Top New Orleans Museums to Visit on a Rainy Day

1. The National WWII Museum 🌍🪖

If you only have time for one museum, make it this one. The National WWII Museum is an absolute must-see and has been ranked one of the best museums in the country. It offers a comprehensive look at the global impact of World War II, with interactive exhibits, immersive displays, and even a 4D movie experience, Beyond All Boundaries, narrated by Tom Hanks. Plan to spend at least a few hours here because there's so much to take in. And with multiple exhibit buildings connected by sky bridges, you won’t have to worry about the rain at all!

Location: 945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA 70130

2. The New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) 🎨🏛️

Nestled in the heart of City Park, NOMA is the oldest fine arts museum in New Orleans and features an impressive collection spanning 5,000 years of art history. From European masterpieces to modern and contemporary works, there's plenty to admire. The museum also boasts a lovely sculpture garden (which you might want to skip on a rainy day, but it's definitely worth a visit when the weather clears up!). The indoor space, however, is perfect for wandering, reflecting, and getting lost in the art.

Location: 1 Collins Diboll Cir, New Orleans, LA 70124

3. Ogden Museum of Southern Art 🖌️🌆

For a taste of Southern culture, head to the Ogden Museum of Southern Art. It celebrates the art, culture, and history of the American South with a wide array of paintings, photography, and sculptures. If you love regional art or want to get a deeper sense of Southern identity and history, this is the place for you. It's also located near the WWII Museum, so you could easily visit both in one day if you're feeling ambitious.

Location: 925 Camp St, New Orleans, LA 70130

4. The Storyville Museum 🎷🍸

Dive into the history of New Orleans' most notorious district at the Storyville Museum. This unique museum offers a glimpse into the era when Storyville was the heart of the city's nightlife from 1897 to 1917. Known as the birthplace of jazz, the district was a vibrant mix of music halls, saloons, and brothels. The museum features photographs, artifacts, and music from this fascinating period, giving you an inside look at the cultural melting pot that shaped early New Orleans jazz. It's a fantastic stop for anyone interested in the city's music and nightlife history.

Location: 1010 Conti St, New Orleans, LA 70112

5. The Historic New Orleans Collection (THNOC) 📚🏡

This hidden gem in the French Quarter is perfect for those interested in the local history of New Orleans. The Historic New Orleans Collection offers free exhibits on the city’s rich past, covering everything from its colonial beginnings to its vibrant present-day culture. Plus, the French Quarter's charm on a rainy day is something to experience in itself, with the raindrops pattering on the old cobblestone streets.

Location: 520 Royal St, New Orleans, LA 70130

6. The Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) 🎭🖼️

If you're looking for something a bit more experimental, the CAC offers rotating exhibits of contemporary art that push the boundaries of creativity. You’ll find visual art, performance pieces, and installations that make you think. It's a great spot to explore something new and unexpected, and the ever-changing exhibitions mean there's always something different to see.

Location: 900 Camp St, New Orleans, LA 70130

Insider Tip: Enjoy a Café au Lait ☕️

Most of these museums have excellent cafés or nearby coffee shops where you can warm up with a hot drink and savor some delicious treats. It’s the perfect way to round off a cultural day indoors.

I hope this list gives you some ideas for the next rainy day. And of course, if you have any questions about New Orleans—whether it’s finding your next home or just discovering more of this amazing city—please feel free to reach out.

Stay dry and enjoy your museum-hopping!