The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at NOMA
The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at NOMA
The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at NOMA
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Lakeview
Lakeview extends inland from the shores of Lake Pontchartrain with much of the area reserved for family-friendly City Park. Home to the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Besthoff Sculpture Garden, Carousel Gardens Amusement Park, and the city’s own lush Botanical Gardens, City Park is a New Orleans gem and the perfect spot for outdoor fun with as much of a mix of culture and/or amusement as you would like. Beyond City Park more great excuses to stay outside beckon, whether on land or by boat. Developed a good deal later than most other New Orleans neighborhoods, Lakeview has a distinctively different look and feel compared to other parts of the city. Fans of mid century modern design and contemporary architecture particularly enjoy leisurely drives around the residential streets of Lake Vista, Park Island and along Lakeshore Drive.
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1,044 within 3 miles
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461 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Jen TravelsDetroit, Michigan5,726 contributionsBeautiful place to take a walk while taking in some art and scenery ☺️This is set kind of behind the New Orleans Museum of Art. It was free when we got in. We weren't worried about parking as we took an Uber from Cafe Degas where we ate lunch and then walked over. You walk in and see fully paved sidewalks, exquisite landscaping, wildlife (ducks, etc), and a nice waterway. It just felt to me, like it was going to be a great fun day exploring. You'll find tons of various art pieces,ade of various materials, from bronze to acrylic. All are listed with materials used, their creators and the date they were created. Some are along the sidewalk, some are in the grass, and one or two are in the water. They have various bridges to get between various sections of the garden. They are all beautiful and well-made. Expect to spend at least an hour or two, as there is a lot to view, especially if you're taking pictures. It does go quick though. It's not a miserable hour or two. They have benches in various locations of the garden, and also pretty clean bathrooms at the exit of the garden, on the left side of the museum looking head-on at the front. Highly recommend stopping here if you're looking for something more relaxed and serene than Bourbon St 😜Visited December 2022Traveled with friendsWritten January 7, 2023
- Anji NMinneapolis, Minnesota15 contributionsIf you enjoy art make this part of your trip!Wow! 5/5! I live near a sculpture garden but it doesn’t compare to the one at NOMA! If you have time and love art this is a must see, you will not be disappointed. So many works from famous sculptors and lesser knowns. Save a few hours to spend here if you can!Visited December 2022Traveled as a coupleWritten January 9, 2023
- Simon GMilton Keynes, United Kingdom686 contributionsNever seen anything like it in a public parkJust loved looking around the sculptures in such a beautiful setting and so well maintained. A must do when in New Orleans. Takes 30 to 45 minutes to walk around from the street car stop.Visited January 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten January 31, 2023
- Vincent SMargate, Florida468 contributionsNice leisurely dayThis is located in City Park. It is right next to the Art Museum. Next to a great little kids area. Right by a Cafe Du Monde. It is free which is good. There were a few groups of college students and a variety of all ages. Walking the area on a few paths and bridges over water features. The sculptures are interesting. You can spend anywhere from an hour to a couple depending on how long you want. Very relaxing.Visited February 2023Written February 5, 2023
- Hippiemomma1990Lackawanna, New York42 contributionsJust amazed by the artistsThe amount of art seemed to never end! It was so neat to see all the pieces available and the talent these artists have! I wish it was laid out better so you never missed an item! We walked for good amount of time and still feel like items weren’t seen because the layout was not planned well. It’s not a circle but multiple paths that don’t really meet again? Unless it was user error? We would definitely return!Visited February 2023Traveled with familyWritten February 14, 2023
- Richard WDublin, Ireland183 contributionsEnjoy a day away from the activity and commotion of the French Quarter!This Sculpture Garden is deservedly rated at #7 of 462 things to do in New Orleans. Actually, it could go higher. My wife and I took the Red Canal Streetcar out to New Orleans City Park where a ten minute leisurely walk brings you to a beautiful sculpture garden nestled in the oaks and lagoons next to NOMA. The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden is free to access and is set in eleven acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. It is an ideal location to take a break away from the activity and commotion of the French Quarter. We spent easily three hours here enjoying the world class collection of modern and contemporary sculpture. Highly recommended.Visited June 2023Written June 19, 2023
