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Mapping New Orleans Public Art

By Lauren LaBorde
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By Lauren LaBorde

While New Orleans has always been a city of public art — from sculptures and murals to entertaining graffiti, street performers and strange characters — in the last decade the city has seen a proliferation of installations from big-name artists. Banksy of course made his mark here, the "Before I Die" mural engaged the city and inspired similar projects around the world, and the Prospect New Orleans biennials turned the city into a public art scavenger art. The public art scene is still thriving here, with installations from Poydras Street to Jefferson Parish. We've attempted to map out New Orleans' public art spots for you. Are we missing any of your favorites? Let us know in the comments, or send us an email.

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Travis "Trumpet Black" Hill mural

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Muralist Brandan Odums, the mastermind behind 2014's spectacular ExhibitBe project, painted this two-story tribute to the late New Orleans musician Travis "Trumpet Black" Hill. [Photo: Instagram]

North Claiborne Avenue & Governor Nicholls Street, New Orleans, LA 70116

"Remain in Light" mural

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The best way to see artist Joseph Konert's 380-foot abstract mural is on the Interstate in Mid-City heading west. But no Instragramming while driving! [Photo: Instagram]

701 South Alexander Street, New Orleans, LA 70119

Akira Sushi Mural

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Denver, Colorado-based duo Hollis+Lana created the mural for the Fat City Mural Project. [Photo: Arts Council of New Orleans]

3226 North Arnoult Road, Metairie, LA 70002

Laurel Outdoor Mural

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Lafayette artist Robert Dafford painted the mural as part of the Arts Council of New Orleans' Fat City Mural Project. [Photo: Arts Council of New Orleans]

3613 Hessmer Avenue, Metairie, LA 70002

David Art Center Mural

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Forrest Reiff painted the mural as part of the Arts Council of New Orleans' Fat City Mural Project, a project aimed at brightening the changing Metairie corridor. [Photo: Arts Council of New Orleans]

3020 North Arnoult Road, Metairie, LA 70002

“Funnel Tunnel” Sculpture

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Patrick Renner’s 155-foot-long, colorful wood-and-steel funnel is part of the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition presented by The Helis Foundation. [Photo: Instagram]

South Claiborne Avenue & Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70112

“VOLPANG” sculpture

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The fabricated bronze sculpture by David Borgerding is part of the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition presented by The Helis Foundation. [Photo: Helis Foundation]

Poydras Street & Penn Street, New Orleans, LA 70113

"Kendall Island" Sculpture

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That's not a real sunbather you're seeing: it's Carole Feuerman's oil painted resin sculpture. Part of the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition presented by The Helis Foundation. [Photo: Helis Foundation]

Poydras Street & Camp Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

Gasa Gasa Mural

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Berlin-based graffiti artist MTO painted the mural on the outside of the hip Freret Street music venue. [Photo: Instagram]

4920 Freret Street, New Orleans, LA 70115

"City Watch" Sculptures

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Instagram

]

1228 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70113

"Standing Vase With Five Flowers" Sculpture

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James Surls' bronze and steel sculpture is part of the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition presented by The Helis Foundation. [Photo: Helis Foundation]

776 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

National Art & Hobby mural

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Joseph Konert also created this mural for the Magazine Street art supply store. [Photo: Instagram]

5835 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70115

"Octet" Sculpture

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Lin Emery's kinetic sculpture, located on Poydras Street between St. Charles Avenue and Camp Street, is part of the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition presented by The Helis Foundation. [Photo: Helis Foundation]

Saint Charles Avenue & Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

"Stairway to the Stars" Sculpture

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Abstract expressionist sculptor Mark di Suvero's piece is part of the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition presented by The Helis Foundation. [Photo: Helis Foundation]

Poydras Street & South Claiborne Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112

"Foci" Sculpture

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Chakaia Booker's textured sculpture made of recycled tired stands tall across from the Superdome as part of the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition presented by The Helis Foundation. [Photo: Helis Foundation]

Poydras Street & Clara Street, New Orleans, LA 70112

"Sheila" Sculpture

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This pink rabbit from the sculpture duo Grendel's Mother (Trisha Kyner and David Friedheim) is part of the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition presented by The Helis Foundation. [Photo: Helis Foundation]

Poydras Street & Magnolia Street, New Orleans, LA 70112

"Ourglass" Sculpture

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Dean Ruck's sculpture, covered in 400 mirrors from military surplus Jeeps, is part of the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition presented by The Helis Foundation. [Photo: Helis Foundation]

Poydras Street & Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

"Savoy" Sculpture

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Martin Payton's painted steel sculpture is part of the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition presented by The Helis Foundation. [Photo: Helis Foundation]

