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New Orleans, Orleans Parish / Public art

Music Box Village

An interactive sonic sculpture garden in the Upper 9th Ward, featuring over 16 musical houses designed as playable instruments.

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Music Box Village
musicboxvillage.com, website_hero_img_musicboxvillage.com

What is Music Box Village?

Music Box Village is an outdoor sonic sculpture garden and performance platform in the Upper 9th Ward of New Orleans, featuring over 16 musical houses that function as musical instruments.

How much does it cost to visit?

Suggested donations for admission are $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 5–17. Local New Orleans visitors can pay what they wish, and no one is turned away.

What are the hours for Music Box Village?

The village does not have daily public hours; access is limited to scheduled performances, open hours, and special events. Visitors are encouraged to check the website as hours may change month-to-month.

Is there food and drink available on-site?

Yes, visitors can purchase drinks from a craft bar—including coffee, soft drinks, and water—and food from local pop-ups in a picnic setting.

Where is it located?

Music Box Village is located at 4557 N. Rampart Street in the Upper 9th Ward of New Orleans, next to a canal leading to the Mississippi River.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

Music Box Village is an outdoor sonic sculpture garden situated in the Upper 9th Ward of New Orleans, nestled under the boughs of a one-acre forest. The site is the flagship project of New Orleans Airlift, an artist-driven nonprofit organization dedicated to arts education and experimental public artworks. This unique destination serves as both an interactive art-site and a performance platform for artist residencies and one-of-a-kind concerts. The village consists of more than 16 musical houses, where each structure is designed as a musical instrument. These installations are inspired by the city's unique musical and architectural culture and are created through collaborations between artists from New Orleans and around the world. The organization describes this ongoing experiment in 'musical architecture' as a way to inspire wonder and connect communities. Visitors can explore the grounds and participate in hands-on play during scheduled public hours. The experience is complemented by a craft bar offering coffee, soft drinks, and water, as well as local food pop-ups in a charming picnic setting. Admission is based on a suggested donation of $15 for adults and $5 for children ages 5 to 17, though local visitors may pay what they wish and no one is turned away.

Visitor tips

  • Check the official website before visiting as hours are subject to change on a month-to-month basis.
  • Bring a small amount of cash for the suggested donation admission ($15 for adults, $5 for children).
  • Explore the craft bar and local food pop-ups for refreshments while you explore the musical houses.

Nearby context

Located at 4557 N. Rampart Street in the Upper 9th Ward, the village is positioned next to a canal leading to the Mississippi River, offering a quiet, forested escape from the city's more traditional tourist centers.

Sources

Evidence and links