Free Museums in St. John the Baptist Parish

"The National WWII Museum is a military history museum that highlights the contribution made by the United States to the Allied victory in World War II. Formerly known as The National D-Day Museum, the National WWII Museum is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution and emphasizes the American experience in World War II. Located on Andrew Higgins Drive in the Central Business District of New Orleans, the museum has several notable features including the Louisiana Memorial Pavilion which boasts exhibits about the amphibious invasions of the Pacific War; the John E. Kushner Restoration Pavilion, the Solomon Victory Theater, the US Freedom Pavilion: The Boeing Center, and the Campaigns of Courage Pavilion. Several permanent galleries document the Home Front, Planning for D-Day, and the D-Day Beaches through fascinating exhibits. 945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130, Phone: 504-528-1944"

"A few metres before reaching the shore of Tetere Beach, a dirt track to the west leads to 30 or more abandoned amtracks (amphibious troop carriers). Many of these rusty relics are shielded by prickly thorns, which adds to the poignancy of the site."

"This vast and still-expanding museum is a moving and well-executed examination of World War II events and its aftermath. Seminal moments…"

"At this stately museum in City Park, you’ll experience New Orleans’ oldest fine arts institution, which opened in 1911 and showcased just nine works of art. Fast forward more than 100 years, and NOMA (1 Collins Diboll Circle; 504-658-4100) plays host to a permanent collection of nearly 40,000 objects that include photography, glass works, French and American art, Japanese and African works, and much more. Just outside, the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden is home to over 60 sculptures by renowned artists from around the world."

"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."

"Founded in 1966, The Historic New Orleans Collection has two campuses: one on Royal Street and the other on Chartres Street. Its Royal Street campus has a permanent gallery on Louisiana history; a hall for rotating exhibitions; and house museum called the Williams Residence—which, according to the THNOC, “is the only French Quarter house open to the public with its original furnishings.”. Its Chartres Street campus holds the Williams Research Center, the Boyd Cruise gallery, and thousands of historic artifacts that encapsulate life New Orleans over the last 300 years."

"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."

"If you’re looking for an off-beat experience on New Orleans history, check out this eccentric museum that is housed in a 19th-century pharmacy. The New Orleans Pharmacy Museum showcases formerly popular medicines, including potions and leeches. A post shared by @melissasemiao on Mar 25, 2018 at 12:16pm PDT"

"Structured as a pharmacy back in the day, New Orleans Pharmacy Museum is now a museum with exhibits featuring early medicines and superstitious cures, among other things."

"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."

"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."

"Confederate Memorial Hall opened in 1891, making it the oldest collection of Confederate memorabilia in the US. It started after resident Frank T. Howard wrote a letter to the Louisiana Historical Association requesting acknowledgement of the Civil War’s survivors and victims. Here, you’ll embark on a journey through the military history and heritage of the South."

"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."

"This five-acre sculpture garden is a park within City Park, and acts as an open-air annex to the wonderful New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA). 90 sculptures—mostly modern and abstract—are set among magnolias and live oaks, framed by bridges and reflecting pools, with world-renowned artists Henry Moore, Antoine Bourdelle, and Ossip Zadkine represented. The lake-set Virlane Tower by Kenneth Snelson is a favorite, as is the familiar Love, Red Blue sign by Robert Indiana, but it’s best to come without a map."

"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!"

"I learned about Preservation Hall from a couple of locals while enjoying a drink at Jewel of the South, a bar in the French Quarter. Dating back to the 1950s, Preservation Hall has to be the most unassuming jazz club in the world. Every night, a line of hopefuls forms outside this venerable institution for the chance to spend an hour listening to the house band, The Preservation All Stars, perform traditional New Orleans jazz."

"You might be wondering why I haven’t mentioned the iconic French Quarter jazz venue, Preservation Hall. It’s absolutely possible to see a show here (40ish minutes) and then head to Frenchmen Street. Depending on the night of the week, prepare to wait in line for up to an hour and remember with no food, drink (BYOB), or AC and the likelihood of standing during the performance, this venue isn’t right for everyone."