Poydras Street & Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

“Crossroads” Sculpture

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Arkansas artist Greer Farris’ 10-foot-tall sculpture is part of the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition presented by The Helis Foundation. [Photo: Helis Foundation]

Poydras Street & Baronne Street, New Orleans, LA 70113

"Gymnast" Sculpture

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Enrique Alferez' bronze sculpture is part of the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition presented by The Helis Foundation. [Photo: Helis Foundation]

Saint Charles Avenue & Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

"Yaima and the Ball" Sculpture

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The second of Carole Feuerman's very realistic looking oil painted resin sculptures. Part of the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition presented by The Helis Foundation. [Photo: Helis Foundation]

Poydras Street & Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

"Nethership" Sculpture

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Texas artist Ed Wilson's steel sculpture is part of the the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition presented by The Helis Foundation. [Photo: Helis Foundation]

Poydras Street & South Peters Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

"David" Sculpture

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New York artist Boaz Vaadia's stone sculpture is part of the the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition presented by The Helis Foundation. [Photo: Helis Foundation]

Poydras Street & Convention Center Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70130

"Zach's Tower" Sculpture

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Texas artist John Henry's painted steel sculpture is part of the the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition presented by The Helis Foundation. [Photo: Helis Foundation]

Poydras Street & Convention Center Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70130

Banksy's "Umbrella Girl"

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British graffiti artist superstar Banksy came to town in 2008 and this is one of his few remaining pieces here. It's covered in plexiglass but, sadly, still pretty defaced. [Photo: Christa Lohman via Flickr]

North Rampart Street & Kerlerec Street, New Orleans, LA 70116

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Sculpture

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Sculptor Frank Hayden's abstract egg sculpture is a tribute to the civil rights hero, with passages from Dr. King's speeches inside the egg form and a bullet hole to commemorate Dr. King's assassination. [Photo via Library Chronicles

Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard & Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70113

Urban Sidewalk/Installation Space (US/IS)

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The set of three public-facing installation spaces features a rotating display of New Orleans artist in a variety of mediums. [Photo via US/IS NOLA]

441 Gravier Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

"Rise and Preserve" Mural

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Artists Ivan Petrovsky and ReX collaborated on this colorful mural across from Crescent Park. [Photo via Kristen Bach]

Chartres Street & Piety Street, New Orleans, LA 70117

"Paving the Way" Mural

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Students from YAYA worked with artists Brandon Odums, Rontherin Ratliff, Paul Wright and Ellen McComber on this mural. [Photo via YAYA]

South Claiborne Avenue & Toledano Street, New Orleans, LA 70115

David Harouni Sculptures

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New Orleans artist David Harouni’s trio of identical 16-foot-tall figures stands amid the suburban bustle of Metairie. [Photo: David Harouni Gallery on Instagram]

Veterans Memorial Boulevard & Severn Avenue, Metairie, LA 70002

MILAGROS NOPL Mural

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The mural on the back of the building captures the movement of the wind and the cool tones of the Mississippi. [Photo: Lauren LaBorde]

219 Loyola Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112

"She Dreamed of a Place Called Fat City" Murall

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The artist—known for her New Orleans-turned-worldwide "Before I Die" interactive mural—created the mural, featuring a short story by James A. Reeves, for the Art Council of New Orleans' public art initiate in the Metairie corridor. [Image: via CandyChang.com]

3220 Edenborn Ave, Metairie, LA 70002

"Weft" Sculpture

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Rachel David steel sculpture is part of the Helis Foundation's Sculpture New Orleans project. [Image via RedMetal.net]

Poydras St & Loyola Ave, New Orleans, LA 70113

"Peace Wall" Mural

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The prolific muralist behind ExhibitBE channeled Michelangelo for this New Orleans East work. [Image via Brandan Odums on Instagram]

6601 Read Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70127

"Travelers"

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The four bronze sculptures New York artist Deborah Masters were originally in Audubon Park and were recently moved to Jefferson Parish. [Image via Michael Manjarris/NOLA.com]

W Esplanade Ave & Power Blvd, Metairie, LA 70003
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Travis "Trumpet Black" Hill mural

North Claiborne Avenue & Governor Nicholls Street, New Orleans, LA 70116

Muralist Brandan Odums, the mastermind behind 2014's spectacular ExhibitBe project, painted this two-story tribute to the late New Orleans musician Travis "Trumpet Black" Hill. [Photo: Instagram]

North Claiborne Avenue & Governor Nicholls Street, New Orleans, LA 70116

"Remain in Light" mural

701 South Alexander Street, New Orleans, LA 70119

The best way to see artist Joseph Konert's 380-foot abstract mural is on the Interstate in Mid-City heading west. But no Instragramming while driving! [Photo: Instagram]

