Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden — Attraction in New Orleans

As someone who's visited the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden countless times, I can honestly say it remains my favorite places in New Orleans' City Park. Each 30-minute visit offers a completely different experience - I'm always surprised, impressed, and challenged by the free art nestled in this natural sanctuary.

The 12-acre garden houses over 90 world-class sculptures thoughtfully arranged among ancient live oaks draped with Spanish moss and peaceful lagoons. I never tire of watching the sunlight play across Frank Gehry's reflective metallic creation or getting pleasantly disoriented in Jeppe Hein's "Mirror Labyrinth." The underwater canal walk and Elyn Zimmerman's 70-foot glass bridge chronicling the Mississippi River's historical paths continue to fascinate me with each visit.

What keeps me coming back (besides the stunning artwork) is the accessibility - it's completely free! I've found that early weekday mornings are perfect for solitude, while dusk transforms the metallic sculptures into gold. Just remember comfortable shoes and water.

When I need a break from the French Quarter's bustle, this is my go-to sanctuary - a uniquely New Orleanian blend of art and nature. No admission fee, no velvet ropes—just world-class masterpieces in a breathtaking natural setting. It's time well spent every...

The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden is an absolute gem hidden within City Park, and the best part? It's completely free! This expansive collection of sculptures is beautifully integrated into the public areas of the park, making art accessible to everyone.

What truly sets this sculpture garden apart is its impressive scale and continuous growth. The collection is substantial and ever-expanding, offering something new with each visit. The thoughtful placement of sculptures throughout the landscape creates a wonderful journey of discovery.

The landscaping surrounding the sculptures is nothing short of impeccable. The grounds are meticulously maintained and create an incredibly inviting atmosphere that enhances the overall experience. Strategic placement of benches throughout the garden provides perfect spots to pause, rest, and contemplate the artwork you've encountered.

I cannot emphasize enough what a delightful surprise it is to find such a world-class sculpture garden in City Park, available to all at no cost. This is a must-visit destination that I highly recommend to anyone—whether you're an art enthusiast or simply looking for a peaceful, inspiring place to spend...

I took my wife here during a two-night trip to New Orleans. We walked an hour from our downtown hotel to get here and she was getting pretty grumpy about that but when we got to the sculpture garden she was immediately in a good mood. Thank you, sculpture garden! This is a free, outdoor museum with lots of excellent sculptures, spaced nicely in an idyllic and peaceful setting. Lots of different styles of sculpture by a diverse group of international artists. Most impressive was a piece by a Korean sculptor, which I won't spoil for you. Just go and check it out. There's an art museum next door, by the way. (New Orleans Museum of Art, which happened to be closed because it was Monday.) The sculpture garden is open 7 days, 10-5. There are rest rooms for men and women at the right side of...