- Paulette GAtlanta, Georgia2 contributionsA must see on your trip to the city.Amazing, and also free although there’s a deposit box to leave a donation. Serene and well thought out acreage with beautifully placed sculptures that young and old will love. Very easy ride on the trolley from anywhere downtown, and a perfect getaway from the party vibe of the French Quarter. Self paced and self guided make it perfect for your time, but plan on a couple hours minimum. Make it a must see on your trip to the city.Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 16, 2023
- Judith S3 contributionsBeautiful garden and interesting sculpturesWow! What a beautiful garden! It was such a peaceful and interesting walk through this incredible garden, walking among the live oaks, around the water features and sculptures. Some of the art was fun- like the blue, red, and yellow Rodrigue dog or the Mardi Gras beads in the tree- and some was thought-provoking. This is worth a visit!Visited November 2023Written November 13, 2023
- EricaSurry, Maine320 contributionsNice strollThis sculpture garden is set up very much like a museum with each piece lined up along a path. This has the potential to be so much better if the art is incorporated more into the art of the landscape. I give it a generous 4 stars.Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 6, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,395 reviews
Excellent
1,104
Very good
256
Average
30
Poor
3
Terrible
2
aghorn
Plano, TX34 contributions
Mar 2020
Incredible setting for sculpture. My daughter and I had a very nice time wandering the trails of the extensive garden and seeing all the interesting sculptures. Even though it's a little aways away from the French Quarter, it's worth an Uber trip or streetcar ride. And it's FREE! Unfortunately, Canal St was blocked due to road work. So couldn't get there from where we were by streetcar. Also very much enjoyed wandering close by in City Park, to the Cafe du Monde there, and even to a very cool miniature golf park within the overall park.
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fromthisworld
virginia147 contributions
Dec 2019
Yes Yes Yes get out of French Quarter to see unique masterpieces in this garden. Just a beautiful setting nestled in centuries old oak trees. Also you can visit the NOLA Art museum. There is also Cafe Du Monde on this site so you can skip the lines at French Quarter. Absolutely a breath of fresh air!
Written January 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travellingmomNyc
New York City, NY558 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
We visited on a beautiful day after a great meal at blue oak BBQ. We were truly astounded that this sculpture garden is not more widely known and acclaimed.
Great collection of 20-21 st century work, set in a very large, beautifully landscaped park. The only disturbing aspect was the lack of security, lots of kids touching and climbing on the art was disrespectful and
Potentially hazardous to the works.
While literature said no touching, there were absolutely no signs and the guards did nothing.
Great collection of 20-21 st century work, set in a very large, beautifully landscaped park. The only disturbing aspect was the lack of security, lots of kids touching and climbing on the art was disrespectful and
Potentially hazardous to the works.
While literature said no touching, there were absolutely no signs and the guards did nothing.
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The_Loup_Garou
Phoenix, AZ166,281 contributions
Dec 2019
Lovely Even in December
We had first visited the Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden in New Orleans’ City Park, in June, a few years before, and enjoyed it. In December, we were back in New Orleans, and once more spent a couple of hours in the Sculpture Garden.
The weather was nice, and we had nothing else on our schedule, so took our time to explore. From our previous visit, there appeared to be many additions - or maybe we had just not noticed them? The layout of the Sculpture Garden is very loose, and the various exhibits are not grouped, and a few almost seem to be hidden, or partially so, as part of their installation - something to look closely for, and you will be rewarded.
Because of the size of the Sculpture Garden, and the scope of the installations, I would allow at least two full hours, just to explore, and admire the pieces.
We had first visited the Sydney & Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden in New Orleans’ City Park, in June, a few years before, and enjoyed it. In December, we were back in New Orleans, and once more spent a couple of hours in the Sculpture Garden.
