Get a Passport to New Orleans Culture During Museum Month
Photo courtesy of Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours from City Sightseeing New Orleans
From the vast National World War II Museum to the tiny New Orleans Pharmacy Museum, museum-lovers can have a field day in New Orleans. And the optimal time to visit them is August, when more than a dozen local museums offer an all-inclusive passport to explore than city’s treasures during New Orleans Museum Month.
To get in on the deal, visitors just need to purchase a membership at one of the participating institutions, where annual fees start at $45. A membership card from any participating museum lets you in free to all the others throughout the month of August.
Must-See Museums for Visitors
National World War II Museum (945 Magazine St.)
Housed on a six-acre campus with five soaring pavilions, the country’s official World War II Museum tells the story of the globe-spanning war that changed the world through the experiences of the men and women who lived through it. Expect to spend more than one day exploring its vast exhibits, which becoming a member allows you to do.
Contemporary Arts Center (900 Camp St.)
The CAC is a hub of creative activity, from large-scale visual art exhibitions to music, dance, and theatre performances. The first Saturday in August, it also serves as ground zero for the Arts District’s annual White Linen Night, when it hosts a lively after party. Free admission to that hot-ticket event is included with a membership.
Ogden Museum of Contemporary Art (925 Camp St.)
Just across the street from the CAC, the Ogden boasts the largest collection of Southern art in the country, ranging from traditional folk art to cutting edge contemporary art and photography. Membership fees are discounted during August, and include free admission to live Ogden After Hours concerts every Thursday.
New Orleans Pharmacy Museum (514 Chartres St.)
Built in 1823 for Louis Dufilho, America’s first licensed pharmacy, this unique museum gives visitors a glimpse into oft-questionable medical practices in 19th century New Orleans, when opium was as common as aspirin and voodoo potions shared shelf space with patent medicines. Memberships include free admission to special programs.
New Orleans Museum of Art (City Park)
The city’s oldest fine arts museum dates first opened in 1911 and houses extensive collections of art from around the world. Set on a beautiful outdoor campus in City Park, NOMA is also home to the five-acre Sydney and Walda Bestoff Sculpture Garden. Memberships include members-only preview receptions and special events.
