How much does it cost to visit the Besthoff Sculpture Garden?

Admission to the garden is free, although donations are appreciated.

What are the hours for the Besthoff Sculpture Garden?

The garden is open seven days a week. Summer hours (April–September) are 10 am–6 pm, and winter hours (October–March) are 10 am–5 pm.

What is the Besthoff Sculpture Garden known for?

It is an 11-acre installation featuring over 90 sculptures set within a mature landscape of pines, magnolias, and 200-year-old live oaks surrounding two lagoons.

Are there guided tours available?

Yes, NOMA provides free guided tours of the sculpture garden every Sunday.

Is the garden accessible for wheelchairs?

Yes, the property is barrier-free and wheelchairs are available upon request.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

Besthoff Sculpture Garden in New Orleans

Besthoff Sculpture Garden

A stunning 11-acre sanctuary where art meets nature, featuring over 90 sculptures set among ancient live oaks, reflecting lagoons, and lush Louisiana landscapes.

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What to know

The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden is a premier outdoor art installation occupying approximately eleven acres within New Orleans City Park. Originally conceived in 2003 as a collaboration between the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA), City Park, and the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Foundation, the site has grown significantly over the years. In 2019, the garden doubled in size, expanding its capacity to showcase more than 90 sculptures. Unlike traditional galleries, this garden is integrated into a mature, existing landscape. Visitors wander through meandering footpaths surrounded by magnolias, pines, and 200-year-old live oaks draped in Spanish moss. The natural scenery is further enhanced by two reflecting lagoons and three pedestrian bridges, creating a serene environment where art and nature coexist. Located at 1 Palm Drive, the garden is designed to be inclusive and accessible. The property is entirely barrier-free, ensuring that all guests can navigate the paths. For those who need additional assistance, wheelchairs are available upon request to help visitors experience the full extent of the installation. As a public resource, the garden remains free and open to all visitors seven days a week. While admission is free, the museum appreciates donations to maintain the grounds. To enhance the experience, NOMA provides free guided tours every Sunday, allowing guests to delve deeper into the significance of the 100 works of art housed within the greenery.

Visitor tips

Visit on a Sunday to take advantage of the free guided tours provided by NOMA.
Plan your visit between 10 am and 6 pm during summer (April–September) or by 5 pm in winter (October–March).
Wear comfortable walking shoes to navigate the meandering footpaths and pedestrian bridges.
Request a wheelchair at the entrance if needed, as the property is barrier-free.

Nearby context

The garden is situated directly behind and adjacent to the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) within the expansive greenery of City Park.