701 South Alexander Street, New Orleans, LA 70119

Akira Sushi Mural

3226 North Arnoult Road, Metairie, LA 70002

Denver, Colorado-based duo Hollis+Lana created the mural for the Fat City Mural Project. [Photo: Arts Council of New Orleans]

3226 North Arnoult Road, Metairie, LA 70002

Laurel Outdoor Mural

3613 Hessmer Avenue, Metairie, LA 70002

Lafayette artist Robert Dafford painted the mural as part of the Arts Council of New Orleans' Fat City Mural Project. [Photo: Arts Council of New Orleans]

3613 Hessmer Avenue, Metairie, LA 70002

David Art Center Mural

3020 North Arnoult Road, Metairie, LA 70002

Forrest Reiff painted the mural as part of the Arts Council of New Orleans' Fat City Mural Project, a project aimed at brightening the changing Metairie corridor. [Photo: Arts Council of New Orleans]

3020 North Arnoult Road, Metairie, LA 70002

“Funnel Tunnel” Sculpture

South Claiborne Avenue & Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70112

Patrick Renner’s 155-foot-long, colorful wood-and-steel funnel is part of the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition presented by The Helis Foundation. [Photo: Instagram]

South Claiborne Avenue & Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70112

“VOLPANG” sculpture

Poydras Street & Penn Street, New Orleans, LA 70113

The fabricated bronze sculpture by David Borgerding is part of the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition presented by The Helis Foundation. [Photo: Helis Foundation]

Poydras Street & Penn Street, New Orleans, LA 70113

"Kendall Island" Sculpture

Poydras Street & Camp Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

That's not a real sunbather you're seeing: it's Carole Feuerman's oil painted resin sculpture. Part of the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition presented by The Helis Foundation. [Photo: Helis Foundation]

Poydras Street & Camp Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

Gasa Gasa Mural

4920 Freret Street, New Orleans, LA 70115

Berlin-based graffiti artist MTO painted the mural on the outside of the hip Freret Street music venue. [Photo: Instagram]

4920 Freret Street, New Orleans, LA 70115

"City Watch" Sculptures

1228 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70113
Instagram

]

1228 Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70113

"Standing Vase With Five Flowers" Sculpture

776 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

James Surls' bronze and steel sculpture is part of the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition presented by The Helis Foundation. [Photo: Helis Foundation]

776 Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

National Art & Hobby mural

5835 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70115

Joseph Konert also created this mural for the Magazine Street art supply store. [Photo: Instagram]

5835 Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70115

"Octet" Sculpture

Saint Charles Avenue & Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

Lin Emery's kinetic sculpture, located on Poydras Street between St. Charles Avenue and Camp Street, is part of the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition presented by The Helis Foundation. [Photo: Helis Foundation]

Saint Charles Avenue & Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

"Stairway to the Stars" Sculpture

Poydras Street & South Claiborne Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112

Abstract expressionist sculptor Mark di Suvero's piece is part of the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition presented by The Helis Foundation. [Photo: Helis Foundation]

Poydras Street & South Claiborne Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112

"Foci" Sculpture

Poydras Street & Clara Street, New Orleans, LA 70112

Chakaia Booker's textured sculpture made of recycled tired stands tall across from the Superdome as part of the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition presented by The Helis Foundation. [Photo: Helis Foundation]

Poydras Street & Clara Street, New Orleans, LA 70112

"Sheila" Sculpture

Poydras Street & Magnolia Street, New Orleans, LA 70112

This pink rabbit from the sculpture duo Grendel's Mother (Trisha Kyner and David Friedheim) is part of the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition presented by The Helis Foundation. [Photo: Helis Foundation]

Poydras Street & Magnolia Street, New Orleans, LA 70112

"Ourglass" Sculpture

Poydras Street & Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

Dean Ruck's sculpture, covered in 400 mirrors from military surplus Jeeps, is part of the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition presented by The Helis Foundation. [Photo: Helis Foundation]

Poydras Street & Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

"Savoy" Sculpture

Poydras Street & Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

Martin Payton's painted steel sculpture is part of the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition presented by The Helis Foundation. [Photo: Helis Foundation]

Poydras Street & Loyola Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70113

“Crossroads” Sculpture

Poydras Street & Baronne Street, New Orleans, LA 70113

Arkansas artist Greer Farris’ 10-foot-tall sculpture is part of the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition presented by The Helis Foundation. [Photo: Helis Foundation]

