Ogden Museum of Southern Art
8.5Friend Score / 10#1 of 10 Museums in New Orleans
Known formuseumsouthern artself-taught artfolk art
The country's largest collection of Southern art, in a handsome Warehouse District building directly across from the WWII Museum — self-taught visionaries, Southern photography, and contemporary work that actually explains the region. Open daily 10am-5pm, admission modest (roughly $15 adult). Small enough to love in 90 minutes; locals' favorite museum pound-for-pound.
Key facts
| Hours | Daily 10:00–17:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | $$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | St. Charles streetcar to Lee Circle, one block away |
| Time needed | 1-2 hours |
| Best time to go | Thursday evenings when 'Ogden After Hours' live-music nights run; otherwise any weekday is calm |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.5/10- Value8.5
- iconic6.5
- Freshness9.1
- Crowd level8.5
- Authenticity8.5
- Accessibility8.0
Frequently asked questions
- Can I do the Ogden and WWII Museum on the same day?
- Yes — they're across the street from each other. The classic move is WWII Museum in the morning, lunch nearby, then the Ogden as a lighter, quieter afternoon chaser.
- What is the Ogden Museum known for?
- It holds the largest collection of Southern art anywhere — self-taught and 'outsider' artists, Southern photography, Louisiana landscapes, and sharp contemporary shows. It's the museum that explains the world you're walking around in.
- How much does the Ogden Museum cost?
- Adult admission runs around $15 with cheaper tickets for seniors, students, and kids — and free entry with an EBT card, plus periodic free days for locals. Check ogdenmuseum.org for current rates before you go.
- What is Ogden After Hours?
- A long-running Thursday-evening series pairing Southern musicians with gallery access — a drink, a band, and art after work. It's a genuine local scene, not a tourist program, and worth planning around.
- What are the Ogden Museum's hours?
- Open daily 10am to 5pm, with occasional holiday closures. Thursday evenings often extend for the Ogden After Hours live music series — the best time to visit if your dates line up.
- Is photography allowed in the Ogden?
- Generally yes without flash in the permanent collection, though some loaned exhibitions restrict it — signage will say. The building's spiral staircase atrium is a photo in itself.
- How long does the Ogden take to visit?
- Ninety minutes to two hours covers it comfortably across its five floors. That right-sized quality is exactly why people leave happier than after a six-hour mega-museum slog.
- Is the Ogden Museum good for kids?
- Better than most art museums — self-taught and folk art is vivid, strange, and story-rich, which lands with kids. An hour is a comfortable family visit.
Nearby in Ask New Orleans
- The National WWII MuseumAttraction0.05 km · 1 min walk
- The National WWII MuseumMuseum0.07 km · 1 min walk
- CochonRestaurant0.09 km · 1 min walk
- Mr Wolf EspressoCafé0.1 km · 1 min walk
- Ogden Museum of Southern ArtAttraction0.11 km · 1 min walk
Where to stay near Ogden Museum of Southern Art
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