Free Museums in Ruddock

"National World War II Museum in New Orleans|© James Nesterwitz / Alamy. Thousands of visitors walk through the doors of the National WWII Museum on a daily basis, which Congress considers the official World War II museum of the US. Located in Downtown New Orleans, the sprawling complex contextualises the American experience of the conflict through eye witness accounts, multimedia experiences and extensive exhibits including The Home Front, the Pacific and European Theatres and the D-Day Invasion."

"New Orleans is where Higgins boats were designed, built and tested. These landing craft were pivotal to amphibious invasions like Normandy in 1944, and so it’s fitting that New Orleans’ superb National WWII Museum should have opened on D-Day’s 56th anniversary on June 6, 2000. As you enter you’ll be given a dog tag, which you can scan at stations around the museum for compelling personal profiles."

"The WWII museum is said to be one of the best in the USA and is another great option. Dinner at Bacchanal Wine Bar"

"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."

"– New Orleans Museum of Art, fondly known as NOMA, is the city’s oldest fine arts institution and opened in 1911 with only nine works of art. Now, NOMA has a wonderfully impressive permanent collection with many beautiful rotating exhibits coming through frequently. Every Wednesday, the New Orleans Botanical Garden is free for Louisiana Residents through the Helis Foundation."

"It’s also an excellent place to people watch and where a number of New Orleans’ historical landmarks like The St Louis Cathedral, The Cabildo, and The Presbytère are located (with Preservation Hall and The Historic New Orleans Collection nearby). Tons of artists, musicians, and fortune tellers hang out in Jackson Square and in the spirit of disclosure, I spent most of my time here people-watching and eating beignets. However, if you want to be a little more cultured than I was, visit one or several of the above-mentioned landmarks for even more NOLA history."

"The HNOC is on a mission to preserve the French Quarter and New Orleans history. The space houses seven different exhibition halls with constantly evolving collections. Afro-Creole poetry, French Quarter life, second lines and social aid & pleasure clubs are just a few highlights."

"In 1804 the State of Louisiana passed a law requiring a licensing exam for would-be pharmacists. The first person to pass this exam was one Louis J. Dufilho Jr. , becoming the first licensed pharmacist in the United States. You can drop by his premises on Chartres Street in the French Quarter, where stacks of strange remedies line the walls in historic apothecary bottles."

"Some key points to check out in this small zone are: the artists along the street at Jackson Square, St Lous Cathedral (you can’t miss it), New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, Marie Laveau’s House of Voodoo, and shopping for antiques on Royal Street. Of course, Bourbon street is here too and always popping even in the daytime."

"Louisiana's Civil War Museum, formerly known as the Confederate Museum, is one of the largest repositories of Confederacy-related artifacts and memorabilia in the United States. Housed in a stone Romanesque-style building, this is the oldest museum in Louisiana. The Confederate Memorial Hall Museum opened to the public in 1891 and today houses the second largest Civil War collection in the world."

"What kind of ammunition and instruments did they use against one another?. The Confederate Memorial Hall commemorates the American Civil War by keeping a preserved exhibition of all the materials involved. Here you will get a chance to learn about all of the battles, trials, and about each person that played a vital role in the Civil War."

"Louisiana’s Civil War Museum opened in 1891, making it the oldest operating museum in Louisiana. It is also known as the Confederate Memorial Hall Museum. Here, you’ll find a large collection of historical artifacts from the Civil War."

"Local music fans, neighborhood drinkers, and curious tourists all come to see one of the city's favorite sons, Kermit Ruffins, in action at his namesake bar. Inside has the feeling of a tricked-out family basement, but with Mardi Gras colored tiling. The drinks are cheap, the food is (often) free, and the music flows like the lifeblood of the Seventh Ward."

"Before visiting New Orleans for the third time last fall, I binge-watched the HBO series Treme on Amazon Prime. The show is named after the neighborhood north of the French Quarter, where jazz music was born in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Several of the lead characters are musicians; viewers are treated to a lot of terrific music."

"Are you looking for a great place to watch live entertainment around New Orleans, Louisiana?. If so, you should head on over to Kermit's Treme Mother in Law..."

"The Louisiana Children’s Museum is a playful and educational place for children and their families to enjoy hands-on, interactive exhibits that encourage learning through play. Located in the Arts District/Convention Center, the museum boasts 30,000 square feet of immersive exhibitions that explore art, music, science, math, and health. Exhibits include the Little Port of New Orleans, which teaches children all about life in a ship; Eye to Eye which boasts a kid-sized eye clinic where children can pretend to be ophthalmologists or patients and learn about the eye’s anatomy and functions; and a pint-sized grocery store and café, where children can pretend to shop and be a chef in a five-star restaurant."

