Top 5: Museums in New Orleans

New Orleans is probably known more for its nightlife than its museums, but the city’s rich history is preserved at several notable spots, including the National World War II Museum and the Mardi Gras Museum.

National World War II Museum

What started as the smaller D-Day Museum has grown into a multi-wing complex dedicated to the American efforts on both fronts in World War II. The museum houses impressive exhibits as well as planes and the amphibious Higgins boats used in the D-Day landing that were designed in New Orleans.

Mardi Gras World

This spot helps visitors learn a great deal about all things Mardi Gras, beyond the usual debauchery that most associate with the event. Exhibits preserve outlandish costumes and floats.

Louisiana State Museum, New Orleans © Jorg Hackemann | Dreamstime

Louisiana State Museum

This entity has collections in various buildings, including the Cabildo, the Presbytere and the former U.S. Mint in New Orleans. Each houses various exhibits focusing on Louisiana’s fascinating history.

Historic New Orleans Collection

The French Quarter museum preserves all things New Orleans, largely through art, photos and documents.

New Orleans Museum of Art

Housed in the city’s oak tree-studded City Park, this vast museum is home to an array of permanent and rotating art collections, from New Orleans and other Southern artists as well as famous names like Claude Monet.

The Feud at the New Orleans Museum of Art © Quinn Dombrowski | Flickr