese classics like banh mi, pho and bao buns, while Torshi is all about eastern Mediterranean flavours, from falafel to gyros, tabouli and baklava."

"Shuttered by Katrina, the one-time seafood market reopened this spring as a pristine food hall with more than a dozen vendors and abundant counter seating throughout. Among the draws are crab cakes from Elysian Seafood, daiquiris and other cocktails from the Mayhaw and local pecans, okra and raw honey sourced by St. Roch Forage. 2381 St. Claude Ave."

"After your cemetery tour hop in a cab or Uber and head over in about a 5-minute drive to St. Roch Market for lunch. If you were intrigued by all the voodoo history you learned you can also make a pit stop on the way at the Voodoo Spiritual Temple, home of Voodoo Priestess Miriam, one of the last authentic voodoo practitioners in New Orleans."

"What looks like a castle in the French Quarter is actually the oldest cathedral in North America. This alone makes it one of the best things to do in New Orleans, especially when you head inside. You see, St. Louis Cathedral was founded as a Catholic Parish in 1720 and includes both Renaissance and Spanish Colonial architecture that is totally gorgeous."

"Long before lines were forming down the street for Chinese grub at Dian Xin, chef Doug Crowell took a serious leap of faith by opening a little dumpling and noodle joint, appropriately named Bao and Noodle, in the Marigny. It was only 2014, but it seems like the dark ages. A time where Chinese food in New Orleans felt like a vast wasteland of Americanized take out joints frequented by the lovers of gloopy, sweet, bastardized versions of Asian fare."

"Quite honestly, Bao & Noodle is one of the best Chinese restaurants in the whole city. Not only does it have plenty of vegetarian options, there are also daily specials, seasonal vegetables, and daily dumplings cooked to perfection. You can’t go here without ordering the steamed vegan bao, scallion pancakes, Burmese tea salad, and the strange flavored peanuts."

"Whether you’re in the mood for Scallion Pancakes, sweet Sesame Balls with Red Bean Paste, or Yellow Curry, Mock Duck and Mung Bean Bao, there are always vegan options at this Chinese restaurant."

"China Orchid in the Riverbend neighborhood has been around for more than 25 years, first opened by the mother of Joe Ming, proprietor of Ming’s in Lakeview. Ming’s mother, Susan, taught him how to cook Chinese food in the kitchen of the family-owned Uptown restaurant, which changed hands in 1992. It’s still a neighborhood go-to for Chinese takeout, with an extensive menu and delivery available."

"Carrollton Ave., (504) 865-1428; www.chinaorchidneworleans.com. An orange peel beef combo platter includes an egg roll, fried rice and egg drop or hot and sour soup."

"The Mississippi River is a very prominent part of New Orleans, so you have to get a picture along its banks. My favorite spot is just south of Jackson Square where you can get a nice shot of the Crescent City Connection Bridge in the background. This shot below was late in the day we arrived after a long flight."

"Following lunch we decided to head out of town and explore another unit of the Jean Lafitte NHP, Chalmette Battlefield, home of the Battle of New Orleans. Like most battlefields, you won’t find much other than a large open field but it is still an interesting stop. You should watch the short film at the Visitor Center to get an overview of the battle."