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New Orleans, Orleans Parish / Parks and outdoors

Washington Square Park

A historic 2.54-acre sanctuary in the Faubourg Marigny, featuring majestic live oaks, a decorative iron fence, and a community atmosphere that anchors the music-filled streets of Frenchmen Street.

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Washington Square Park
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What is Washington Square Park known for?

It is a favorite neighborhood spot for meeting friends, walking dogs, and enjoying the shade of historic oak trees. The park anchors the Frenchmen Street area, which is famous for its music venues, and periodically hosts concerts, art markets, and annual festivals.

What are the hours?

The park is open 7 days a week. Hours are 8 am to 6 pm in the winter and 8 am to 7 pm during Daylight Savings time.

Is it good for kids?

Yes, the park features a small children's playground located in one corner.

What is the history of the park?

Created in the early nineteenth century, the park was originally developed from land owned by the Marigny de Mandeville family. It is part of the Faubourg Marigny Historic District and was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.

What can I see at the park?

Visitors can see a statue of George Washington (dedicated in 1960), a double allée of live oaks, palm trees, and a decorative nineteenth-century iron fence.

What should I check before going?

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

What to know

Washington Square Park is a 2.54-acre green space that serves as a central hub for the Faubourg Marigny Historic District. The park was created in the early nineteenth century on land originally owned by the Marigny de Mandeville family. Specifically, the surrounding neighborhood was subdivided and developed starting in 1806 by Bernard Xavier Philippe de Marigny de Mandeville from his family's plantation holdings. The park is defined by its elegant nineteenth-century decorative iron fence, which features entrances at each of the four corners. Inside, visitors find a bench-lined sidewalk shaded by a double allée of live oaks, complemented by palm trees and flowering shrubs. The center of the park consists of a flat, open lawn, while a small children's playground is tucked into one corner. Historically, the space has functioned as a vital community gathering place for generations. It was officially listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. A notable landmark within the park is the statue of George Washington, which was sculpted by Donald De Lue and dedicated in 1960. Today, the park remains a favorite neighborhood spot for walking dogs and meeting friends. It periodically hosts art markets, annual festivals, and concerts, including performances by the Marine Corps Band New Orleans. The park anchors the Frenchmen Street area, which is renowned for its concentration of music venues.

Visitor tips

  • Visit during Daylight Savings time to take advantage of extended hours until 7 pm.
  • Enter through any of the four corner gates to explore the perimeter sidewalk.
  • Check local schedules for art markets or concerts, as the park frequently hosts special events.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes to explore the surrounding Faubourg Marigny Historic District.

Nearby context

Washington Square Park is bounded by Elysian Fields Avenue, Frenchmen Street, Dauphine Street, and Royal Street. It serves as the anchor for the Frenchmen Street area, making it a primary gateway for those visiting the neighborhood's famous music venues.

Sources

Evidence and links