Warehouse District (Arts District)

The Warehouse (Arts) District is downtown's converted-brick-loft quarter: the world-class National WWII Museum ($36 adults, daily 9am-5pm), the Ogden's Southern art, Julia Street galleries, and some of the city's best-regarded restaurants like Cochon and Pêche. A friend sends you for a museum-and-lunch day. Caveat: it's polished and quiet at night — atmosphere lives elsewhere.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

What is the Ogden Museum of Southern Art?

The largest collection of Southern art anywhere — self-taught masters, photography, contemporary work — in a handsome building on Camp Street. Open daily 10am-5pm, adults around $15. It's the perfect 90-minute companion to the WWII Museum across the street, and far less crowded.

Is the Warehouse District walkable from the French Quarter?

Yes — cross Canal Street and you're 10-15 minutes on foot from most of it, flat the whole way. Streetcars on Canal and St. Charles get you close for $1.25 if it's hot. It's arguably the easiest neighborhood pairing with the Quarter.

Where should I eat in the Warehouse District?

This is a serious restaurant neighborhood: Cochon and Cochon Butcher for Cajun, Pêche for Gulf seafood, plus rooftop bars and hotel restaurants. Butcher's sandwiches are the great casual lunch near the museums. Book the big names ahead — they fill with conventioneers midweek.

What's the deal with Julia Street galleries?

Julia Street is the spine of the Arts District, lined with contemporary galleries that are free to browse. The event to catch is the first-Saturday evening gallery openings, when the whole street opens doors with wine and new shows. Check artsdistrictneworleans.com for the current calendar.

Why is the WWII Museum in New Orleans?

The Higgins boats — the landing craft that put troops on the beaches at Normandy and across the Pacific — were designed and built here by Higgins Industries. Eisenhower credited Andrew Higgins with winning the war, and the museum grew from that hometown story into a national institution.

Is the National WWII Museum really worth it?

It's routinely ranked among the best museums in the country, and deservedly — immersive, personal, and enormous. Adults $36, seniors $33, kids and students $26, open 9am-5pm daily. Give it four hours minimum; history buffs lose a whole day happily.

Is it worth staying in the Warehouse District?

It's a smart base: newer hotels, quieter nights than the Quarter, walking distance to both the Quarter and the convention center. The trade-off is atmosphere — streets empty out after dinner. Great for museum-focused trips, business travel, and light sleepers.

What's at the riverfront near the district?

The Convention Center corridor, the Riverwalk outlets, and the ferry to Algiers Point from the foot of Canal Street — that last one is a cheap, underrated skyline ride. The riverfront here is more functional than charming; the district's soul is in its brick blocks, not on the water.

Nearby in Ask New Orleans

• CochonRestaurant0.1 km · 1 min walk
• The National WWII MuseumMuseum0.13 km · 2 min walk
• The National WWII MuseumAttraction0.15 km · 2 min walk
• Ogden Museum of Southern ArtMuseum0.19 km · 2 min walk
• Mr Wolf EspressoCafé0.2 km · 2 min walk