Unusual & Offbeat Destinations in New Orleans, United States
1. Mardi Gras Museum
Explore the history and culture of Mardi Gras through costumes, floats, and artifacts.
- Year-Round Experience: Mardi Gras celebration isn't limited to one day; enjoy it year-round.
- Interactive Exhibits: Participate in workshops and parade floats demonstrations.
- Costume Collection: Marvel at over 40,000 costumes dating back to the early 19th century.
2. The Voodoo Museum
Learn about New Orleans' rich voodoo history through artifacts, rituals, and exhibits.
- Cultural Sensitivity: Educate yourself on the misconceptions and realities of voodoo.
- Historical Artifacts: View artifacts from famous voodoo practitioners like Marie Laveau.
- Practitioner Demonstrations: Witness demonstrations of traditional practices and rituals.
3. Ogden Museum of Southern Art
Discover the rich art history of the American South with a diverse collection of paintings, sculptures, and photographs.
- Regional Focus: Gain insight into the unique artistic expressions of the Southern region.
- Changing Exhibits: Experience rotating exhibitions that showcase new and exciting artists.
- Educational Programs: Attend workshops, lectures, and family-friendly events.
4. Laura Plantation
Step back in time to a Creole sugarcane plantation that tells the story of seven generations of French and African descendants.
- Creole Culture Preservation: Understand the unique blend of French, African, and Choctaw cultures.
- Historic Buildings: Tour restored plantation buildings and slave cabins.
- Guided Tours: Learn from knowledgeable guides who bring history to life.
5. City Park's Carousel Gardens
Ride the beautiful antique carousel in a scenic park with gardens, playgrounds, and lagoons.
- Historic Carousel: Experience one of the oldest operating carousels in America.
- Nature Attractions: Enjoy picnics, boat rides, and beautiful scenery throughout the park.
- Amusement Park Rides: Take a spin on classic amusement park rides like bumper cars and a giant Ferris wheel.
6. The National WW2 Museum
Learn about the American experience in World War II through immersive exhibits and personal stories.
- Immersive Experience: Experience history through interactive exhibits, oral histories, and multimedia presentations.
- Research Center: Access the world's most extensive collection of WW2 artifacts and archives.
- Military Vehicles: View over 100 authentic military vehicles, including aircraft and boats.
7. The Backstreet Cultural Museum
Discover the history and culture of New Orleans' brass bands, second lines, and Mardi Gras Indians.
- Community Focus: Learn about the role of these traditions in African American history.
- Artifact Collection: View costumes, instruments, and other artifacts that represent this heritage.
- Cultural Events: Attend live performances and workshops showcasing these traditions.
8. St. Louis Cemetery No. 3
Visit one of New Orleans' most famous above-ground cemeteries and see the final resting places of voodoo queens, jazz legends, and other notable figures.
- Historical Burials: Discover the tombs of famous personalities like Marie Laveau and Nicolas Cage.
- Cemetery Architecture: Admire the elaborate above-ground tomb designs and their decorative elements.
- Guided Tours: Learn about the history, culture, and symbolism of these unique burial sites.
9. The Southern Food & Beverage Museum
Delve into the rich culinary heritage of the South with interactive exhibits, tastings, and demonstrations.
- Culinary Education: Learn about the history, culture, and techniques behind Southern cuisine.
- Tasting Experiences: Sample regional dishes and traditional Southern beverages.
- Cooking Demonstrations: Watch live demonstrations by chefs and food experts.
10. The National WW2 D-Day Museum
Explore the events leading up to the D-Day invasion and the impact it had on World War II.
- Immersive Exhibits: Experience history through interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and artifacts.
- Military Vehicles: View over 50 authentic military vehicles, including a Higgins Boat and a Sherman Tank.
- Historical Timeline: Follow the events leading up to D-Day through an engaging timeline exhibit.
11. House of Dance & Feathers Mardi Gras Museum
Learn about the history and culture of Mardi Gras through costumes, floats, and artifacts.
- Year-Round Experience: Mardi Gras celebration isn't limited to one day; enjoy it year-round.
- Interactive Exhibits: Participate in workshops and parade floats demonstrations.
- Costume Collection: Marvel at over 40,000 costumes dating back to the early 19th century.
12. The Historic Voodoo Queen Anne Spencer Williams House
Visit the former home of voodoo queen Marie Laveau's great-great-granddaughter and learn about her role in continuing the tradition.
- Cultural Preservation: Discover how Marie Laveau's legacy continues through her descendants.
- Historic Artifacts: View artifacts related to voodoo, such as candles, charms, and potions.
- Guided Tours: Learn about the history, practices, and myths surrounding voodoo.
13. The Faulkner House Booksellers & Bar
Experience a unique blend of literature, history, and cocktails at this former home of Nobel Prize-winning author William Faulkner.
- Literary Heritage: Explore the literary legacy of one of America's greatest authors.
- Bookstore & Bar: Browse books and enjoy a drink in a historic setting.
- Author-Themed Events: Attend events featuring readings, discussions, and performances related to Faulkner's works.
14. The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA)
Admire a diverse collection of art from around the world, including African, American, and Asian works.
- Cultural Diversity: Explore the richness and beauty of art from various cultures.
- Changing Exhibits: Enjoy rotating exhibitions that showcase new and exciting artists.
- Educational Programs: Attend workshops, lectures, and family-friendly events.
15. The Presbytere Museum
Learn about the history of New Orleans through exhibits on hurricanes, Mardi Gras, and voodoo.
- Cultural Exploration: Discover the unique aspects of New Orleans' culture, from hurricane response to Mardi Gras traditions.
- Historical Artifacts: View artifacts such as Hurricane Katrina memorabilia and historical floats.
- Interactive Exhibits: Participate in interactive exhibits to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.