Set beside the New Orleans Museum of Art in City Park, the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden brings more than 90 sculptures into a landscape of lagoons, footpaths and mature trees. The free outdoor collection ranges from modern and abstract works to pieces with playful forms, including a giant sewing needle and Robert Indiana’s sculptural “Love.” Bridges and shaded stretches make the garden a calm place to walk between artworks. Plan an unhurried visit, especially if you want time to pause at the sculptures and ponds.
Art along the garden paths
The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden is part of the New Orleans Museum of Art campus in City Park. It opened in 2003 and has since expanded. More than 90 works are set across roughly 11 acres, with paths winding among trees and around two lagoons.
The collection includes sculpture from different periods and in contrasting styles. Henry Moore, Louise Bourgeois and Anish Kapoor are among the artists represented. Some works stand clearly in view; others sit among the foliage, so the route offers changing views as you walk. There is no need to follow a set sequence. Take the paths at your own pace and stop where a work catches your attention.
Details to look for outdoors
The garden’s setting is part of the visit. Magnolias, pines, camellias and live oaks grow around the paths, with Spanish moss hanging from some of the older trees. Bridges cross the water, and the lagoons reflect the surrounding trees and sculptures.
Look for works that use familiar forms in unexpected ways. Robert Indiana’s large “Love” sculpture is among the recognizable pieces, while other works include a towering sewing needle and a human figure made from metallic words. The range gives the garden a mix of abstract, figurative and more playful art. Benches are placed around the grounds for breaks between sections.
Planning a visit
The garden is immediately beside the New Orleans Museum of Art, so the two can be combined in one trip. The sculpture garden itself has free admission; the adjacent museum is a separate visit. Streetcar access to the museum area makes public transport an option, and free street parking is listed around the site.
The outdoor paths have stretches with limited shade. An early visit can make walking more comfortable on a hot day. A restroom building is available on the grounds, and there are temporary exhibits inside that building. If you have time after the garden, nearby City Park sights include Dueling Oaks and the Singing Oak.
FAQ
Is the Besthoff Sculpture Garden free?
Yes. Admission to the sculpture garden is free. A donation box is available if you would like to contribute.
How long should I spend at the sculpture garden?
Allow around 90 minutes to 2 hours for a walk through the grounds. You can spend longer if you pause at the artworks or combine the visit with the adjacent museum.
Where is the Besthoff Sculpture Garden?
It is at 1 Collins Diboll Circle in City Park, beside the New Orleans Museum of Art.
Can I reach the garden by streetcar?
Yes. Streetcar service reaches the New Orleans Museum of Art area.
