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New Orleans, Orleans Parish / Museums

Studio BE

A powerful warehouse gallery in the Bywater neighborhood, Studio BE showcases the spray-paint installations of Brandon Odums (BMike) as a tribute to Black history and post-Katrina resilience.

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Studio BE
studiobenola.com, og_image_studiobenola.com

What is Studio BE known for?

Studio BE is a large warehouse space in the Bywater neighborhood that showcases spray-paint works and installations by artist Brandon Odums (BMike). It serves as a tribute to Black history and culture, as well as a monument to the resilience and trauma of post-Katrina New Orleans communities.

Where is Studio BE located?

It is located at 2941 Royal Street, New Orleans, LA 70117, in the city's Bywater neighborhood.

How can I tour the space?

Visitors have the option of taking either guided or independent tours.

Is there a gift shop?

Yes, Studio BE has an in-house merchandise shop that sells original works and pieces from the collection.

What is the history of Studio BE?

Opened in February 2016, the space was originally intended to be a short-lived monument giving voice to the achievements and injustices faced by African Americans.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

Studio BE is a sprawling warehouse space located at 2941 Royal Street in the Bywater neighborhood of New Orleans. The gallery serves as a nonprofit organization dedicated to the intersection of art and social commentary. It primarily showcases the work of local artist Brandon Odums, also known as BMike, through a series of large-scale spray-paint works and immersive installations. First opening in February 2016, the space was originally conceived as a short-lived monument to the achievements and injustices faced by African Americans. The exhibition was designed to give voice to the enduring memory of Black history and culture, while also acting as a monument to the trauma and resilience of communities in post-Katrina New Orleans. While the show was never intended to be permanent, it has persisted as an open-ended exhibition, with its closing date remaining 'TBA' for several years. This fluidity allows the gallery to remain a dynamic space for commentary on the meeting of place, time, and opportunity. Visitors to the studio can explore the art through either guided or independent tours. To complement the experience, the facility includes an in-house merchandise shop that sells original works and pieces from the collection, allowing guests to take a piece of the local artistic vision home.

Visitor tips

  • Consider booking a guided tour for deeper insight into the works of BMike.
  • Allow plenty of time to explore the large warehouse space at your own pace.
  • Visit the in-house merchandise shop to find original works and collection pieces.

Nearby context

Located on Royal Street, Studio BE is a key artistic anchor in the Bywater neighborhood, reflecting the eclectic and creative spirit of the Bywater's industrial warehouse spaces.

Sources

Evidence and links