Travel Blog

Let’s face it – art is not the first thing that comes to mind when most of us think about New Orleans, although some time spent with the girls carousing in the Quarter is always time well spent.

But next time you’re in the Big Easy, try something completely different: Save the Quarter for the evening and spend your days on the trail of great art.

 Must Do: Gallery Hop

Start on Julia Street in the Warehouse District, the area of town where converted warehouses have become great restaurants, lofts and art galleries and what some call the SoHo of the South.

On Julia Street, hop through more than 20 galleries; try Arthur Roger for contemporary pieces from regional names, Heriad-Cimino for nationally established artists as well as prominent Louisiana artists, and Soren Christensen for contemporary sculpture.

Then, get blown away – by the city’s glass artists – at the New Orleans Glass Works and Printmaking Studio inside the New Orleans Artworks facility. Its half gallery and half working studio, with a bit of classroom thrown in – and a fabulous place to watch master glass artists at work.

When you do wander over to the Quarter, and of course you will, stroll down Royal Street for more gallery hopping including Marcus Akinlana’s Royal Heritage, where he exhibits his vibrant works of NOLA life. Many days, Akinlana can be found just outside the door, working at his easel, which he sets up right on the sidewalk.

As you wander around town, see how many of the 40 whimsical fleur-de-lis sculptures you can spot around town. From the Central Business District to the Quarter, these sculptures – a fundraiser to benefit local artists and children’s charities in the wake of Katrina – are a reminder of the devastation wrought by the killer storm, as well as the hope for the future of the city.

Must See: Muse about art

New Orleans has amazing art museums, many of which were closed following Katrina. The New Orleans Museum of Art in City Park is now open five days a week, featuring its excellent permanent collection of French and American art; The Ogden Museum of Southern Art in the Warehouse District is as rich as your uncle, with the works of southern artists dating back to the late 1700s. More contemporary art can be found just a stone’s throw away at the Contemporary Arts Center, also in the Warehouse District. If it’s a pretty day, stroll through the five acre Besthoff Sculpture Garden in City Park.

Must Eat: Classic NOLA

Emeril Lagasse’s namesake eatery has always been in the Warehouse District – and while it is quite the tourist attraction, Emeril’s is still one of the Crescent City’s best –and most fun – eateries. Plus, the walls of the old pharmacy warehouse in which the restaurant is housed are covered with local original art, so there’s plenty of eye candy as well as traditional NOLA favorites. Reservations are a must – if you book early enough you might be lucky to grab some of the seats at the food bar, where you can watch the cooking action up-close.

Must Drink: Historic watering hole

In the Quarter but still a bit off the beaten path, Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop is a favorite watering hole for locals and out-of-towners in the know.  Lafitte’s is one of the oldest buildings in the south, dating back to the 1700s, featuring low-ceilinged, rambling rooms, a quick bar and piano sing-alongs that are hard not to join. 

Must Sleep: Renaissance Arts Hotel

Sleep artfully in a converted furniture factory that features a sculpture garden, gallery space and Chihuly chandeliers in the lobby, as well as original art glass and giclée prints in the guestrooms. The Renaissance Arts Hotel is smack in the middle of the Warehouse Arts District; the factory’s original exposed brick walls are a nice contrast to the stylized and contemporary furnishings and the lush bedding. Art takes center stage throughout the entire hotel, from the aforementioned Chihuly sculptural lighting to the very cool woodcut print of Louis Armstrong in the foyer. Rates are very reasonable for New Orleans, starting at $159 / night; look for weekend packages for even better pricing.

Warehouse Arts District information