If you’re on a budget and looking to get you’re walking on, a nice way to spend a couple of hours is at the Sculpture Garden. Yes, it’s free.
It’s just a short hop to Mid City where you can get some nature and art in one hot combination. The Sculpture Garden was recently expanded and now has two sides, the original and the new hotness (they connect to make one big awesome). The sculpture garden sits just to the left of the NOMA entrance and is a great place to sit by the bayou, take in some art and just walk around and get away from it all.
There are a variety of sculptures to be had, like this one that reminds me very much of Alice in Wonderland.
There are also many benches to sit on and take in the natural beauty or pack a picnic and have a little lunch overlooking some ancient oak trees.
Or just chill by the bayou.
Getting There:
If you’re visiting New Orleans and coming from the French Quarter/river you have several options.
- Take the Streetcar from Canal Street to City Park. The one marked City Park is the one you want. It will drop you off right in front of the entrance to City Park, head straight towards the New Orleans Museum of Art and a slight left is the entrance into the Sculpture Garden.
- The 91 Bus runs up Esplanade into City Park as well.
- Of course, there are ride-sharing apps and bicycle tours as well that head that direction.
What to Bring:
- An umbrella if it looks like rain. You can always tuck into the museum or the museum cafe or Cafe Du Monde for some beignets.
- A picnic if you want to sit and have a snack
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Water, water, water
How Long Does It Take?
You can walk the entire thing in under an hour but allow for two if you want to take it all in. It is a leisurely walk and wheelchair accessible. There are also toilets at the entrance to your right.
Cost: Free
There are donation boxes located throughout the sculpture garden and of course, donations are always welcome.
