In New Orleans’s Warehouse District, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art traces the region’s visual culture through work by artists from 15 Southern states. Its collection spans paintings, photography, sculpture, ceramics, woodwork and other crafts, from historical pieces to contemporary art. The five-story galleries pair well-known names such as Walter Anderson and Clementine Hunter with self-taught artists who may be less familiar. Start on the fifth floor, as staff recommend, then make your way down. The museum also holds educational programs and Thursday music events in its atrium.
A collection shaped by the South
The Ogden Museum opened in 1999, beginning with more than 1,200 works donated from the collection of New Orleans businessman and philanthropist Roger H. Ogden. Its holdings have grown to more than 4,000 works by artists connected to 15 Southern states and the District of Columbia. The collection includes art dating from 1733 to the present, placing historical pieces alongside work by contemporary artists.
There is no single style that defines the collection. Paintings, watercolors, drawings, prints, photographs, sculpture, woodwork and crafts sit within a regional story shaped by different artists and periods. The museum’s focus gives you a way to explore Southern culture through visual art, rather than through one medium or a narrow group of familiar names.
What to look for in the galleries
The collection includes artists such as Walter Anderson, Benny Andrews, Clementine Hunter, George Dureau, Ida Kohlmeyer and George Ohr. Alongside established artists, the museum presents work by self-taught artists, giving space to practices that can be less visible in larger art collections. Look for changes in medium as you move through the galleries: photographs, ceramics and sculpture offer different ways into the museum’s regional focus.
The Ralph Eugene Meatyard collection is one area to seek out. It includes black-and-white photographs, portraits and experiments with abstraction. The museum also holds paintings, glasswork and mixed-media work. Exhibitions change, so the particular works on view can differ from one visit to another.
A museum beyond the galleries
The museum’s work extends into education and public programs, with activities for different ages. Its annual Louisiana Contemporary exhibition is juried and brings together work by living artists from across the state. It provides a view of current Louisiana art through varied approaches and media.
The atrium hosts a Thursday music series, with performers spanning styles including jazz, blues, rock and folk. Other programs have included poetry readings and art lessons. The museum also has a gift shop with books, prints and postcards related to its collection and exhibitions, as well as New Orleans-themed items.
The building is in the Warehouse District at 925 Camp Street. The museum has five stories of galleries, so plan enough time to move through them at a comfortable pace. Starting at the top and descending is the suggested route; check which areas are open when you arrive, as access to floors can change.
FAQ
How long should I spend at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art?
Set aside at least two hours to explore the galleries. The collection spans five stories and a range of art forms.
What kind of art is at the Ogden Museum?
The collection includes paintings, photography, sculpture, ceramics, woodwork and crafts by artists connected to the American South.
Where is the Ogden Museum of Southern Art?
It is at 925 Camp Street in New Orleans’s Warehouse District.
When can I hear music at the Ogden Museum?
The museum holds a music series in its atrium on Thursdays. The program includes styles such as jazz, blues, rock and folk.
