Once a down-at-heel jumble of derelict warehouses and shipping offices, the Arts District is now a vibrant and thriving area on the west bank of the Mississippi River. The former Warehouse District was given a new lease of life during the 1980s, after the World’s Fair was held in the city, when its historic but neglected buildings were restored and reborn as fashionable art galleries, shops and restaurants.
Every August the start of the new arts season is celebrated with White Linen Night, when the commercial galleries along Julia Street throw open their doors in aid of the nearby Contemporary Arts Centre and everyone dresses up entirely in white for the occasion. Julia Street contains many of the area’s most interesting galleries, showcasing fine and contemporary art as well as mounting special exhibitions and events throughout the year.
The art of cooking is equally well represented, with every cuisine from Cajun and Creole to modern American on offer from a wide variety of stylish restaurants. The most fashionable venues get booked up quickly, so if you’re tempted by a particular establishment it’s worth calling in advance for a table. For a more informal culinary experience, check out the farm-fresh produce at the Saturday morning Downtown Market, on the corner of Girod and Magazine streets, and treat yourself to some delicious home-grown specialities.
The National World War II Museum opened in 2000 on the 56th anniversary of D-Day and focuses on the contribution made by the USA to the allied war effort. New Orleans was the home of Higgins Industries, the company that manufactured the amphibious boats that played a vital part in the D-Day operations. Youngsters will have fun experimenting with the interactive and educational exhibits at the Louisiana Children’s Museum, including the locally inspired Little Port of New Orleans. Thanks to these and other attractions, this former industrial zone has successfully reinvented itself as the Southern-style entertainment and cultural hub of New Orleans.
The Arts District is well served by bus and tram routes and parking nearby is plentiful.
Arts/Warehouse District Travel Guide
Tourist Guide
Visit Arts/Warehouse District
Popular places to visit
National World War II Museum
A rare collection of artefacts, memorabilia and documents piece together the story of America’s involvement in the Second World War.
Lafayette Square
Explore the great outdoors at Lafayette Square, a lovely green space in New Orleans. Experience the renowned jazz scene and fascinating museums in this walkable area.
Confederate Memorial Hall Museum
One of the oldest museums in Louisiana explores Civil War history via the second-largest collection of Confederate artifacts in the world.
Ogden Museum of Southern Art
You can study the exhibits at Ogden Museum of Southern Art, a museum with a storied past, during your holiday in New Orleans. Experience the renowned jazz scene and fascinating museums in this walkable area.
Contemporary Arts Center
You can browse the exhibits at Contemporary Arts Center, a museum with a story of its own, during your travels to New Orleans. Discover the lively bars and renowned jazz scene in this walkable area.
Henry Clay Statue
You can find out about the history of New Orleans with a visit to Henry Clay Statue. Experience the acclaimed art galleries and fascinating museums in this walkable area.
Activities
Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience in New Orleans
New Orleans: The National WWII Museum Ticket
New Orleans: French Quarter Ghost and Murder Tour
New Orleans: Cemetery Bus Tour At Dark with Exclusive Access
Our pick of the best Arts/Warehouse District Hotel Deals
Reviewed on 19 Feb. 2025
Reviewed on 19 Feb. 2025
Reviewed on 14 Feb. 2025
Reviewed on 17 Feb. 2025
Reviewed on 19 Feb. 2025
Reviewed on 17 Feb. 2025
Other neighbourhoods around Arts/Warehouse District
New Orleans Central Business District
Known for its fantastic nightlife and great live music, there's plenty to explore in New Orleans Central Business District. Check out top attractions like Canal Street and Caesars Superdome, and jump on the metro at Carondelet at Poydras Stop or Poydras Street Stop to see more of the city.
Faubourg Lafayette
If you're spending time in Faubourg Lafayette, check out sights like Mckenna Museum of African American Art or Church of St. John the Baptist and hop on the metro to see more of the city at St. Charles at Melpomene Stop or Saint Charles at Martin Luther King Jr. Stop.
Lower Garden District
Travellers love Lower Garden District for its beautiful gardens, and you can see more of New Orleans by jumping on the metro at St. Charles at St. Andrew Stop or St. Charles at Josephine Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Port of New Orleans and National World War II Museum.
French Quarter
Known for its fantastic nightlife and great live music, there's plenty to explore in French Quarter. Check out top attractions like Bourbon Street and Canal Street, and jump on the metro at Dumaine St Station or Ursulines Ave Stop to see more of the city.
Central City
Consider a visit to A.L. Davis Park and take some time to enjoy the abundant dining options during your time in Central City. If you want to see more of the city, jump on the metro at St. Charles at Felicity Stop or St. Charles at Euterpe Stop.
Tulane - Gravier
While you're in Tulane - Gravier, take in top sights like Saint Joseph Church or Storyville, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Canal at Galvez Stop or Canal at Tonti Stop.