Autumn temps are setting in and what better time to hit the town and explore some public art? The city is bursting with it and we've put together some of the most interesting must-sees of the New Orleans public art scene, all in one handy map below. You'll find one of the few remnants from graffiti superstar, Banksy's, visit in 2008, a "singing" oak tree in City Park, gorgeous fountains, and sculpture galore. This is just a taste of what's out there so please do share your favorites in the comment section.
Read More:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/48740115/curbed_placeholder.54.0.jpg)
New Orleans' Public Art Scene Is Wild and We Have The Map
View as Map
Popp Fountain
This recently restored 60-ft. wide fountain in City Park was built in 1937. The cast bronze dolphin statues by sculptor Enrique Alferez are worth checking out.
Sculpture Garden in City Park
Technically, not "public art" since it's owned by the NOMA, but over 60 sculptures are displayed in this stunning space, and it's free.
The Singing Oak
Near Big Lake in City Park, Jim Hart adorned this live oak tree with chimes - one 14-feet long - creating harmonized music in the wind.
Tree art
A dead tree along Bayou St. John is transformed into a work of art by chainsaw artist (toughest title ever!), Marlin Miller.
Serpent Mound
Who says art has to be serious? This Steve Kline sculpture, installed in 1990, just begs to be crawled upon.
Spirit House
Dedicated in 2002, this sculpture by John Scott and Martin Payton celebrates the unnamed African Americans who contributed to New Orleans' building and culture.
Banksy's Rain Girl
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.
Re-Neavus
Guerrilla sculpture at its finest. This Viking ship/rising pelican by Herbert Kearny, Jules Cote, and Josh Walsh went up in 2008 to coincide with the Prospect.1 exhibit.
Project Be
While we don't condone busting into under-construction housing developments, Brandan Odums' "Project Be" deserves a shout-out.
Mandala
This ceramic and steel structure by Rashida Ferdinand is meant to represent hope, survival, and renewal in the Lower Ninth Ward.
Ocean Song
A Lower 9th Ward native and Xavier Univ. grad and professor, James Scott said this sculpture represents the circle dances performed at Congo Sq., African instruments, and traditional jazz beats.
Zach's Tower
The Sculpture for New Orleans installation along Poydras St. was created to perk up the post-Katrina landscape. This 26-ft. tall steel structure by John Henry might make casino losers a bit more cheery as they exit the premises.
Me, Knife, Diamond and Flower
This James Surls sculpture was installed in front of the Ogden Museum of Southern Art in 2008.
At Rest
Jason Kimes' steel sculpture is also part of the Sculpture for New Orleans, a program to support public art by using large-scale outdoor sculpture.
Rain Towers
Helen Escobedo's sculpture is fitting, considering the amount of rain New Orleans gets. Installed in 1986.
Ignatius J Reilly
A life-size statue of the "Confederacy of Dunces" character holds fort outside the Chateau Bourbon Hotel.
Before I Die...
Chalkboard paint on the side of an abandoned house in the Marigny started the "Before I Die..." project by Candy Chang, where anyone can write in their hopes and dreams. Now up on the side of the Ogden Museum.
Out of There
Jazz-loving artist Clement Meadmore said, "It seems appropriate that it should have found a place in New Orleans" since this sculpture is meant to reflect the curves of the river.
Scraphouse
Installed in 2008, artist Sally Heller made this from steel drums, wood, wallpaper, and solar lights.
Isamu Noguchi fountain
The plaza of the old K&B Building not only has the Mississippi Fountain by Noguchi, installed in 1961, but ten other pieces of abstract art.
Professor Longhair Square
On the neutral ground outside Tipitina's is David Tureau's homage to the late, great Professor Longhair.
© 2022 Vox Media, Inc. All rights reserved.
Loading comments...