"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."

"This is another pick for those of you who enjoy seafood more than any other kinds of food. This chain restaurant is conveniently located on Lakeshore Drive, on the shores of Lake Pontchartrain, where guests can enjoy direct views to the waterfront. Landry’s Seafood House serves Gulf Coast classic fish specialities, succulent steaks, and mouthwatering desserts, with Blue Crab Cakes, Crawfish Etouffee and Shrimp En Brochette mentioned as menu favourites."

"For a great seafood restaurant experience in New Orleans, visit Landry’s Seafood House in the French Quarter!. Located in the historic Jax Brewery building, enjoy scenic views of the Mississippi River and Jackson Square. Landry's Seafood House is a prime destination for a night out on the town or a...Mehr"

"The true flavor of Gulf Coast tradition is all about family, warmth and exceptional seafood. Landry's Seafood strives to bring all of those things together in each and every location, providing a fun-filled dining experience that will make you want to drop your anchor and never leave..."

"This elegant bar is a must-visit for any fan of Champagne and wine. Located on the edge of the French Quarter, the polished space sets a lovely tone for perusing the curated list of exceptional bubbles at all price points—from affordable sparklers to renowned Grande Marque Champagnes. The sparkling wine list spans the globe and includes more than 200 sparkling wines by the bottle, more than 30 sparkling wines by the glass and six unique sparkling flights."

"Pop some bubbly at Effervescence, an elegant champagne bar at the edge of the French Quarter. Create the perfect date night at the Rampart Street bar with a champagne-focused menu featuring sparkling flights, light bites and desserts. The bar also offers live music every Wednesday and Sunday."

"If there are tangible signs of Rampart Street smartening up, Effervescence is undeniably one of them. As you step in, you’re enveloped in a sea of white walls and polished wooden floors. Behind a central bar, corks pop, and there’s a pleasing, well, effervescence to the whole room."

"Bayona, set in an 18th century Creole cottage, has been charming diners since Regina Keever and chef Susan Spicer opened the doors in 1990. Bayona drips with romance, but the vibe is casual and inviting. Pair chef Spicer’s award winning global cuisine with one of the most serene patios for fine dining in New Orleans."

"New World" is the label Louisiana native Susan Spicer applies to her cooking style, the delicious hallmarks of which include goat cheese crouton...Read More"

"French QuarterThough it dates back to 1920, Broussard’s recently reopened after a lengthy hiatus, and it’s not just back in business, it’s back to its old, pre-Prohibition form, and absolutely killing it. The restaurant’s logo is a bee, the very same as Napoleon Bonaparte’s personal symbol. You also might note that, in addition to the glorious dining room, Broussard’s is home to the lavishly renovated Empire Bar, where you’ll find legendary barman Paul Gustings, who will shake you a pitch-perfect Ramos Fizz, among other important New Orleans tipples."

"I went to Broussard's over the weekend on a trip to New Orleans. My biggest issue and the one star”more"

"A lot of people don’t realize that “Italian Creole” is a specialty in the 504, but you’ll find some of the best po-boys nestling side by side with chicken Parm and veal scallopini at some of the finer neighborhood joints in the city. And nowhere is there a more spectacular embodiment of this phenomenon than Mandina’s, which never fails to disappoint with everything from turtle soup to soft-shell crab meuniere and, of course, spaghetti with meatballs."

"Mid-CityJust because you’re not a 100-year-old French Quarter Creole queen doesn’t mean that you aren't just as fiercely beloved by the natives. Sebastian Mandina opened up an Italian grocery at the turn of the 20th century, and it’s been an institution ever since, even if it's an un-fancy one. Go for the Italian fare like veal and eggplant Parm, and if you really want to get serious, order the Gulf fish (or soft-shell crab) meuniere or amandine."

"3800 Canal St., (504) 482-9179; Azalea Shopping Center, 4240 Highway 22, Mandeville, (985) 674-9883; www.mandinasrestaurant.com. A fried shrimp and oyster platter is served with french fries. Reservations accepted for large parties."