The New Orleans Museum of Art, often called NOMA, holds paintings, photographs, sculptures, and objects from cultures around the world. Set in City Park, it gives you a chance to explore another side of the city beyond the French Quarter. You do not need an art background to enjoy the galleries. During your stay at Plaza Suite Resort, our hotel in New Orleans makes a comfortable starting point for a day of art, park walks, and new discoveries.
French and American Paintings
NOMA is known for its French and American art, with works that show how artists have captured people, places, and daily life over time. Its collection includes pieces by Edgar Degas, the French artist who visited relatives in New Orleans during the 1870s. You can also explore different painting styles, from scenes with familiar shapes to works built around bold colors and forms. Take time to look before reading each label. Notice where your eye goes first, then learn about the artist, the subject, and when the work was made.
Art from Africa, Japan, and the Americas
The museum’s African art and Japanese art collections introduce visitors to different ways of making and using art. Other collections include Native American works and objects from the Americas made before European colonization. These galleries show that art can serve many purposes, from telling stories to marking special events or shaping daily life. Read the labels to learn where each object came from and what is known about its use. With children, try choosing one object each and talking about the shapes, materials, or details that stand out.
Photography, Glass, and Changing Exhibitions
There is much more here than framed paintings. NOMA also collects photography, glass, furniture, textiles, and other decorative objects. A chair, bowl, or photograph can reveal as much about its time as a large painting. Special exhibitions add another reason to visit, with displays focused on particular artists, places, or themes. Before leaving our NOLA hotel, check the museum’s exhibition listings to see what will be on view during your stay. Choose a few displays that interest you most, since trying to study every object can make the visit feel rushed.
Step Outside into the Sculpture Garden
Beside the museum, the Besthoff Sculpture Garden brings art into a landscape of oak trees, lagoons, and walking paths. Its collection includes large figures, bold shapes, and works that look different as you move around them. Unlike the indoor museum, this outdoor art collection is free to visit and opens seven days a week, apart from listed holiday closures. Regular hours are 10 a.m.–6 p.m. from April through September and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. from October through March. Bring comfortable shoes and allow extra time to explore beyond the galleries.
Museum Hours and Ticket Prices
Check the museum hours and admission information while planning your stay at our New Orleans resort. NOMA closes on Mondays. Regular hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays through Sundays, with Wednesday hours of noon–7 p.m. General admission currently costs $23 for out-of-state adults and $18 for Louisiana adults. Visitors aged 19 and under enter free. Wednesday free general admission applies to Louisiana residents. Holiday schedules can differ, so confirm your date and review any special exhibition ticket details before buying.
Getting to NOMA from Our Resort
The museum is at One Collins Diboll Circle in City Park. From our resort in New Orleans, plan transportation to the park rather than treating it as a short downtown walk. You can drive, take a taxi or rideshare, or use public transit. The Canal–City Park streetcar ends within walking distance of the museum. Free parking is available on Lelong Drive and nearby streets within the park. Accessible entrances and ramps are also available; contact the museum before visiting if you need help planning your arrival.
How to Fit the Museum into Your Day
For a first visit, we suggest setting aside two to three hours for selected galleries and a walk through the garden. Add more time if you enjoy reading labels or want a meal break. Café NOMA offers an on-site dining option, and the museum shop carries books and art-inspired gifts. Keep the rest of your day flexible so you can stay longer where something catches your interest. Our guide to things to do in New Orleans can help you plan other outings around your museum visit.
Plan Your Stay at Plaza Suite Resort
After a day exploring art and City Park, return to our hotel in New Orleans to rest before your evening plans. Plaza Suite Resort offers equipped kitchens and comfortable living areas in the historic Warehouse District, giving you space to settle in between outings. Our resort in New Orleans places you near downtown sights while giving you a base for trips to other neighborhoods. Contact us to check suite availability and start planning a stay filled with the places you most want to discover.