The weather was nice, and we had nothing else on our schedule, so took our time to explore. From our previous visit, there appeared to be many additions - or maybe we had just not noticed them? The layout of the Sculpture Garden is very loose, and the various exhibits are not grouped, and a few almost seem to be hidden, or partially so, as part of their installation - something to look closely for, and you will be rewarded.
Because of the size of the Sculpture Garden, and the scope of the installations, I would allow at least two full hours, just to explore, and admire the pieces.
Written November 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ngjpc
Sleepy Hollow, NY54 contributions
Feb 2020
For a break from the music and bedlam of the French Quarter, plan on spending a few hours at the Sculpture Garden at NOMA. There is an impressive collection of sculptures artfully placed throughout an thoughtfully mapped landscape. And you can complement your trip with a stop at Cafe du Monde either before or after.
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Packers9
184 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
This place is super easy to get to if taking public transportation (we came from the French Quarter). The sculpture garden had a few different sections but they all connected so you were sure not to miss anything. Sculptures were all very different in regards to idea and also materials. If you have time to visit, definitely worth checking out. We were here for about an hour and then afterwards, stop at Cafe du Monde- right across the street :)
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rebekajean
The Woodlands, TX1,079 contributions
Feb 2020
We strolled through the gardens in light drizzle enjoying the peace and tranquility of the paths and the impressive art pieces. Ask for a map at the entrance. Such a variety of pieces, statues, kinetic art, a few thought provoking pieces. Entrance is free and the landscape compliments each piece. We were surprised at the quantity of pieces that were donated by the Besthoff's. Hubby and I spent about an hour and plan to return another day in better weather.
Written February 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JennyMarie82
Harrisburg, PA324 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
A friend was running the rock ‘n’ roll 10 K and the ending point was City Park where the Sculpture Garden is located. We decided to explore the sculpture garden after her run which was an enjoyable experience. The art ranges from literal to abstract using many different materials. Thankfully to the couples generous donations it is free for the public to explore and experience this beautiful outdoor oasis in which I need to turn your not sure what type of art you will come upon.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Casa2
Morocco13 contributions
Feb 2020
Having left immediately after Katrina, we had not come back to visit often. This was recommended by a friend and we took their advice and glad we did. A leisurely stroll through the park was met with several wonderful sculptures from various artists. One of my favorites was the bridge that had overlaid the various paths of the Mississippi River over thousands of years.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard W
Dublin, Ireland183 contributions
Jun 2023
This Sculpture Garden is deservedly rated at #7 of 462 things to do in New Orleans. Actually, it could go higher. My wife and I took the Red Canal Streetcar out to New Orleans City Park where a ten minute leisurely walk brings you to a beautiful sculpture garden nestled in the oaks and lagoons next to NOMA. The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden is free to access and is set in eleven acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. It is an ideal location to take a break away from the activity and commotion of the French Quarter. We spent easily three hours here enjoying the world class collection of modern and contemporary sculpture. Highly recommended.
Written June 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is the sculpture garden separate from the museum? Does the Garden have an entrance fee or can you just go in? if so is there a specific entrance?
LouisM565
New York City, NY606 contributions
It is separate from the museum. There is no fee. It is definitely worth the time.
Carolynzzz
Holly Hill, FL2 contributions
is the museum open on New year's day?
Kathryn W
New Orleans, LA50 contributions
Not sure, but my guess would be yes. Check the website for New Orleans Museum of Art.
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Frequently Asked Questions about The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at NOMA
- Hotels near The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at NOMA:
- (0.25 mi) Oakview Bed and Breakfast
- (0.91 mi) 1896 O'Malley House
- (1.01 mi) Canal Street Inn
- (1.50 mi) La Belle Esplanade
- (1.62 mi) Ashton's Bed and Breakfast
- Restaurants near The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at NOMA:
- (0.05 mi) Café Du Monde – City Park
- (0.10 mi) Cafe NOMA
- (0.13 mi) Acorn
- (0.27 mi) Ralph's on the Park
- (0.38 mi) Blue Oak BBQ
The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden at NOMA Information
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