Jackson Square artist fence displays

What to know

The Jackson Square artist fence displays represent a living tradition of public art in the heart of the New Orleans French Quarter. This open-air gallery is widely regarded as one of the world's most beloved art galleries, where local artists line the sidewalks and fences every day to showcase and sell their original artwork. The community describes itself as a self-regulating group of free-spirits who have operated for over a century. Historical origins of this tradition vary. One account traces the colony back to the Civil War era, when the wives and widows of Confederate soldiers displayed their art on the fence to support their families. A more documented origin dates to 1890, when local artists such as William Aiken Walker and the Woodward brothers lived and worked in the area. Later, a 1920 effort to establish a Bohemian colony further cemented the fence's role as a primary art display area. Today, the presence of these artists is strictly regulated. Only 200 artist permits are issued annually, and there is currently a waiting list for those wishing to join this prestigious community. Visitors can watch artists as they wrap up paintings, providing colorful mementos of the city for tourists to take home. As part of the broader New Orleans art market scene, the fence displays are integrated into the local culture of street activity. Along with the art, visitors often encounter street performers, live jazz musicians, and fortune tellers, making the square a center for local creativity and street life.

Visitor tips

• Visit on a sunny day to see the most artists displaying their work on the fence.
• Bring cash for smaller original art pieces and mementos.
• Allow time to chat with the artists, as many are lifelong New Orleans residents.

Nearby context

Located in the heart of the French Quarter, the artist fence displays are a central feature of Jackson Square, surrounded by street performers and co-op markets along Decatur Street.