Poydras Street & Baronne Street, New Orleans, LA 70113

"Gymnast" Sculpture

Saint Charles Avenue & Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

Enrique Alferez' bronze sculpture is part of the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition presented by The Helis Foundation. [Photo: Helis Foundation]

Saint Charles Avenue & Poydras Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

"Yaima and the Ball" Sculpture

Poydras Street & Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

The second of Carole Feuerman's very realistic looking oil painted resin sculptures. Part of the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition presented by The Helis Foundation. [Photo: Helis Foundation]

Poydras Street & Magazine Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

"Nethership" Sculpture

Poydras Street & South Peters Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

Texas artist Ed Wilson's steel sculpture is part of the the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition presented by The Helis Foundation. [Photo: Helis Foundation]

Poydras Street & South Peters Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

"David" Sculpture

Poydras Street & Convention Center Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70130

New York artist Boaz Vaadia's stone sculpture is part of the the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition presented by The Helis Foundation. [Photo: Helis Foundation]

Poydras Street & Convention Center Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70130

"Zach's Tower" Sculpture

Poydras Street & Convention Center Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70130

Texas artist John Henry's painted steel sculpture is part of the the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition presented by The Helis Foundation. [Photo: Helis Foundation]

Poydras Street & Convention Center Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70130

Banksy's "Umbrella Girl"

North Rampart Street & Kerlerec Street, New Orleans, LA 70116

British graffiti artist superstar Banksy came to town in 2008 and this is one of his few remaining pieces here. It's covered in plexiglass but, sadly, still pretty defaced. [Photo: Christa Lohman via Flickr]

North Rampart Street & Kerlerec Street, New Orleans, LA 70116

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Sculpture

Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard & Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70113

Sculptor Frank Hayden's abstract egg sculpture is a tribute to the civil rights hero, with passages from Dr. King's speeches inside the egg form and a bullet hole to commemorate Dr. King's assassination. [Photo via Library Chronicles

Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard & Oretha Castle Haley Boulevard, New Orleans, LA 70113

Urban Sidewalk/Installation Space (US/IS)

441 Gravier Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

The set of three public-facing installation spaces features a rotating display of New Orleans artist in a variety of mediums. [Photo via US/IS NOLA]

441 Gravier Street, New Orleans, LA 70130

"Rise and Preserve" Mural

Chartres Street & Piety Street, New Orleans, LA 70117

Artists Ivan Petrovsky and ReX collaborated on this colorful mural across from Crescent Park. [Photo via Kristen Bach]

Chartres Street & Piety Street, New Orleans, LA 70117

"Paving the Way" Mural

South Claiborne Avenue & Toledano Street, New Orleans, LA 70115

Students from YAYA worked with artists Brandon Odums, Rontherin Ratliff, Paul Wright and Ellen McComber on this mural. [Photo via YAYA]

South Claiborne Avenue & Toledano Street, New Orleans, LA 70115

David Harouni Sculptures

Veterans Memorial Boulevard & Severn Avenue, Metairie, LA 70002

New Orleans artist David Harouni’s trio of identical 16-foot-tall figures stands amid the suburban bustle of Metairie. [Photo: David Harouni Gallery on Instagram]

Veterans Memorial Boulevard & Severn Avenue, Metairie, LA 70002

MILAGROS NOPL Mural

219 Loyola Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112

The mural on the back of the building captures the movement of the wind and the cool tones of the Mississippi. [Photo: Lauren LaBorde]

219 Loyola Ave, New Orleans, LA 70112

"She Dreamed of a Place Called Fat City" Murall

3220 Edenborn Ave, Metairie, LA 70002

The artist—known for her New Orleans-turned-worldwide "Before I Die" interactive mural—created the mural, featuring a short story by James A. Reeves, for the Art Council of New Orleans' public art initiate in the Metairie corridor. [Image: via CandyChang.com]

3220 Edenborn Ave, Metairie, LA 70002

"Weft" Sculpture

Poydras St & Loyola Ave, New Orleans, LA 70113

Rachel David steel sculpture is part of the Helis Foundation's Sculpture New Orleans project. [Image via RedMetal.net]

Poydras St & Loyola Ave, New Orleans, LA 70113

"Peace Wall" Mural

6601 Read Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70127

The prolific muralist behind ExhibitBE channeled Michelangelo for this New Orleans East work. [Image via Brandan Odums on Instagram]

6601 Read Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70127

"Travelers"

W Esplanade Ave & Power Blvd, Metairie, LA 70003

The four bronze sculptures New York artist Deborah Masters were originally in Audubon Park and were recently moved to Jefferson Parish. [Image via Michael Manjarris/NOLA.com]

W Esplanade Ave & Power Blvd, Metairie, LA 70003