10 Best Museums to visit in New Orleans!

New Orleans is home to some of the best museums in the United States, ranging from world‑class art collections to cultural and history exhibits. Each museum here shows a different side of New Orleans — its art, history, culture, and resilience. Exploring these museums is not only about looking at exhibits; it’s about understanding how this city grew and why it remains so unique. In this blog, we’ll share 10 best museums to visit in New Orleans, explaining each one in detail so you can plan your trip with confidence.

1. New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA)

The New Orleans Museum of Art, often called NOMA, is the city’s oldest fine arts museum, first opening its doors in 1911. It began with only a small collection but has grown to nearly 50,000 pieces today. Visitors can see paintings, sculptures, photographs, and objects from places like Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. The museum is especially known for its French and American art, along with Japanese prints, African masks, and glass works. Outside, the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden features more than 90 sculptures placed along walking paths, ponds, and shaded areas.

2. The National WWII Museum

Opened in 2000, The National WWII Museum was first known as The National D‑Day Museum. It tells the story of America’s role in World War II and helps visitors understand how the war began, why it mattered, and how its impact is still felt today. It includes several buildings such as the Louisiana Memorial Pavilion, Campaigns of Courage Pavilion, and US Freedom Pavilion. Guests can see restored planes, tanks, and even the PT‑305 boat that was built in New Orleans. One of the highlights is the 4D film Beyond All Boundaries, which uses sound, light, and special effects to bring the history to life in a powerful way.

3. The Jackson Barracks Military Museum

The Jackson Barracks Military Museum tells the long story of the Louisiana National Guard and its role in both war and peace. Inside, visitors can see uniforms, weapons, and equipment used by soldiers from the early 1700s up to modern times. Some of the special displays include a British cannon from the Battle of New Orleans, a 27‑star flag from the Mexican War, and a letter written by General Robert E. Lee during the Civil War. There are also tanks, planes, and one section of the museum even lets guests sit inside the cockpit of an F‑4 jet to experience what it feels like to be a pilot.

4. Backstreet Cultural Museum

Located in the Tremé neighborhood, Backstreet Cultural Museum shares the story of African American traditions such as second line parades, jazz funerals, and the culture of Mardi Gras Indians. The museum was started by Sylvester Francis, who began by filming parades and collecting costumes, photos, and other items. Inside, visitors can see colorful handmade suits, parade photographs, and creative items that reflect the spirit of the community. The museum also explains the role of Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs, which organize many local events and provide support to families in need.

5. New Orleans African American Museum

The New Orleans African American Museum highlights the lives, traditions, and creativity of African Americans in New Orleans and across the African Diaspora. The museum includes several structures, such as former slave quarters, which are now used for exhibits. One of the main displays is the Louisiana‑Congo collection, featuring masks, handmade beads, and musical instruments from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Visitors can walk through the rooms and learn about the daily lives of enslaved people as well as free people of color, gaining a deeper understanding of their history and culture.

6. Old Ursuline Convent Museum

Construction began in 1745 and finished around 1753, Old Ursuline Convent Museum served as a convent, a school for girls, and an orphanage run by the Ursuline nuns. Over time, the building was also used by the Louisiana Legislature and later became the residence of New Orleans’ Archbishops. Today, it works as a museum that shares the history of the Catholic Church and the important role the Ursuline nuns played in education and care. Visitors can join guided tours to explore the rooms, see exhibits and artifacts, and walk through the courtyard that reflects life in the city during earlier times.

7. New Orleans Jazz Museum

The New Orleans Jazz Museum is located inside the old U.S. Mint building and tells the story of how jazz began and grew in the city. Visitors can explore exhibits with instruments, old photos, and personal items from both early and modern jazz musicians. On the third floor, the museum has a stage where live music, talks, and special programs take place throughout the year. It also works with schools and families, offering lessons, tools, and field trips to help children learn about jazz. The museum features changing exhibits during the year that highlight artists and themes connected to local culture.

8. The Presbytère

The Presbytère was first planned in 1791 to look like the nearby Cabildo, next to the cathedral. Finished in 1813, and while it was meant to house church leaders, it never served that purpose. Instead, the building was used as a courthouse before becoming part of the Louisiana State Museum in 1911. Today, it works as a museum with two main exhibits. One tells the story of Hurricane Katrina, showing how people in Louisiana faced the storm and rebuilt afterward. The other exhibit focuses on Mardi Gras, with costumes, parade floats, and displays that explain the history of this famous celebration.

9. Southern Food and Beverage Museum

Opened in 2008, Southern Food and Beverage Museum shares the story of food and drink across the Southern U.S. Inside, visitors can explore exhibits from different Southern states, each showing local dishes, cooking tools, and stories from the past. One highlight is the Museum of the American Cocktail, which explains how cocktails became part of American life, especially in New Orleans. There is also a section about absinthe, with old bottles, posters, and glassware on display. Guests can join cooking classes, food talks, and tasting events held throughout the year, making it an interactive place.

10. New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum

Opened in 1972, New Orleans Historic Voodoo Museum shares the story of Louisiana Voodoo. Inside, visitors walk through two small rooms filled with displays such as altars, handmade paintings, and masks that show how Voodoo has been part of local life. Some exhibits include items connected to Marie Laveau, one of the most famous Voodoo figures, along with artwork created by local artists. The museum offers self‑guided tours as well as walking tours to nearby places like Congo Square and Marie Laveau’s tomb, giving visitors a deeper look into the history and traditions of Voodoo in New Orleans.

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