My first visit to New Orleans was in college, so needless to say, I didn’t spend much time outside of Bourbon Street. Since then, I’ve always wanted to go back and really explore what the city had to offer. While it’s known for its music, the art scene is also vibrant.

As a solo traveler, I don’t tend to go out at night, but I knew that Nola comes alive at night, so I wanted to make sure to experience that side of the city. When I heard about the Frenchmen Art Bazaar, I knew that this was a great way to start a night out on the town. Located in the middle of one of the lively music scenes, the Frenchmen Art Bazaar boasts an eclectic mix of affordable art. Just like the rest of the city, many of the artists showcase the voodoo and music vibe. And while there are artists that you can tell cater to the tourists, there are also much more subtle nods to the history & culture of the city.

Walking down Frenchmen Street and popping into the music clubs and food places in itself is a way to experience art. Murals adorn most buildings indoors and out. The art paired with the music emanating from the clubs makes the street come alive at night.

For a more tranquil art experience, City Park includes the New Orleans Museum of Art. Outside of the museum is an The Besthoff Sculpture Garden, an extensive sculpture collection with more than 90 pieces that winds its way around the man made river. You can rent kayaks & canoes to paddle this water, so the sculptures can be appreciated from both land and “sea”.

The sculpture garden is flanked with live oak trees that not only provide much needed cover in the hot or rainy weather, but also serve as a dynamic backdrop for the art pieces. The water and the trees support the Besthoff’s mission of finding a harmony between art and nature.

On the other side of the city in the Marginy/Bywater district, Studio BE and Dr. Bob’s Folk Art elevate common art to a cultural level.

Set next to the site of Homer Plessy’s arrest, which was the impetus of the Supreme Court Plessy vs. Ferguson case, BMike’s Studio BE art expands upon this political and social history. Brandon BMike Odums started his mission for public art in the abandoned buildings from Hurricane Katrina. His current warehouse headquarters continues the graffiti tradition but also includes giant murals, immersive exhibits, and interactive pieces. The pieces weave together a story of struggle, racism, social change, strength, and hope.

The vibrant energy and imagery of the artwork serve as tributes to civil rights activists and victims of violence as well spark conversations about the current state of American society.

Dr. Bob’s Folk Art, on the other hand, is all about Americana. Coupling bottle caps with scrap wood and paint, the art pieces are made of everyday items, but their messages are louder than life. Mottos like “Be Nice or Leave” and “Shut up and Drink” exude the confidence that all his pieces display. The assembled art pieces represent the pop culture, food, animals, and spirits of the bayou.

Just like the music of New Orleans, the art of the city comes from the soul and gives the city the energy is is known for.

Google Map of places mentioned in this post.