The Singing Oak is a live oak in New Orleans City Park, near Big Lake and the New Orleans Museum of Art. Wind chimes hang among its branches, sounding when a breeze moves through them. Come to sit in the shade and listen, or pair the stop with a walk around the park. The chimes are easiest to hear when you are close to the tree, so use a map to find it among the park’s many oaks.
Finding the tree in City Park
The Singing Oak stands near Big Lake, in front of the New Orleans Museum of Art. City Park has many oak trees, so finding this one can take some help. Use a map, and turn right after entering the park. The chimes are audible when you get close.
The tree is a live oak estimated to be 125 years old. Its broad branches shade a spot where you can pause and listen, with the nearby water adding to the calm of the setting.
The chimes and nearby sights
Wind chimes hang from the oak’s branches and move in the wind, creating the sound behind its name. On a still day, the tree may be quiet; a breeze makes the chimes more likely to sing. The chimes were hung by local artist Jim Hart, and some are described as reaching up to 14 feet long.
For a longer visit to City Park, combine the tree with the Sculpture Garden outside the New Orleans Museum of Art. The garden has oversized sculptures and paths leading toward the Cascade Garden Pool and City Park Lagoon.
FAQ
Where is the Singing Oak?
It is in City Park near Big Lake, in front of the New Orleans Museum of Art. A map can help you find it among the park’s many oak trees.
When can you hear the Singing Oak?
The wind chimes sound when the wind moves through the branches, so a breezy day is a good time to visit.
What else can you see nearby?
The Sculpture Garden outside the New Orleans Museum of Art has oversized sculptures and paths toward the Cascade Garden Pool and City Park Lagoon.
