The National WWII Museum World-class
Warehouse District · $$$
Photo: Gilad Levy
Why it made the list: Consistently ranked among the best museums in the country, this sprawling campus tells the story of the war through immersive galleries, restored aircraft and deeply personal oral histories. Plan for half a day; it earns every minute.
New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) The classic
City Park · $$
Photo: S M
Why it made the list: The city's grand old art museum sits at the head of City Park in a Beaux-Arts building, with strong collections of French, American and African art. Its real trump card is just outside: the free Besthoff Sculpture Garden.
The Ogden Museum of Southern Art Southern art
Warehouse District · $$
Photo: Nils Paellmann
Why it made the list: The finest collection of Southern art anywhere, spanning folk, photography, contemporary and self-taught work across a light-filled modern building. It's a quieter, more intimate counterpoint to the WWII Museum across the street.
The Historic New Orleans Collection Hidden treasure
French Quarter · Free
Photo: Zac LeMieux
Why it made the list: A museum, research center and complex of historic townhouses on Royal Street, telling the story of the city and the Gulf South through maps, art and artifacts. The rotating exhibitions are excellent, and much of it is free.
Mardi Gras World Only here
Riverfront · $$
Photo: Myriam Archila
Why it made the list: The working studio where a huge share of the city's Mardi Gras floats are built, a warehouse full of giant, gaudy, half-finished sculptures. You get the story of Carnival and a walk among the props up close, all year round.
⭐ Bonus Pick: The Cabildo & the Presbytère
Two more on Jackson Square: the Cabildo, where the Louisiana Purchase was signed, and the Presbytère, home to a superb Mardi Gras exhibit and a sobering Hurricane Katrina gallery. Both are part of the Louisiana State Museum and sit steps from the cathedral, easy add-ons to a French Quarter day.
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