"If you’re bringing the kids along for the weekend trip to New Orleans, you can’t go wrong with the Louisiana Children’s Museum. Think of it as one of the world’s largest classrooms. Their brand new campus located in City Park provides more than 30,000 square feet of interactive and educational exhibits – including a climbing wall, art studio, and mock cafe."

"If you’re searching for what to do in New Orleans City Park with kids, the Louisiana Children’s Museum has to top your list. Kids will delight in playing throughout the indoor and outdoor areas. Outside, your kids can explore exhibits on the water, in the garden, and more!"

"Other plantations in the area to consider are the Laura Plantation, the Houmas House Plantation, the Nottoway Plantation, and the Whitney Plantation, among others. The Whitney Plantation is newly renovated and has an exhibit that focuses on the children of slavery that is said to be deeply moving and emotional."

"Whitney Plantation, on the other hand, focuses on slavery and what life was like for the slaves living on the plantation. There are personal narratives and exhibits of the slaves who lived on the plantation which can certainly be more emotional but important history to understand nevertheless."

"If you’re going to visit any plantations, please make The Whitney Plantation a priority. It’s the first slavery museum in America, dedicated to telling the history of slaves in their own words, taken from historical records."

"The Shops at Jax Brewery, located in what once was the largest independent brewery in the South built in 1891, combine a riverfront location with a portfolio of national and local brands including Chico's and Gumbo Kids. The property has four floors of shops, cafes and boutiques, with the top floor offering some pretty spectacular views of the city. A few of the shops offer witty screen print t-shirts with local sayings and attractions that are sure to be a hit."

"Coffee came to European markets via the Middle East in the 1600s. Then it arrived in North America by way of European settlement, and it appears that its first point of entry may very well have been none other than New Orleans!. The French — who often used a unique coffee/chicory mix — brought it here in approximately 1720."

"Source: Photo by Flickr user Reading Tom used under CC BY 2.0. If you’re tired of the regular shopping malls, then you should check out Shops At Jax Brewery. It was designed by German architect Dietrich Einsiedel and in operation for over 80 years."

"From Jackson Square and St. Louis Cathedral, walk towards the Mississippi River and cross Decatur Street for an elevated perch to capture the Instagram-worthy view overlooking the square! At this point, you’ll have surely smelled the powdered sugar sweetness floating through the air around the Square and Cathedral. Cafe du Monde and their famous beignets are just a few steps away, on the same side as the river."

"Stroll along Decatur Street & the French Market. Decatur Street is, in many ways, one of the main drags of the French Quarter, and is home to some of New Orleans’ most popular restaurants (don’t worry, we’ll get to those in the food section below)."

"Smoothie King Center is where you’ll catch many top indoor sporting events and concerts coming through New Orleans. The multi-purpose indoor arena sits adjacent to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. It’s also the home of the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans."

"Luke is a French-style brasserie serving French and German inspired cuisine with a Louisiana twist. The menu here is very ‘old world’ and uses slow and traditional cooking techniques. We recommend ordering their Blue Crab Gratin plate to share which is made with spinach, Emmenthaler cheese and country bread croutons."

"A Creole-inspired brasserie located in the heart of New Orleans’ Central Business District on world-famous St. Charles Avenue, Luke sits just steps away from the French Quarter."

"Chef Donald Link’s restaurant group is heavy on the James Beard awards, bestowed upon loads of chefs that have passed through his flagship restaurant. Approaching its 20th year, this Central Business District favorite is consistently packed with a mix of the after-work business crowd, local families and tourists. Local farmers and fishermen are well represented on the seasonal menu that combines French, Southern and rustic Italian influences."

"Although Herbsaint has scattered sidewalk tables under umbrellas and of course that lovely courtyard, there’s also a covered sidewalk area with seating out of the rain. Pull up a chair and enjoy some of chef de cuisine David Rouse’s savory takes on contemporary, seasonal French-Southern cuisine along with rustic Italian dishes. Open for dine-in, takeout, or delivery."

"Herbsaint takes taste to an entirely new level by combining French, American and Italian fare to create a unique menu. This St. Charles staple has not only an incredible food variety, but also an open patio. Book a cosy table for two and watch the French Quarter come to life while enjoying a hearty and delicious meal."

"Located right on Jackson Square, Tableau is a fabulous place to go for traditional New Orleans cuisine. Even though it was a rainy day on my visit, I still was able to get beautiful photos of their picturesque courtyard. You can also dine on the outside balcony with a view overlooking Jackson Square."

"616 St. Peter St., (504) 934-3463; www.tableaufrenchquarter.com. Redfish Bienville is served with blue crab butter sauce and white truffle oil, frisee salad and fingerling potatoes. Reservations accepted."

"Tableau, an elegant French Quarter establishment from Dickie Brennan’s group, specializes in modern Creole cuisine. It’s open daily from 11 a.m. until late on weekdays, and from 10..."