How long does it take to walk the Warehouse District?

The walk typically takes 90 to 120 minutes. The distance is approximately 1.5 miles, but you may want to allow extra time if you plan to enter the Ogden Museum or the Sazerac House.

Is the Warehouse District in New Orleans safe for walking?

Yes, the Warehouse District is one of the most walkable and safe neighborhoods in New Orleans. It is a well-lit area with a mix of residential lofts, hotels, and upscale restaurants, though standard urban caution is advised at night.

Are the art galleries on Julia Street free to enter?

Most commercial art galleries on Julia Street are free to enter during their regular business hours. However, large institutions like the Contemporary Arts Center (CAC) and the Ogden Museum require a paid ticket.

When is the best time for a neighborhood stroll in the Arts District?

The best time is Tuesday through Saturday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This is when the majority of art galleries are open to the public and the area is most vibrant.

Can I do this walking route with a stroller?

Yes, this route is very stroller-friendly as the Warehouse District is mostly flat. Most intersections have curb cuts, though you should be mindful of occasional cracked pavement on older side streets.

What is the 'Gallery Row' in New Orleans?

Gallery Row refers to the cluster of art galleries located on Julia Street. It is the heart of the city's contemporary art scene, featuring everything from photography to modern sculpture in converted industrial spaces.

Is the Piazza d'Italia worth visiting?

Absolutely, especially for fans of architecture and photography. It is a unique postmodern landmark that offers a colorful and unexpected break from the surrounding brick warehouses.

How do I get to the Warehouse District from the French Quarter?

It is a very short walk from the French Quarter. Simply cross Canal Street and walk down Magazine Street or Camp Street; Lafayette Square is only about five blocks from the edge of the Quarter.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into a neighborhood where 19th-century industry meets 21st-century creativity. This self-guided walking route through the New Orleans Warehouse District, often called the Arts District, reveals a sophisticated side of the Crescent City far removed from the neon lights of Bourbon Street. Originally the 'American Sector,' this area once hummed with the sounds of machinery, cotton presses, and coffee storage. Today, those same brick facades house world-class museums, high-end lofts, and 'Gallery Row' on Julia Street. This neighborhood stroll captures the essence of industrial-chic, offering a visual feast of cast-iron architecture and contemporary Southern expression. On this walking tour New Orleans reveals its layered history, beginning at the historic Lafayette Square, the city's second-oldest public park. You will traverse the heart of the arts scene, exploring Julia Street where former warehouses have been reborn as elegant art galleries. The route highlights the architectural evolution of the city, from the Richardsonian Romanesque style of the Ogden Museum of Southern Art to the soaring, modern pavilions of The National WWII Museum. Each corner turned offers a new perspective on how New Orleans preserves its past while embracing the future. One of the most unique stops on this neighborhood stroll is the Piazza d'Italia, a postmodern masterpiece that serves as a colorful monument to the city's Italian heritage. The journey concludes at the intersection of Canal Street and Magazine Street at The Sazerac House, a beautifully restored building dedicated to the official cocktail of New Orleans. This experience is designed for those who appreciate the intersection of history, design, and local culture. Whether you are a fan of industrial heritage or modern art, this self-guided walk provides the flexibility to linger at a gallery or grab a coffee in a converted warehouse at your own pace. Discover the 'SoHo of the South' through its vibrant streetscapes and iconic landmarks on this comprehensive walking tour New Orleans history buffs and art lovers alike will appreciate.

Highlights

Discover 'Gallery Row' on Julia Street, the heart of the New Orleans art scene.

Visit Lafayette Square, the historic center of the 19th-century American Sector.

Admire the postmodern architecture of the vibrant Piazza d'Italia.

Explore the massive campus of the globally-renowned National WWII Museum.

See the adaptive reuse of historic warehouses at the Contemporary Arts Center.

End your stroll at the Sazerac House to learn about the city's cocktail culture.

Tour Stops (7)

Lafayette Square

Welcome to Lafayette Square, the historic heart of the American Sector. Established in 1788, this is the city's second-oldest public park, designed to be the 'Place d'Armes' for the Americans moving into New Orleans after the Louisiana Purchase. Stand for a moment and look at the statues of Henry Clay, John McDonogh, and Benjamin Franklin. This square was once the center of civic life, surrounded by the city's most important government buildings. The architecture here tells a story of transition, where the colonial French and Spanish influences of the French Quarter gave way to the Greek Revival and neoclassical styles favored by 19th-century American settlers. It remains a vibrant community hub today, hosting concerts and festivals throughout the year.

Julia Street

As you walk down Julia Street, you are entering 'Gallery Row.' In the mid-1800s, this street was lined with 'Thirteen Sisters,' a row of identical Greek Revival townhomes. By the 20th century, the area had become a gritty industrial zone filled with warehouses for cotton and grain. In the 1970s and 80s, artists began moving into these abandoned spaces, drawn by the high ceilings and natural light. Today, Julia Street is the epicenter of the New Orleans art world. Notice the preserved brickwork and heavy timber framing of the buildings, now housing premier contemporary art. Every first Saturday of the month, this street comes alive for 'Gallery Crossings,' a tradition of art openings and evening strolls.

Contemporary Arts Center New Orleans

The Contemporary Arts Center, or CAC, is a perfect example of adaptive reuse. Housed in a former warehouse built in 1905, the CAC was founded in 1976 by a group of passionate artists. Look up at the facade and imagine the building's previous life as a storage facility for the city's booming trade. Inside, the industrial bones of the structure—exposed brick, steel beams, and vast open floors—provide a dramatic backdrop for multidisciplinary art, including painting, sculpture, and performance. The CAC was a pioneer in the revitalization of this district, proving that the city's industrial past could be the foundation for its creative future.

Ogden Museum of Southern Art

The Ogden Museum of Southern Art offers a fascinating architectural contrast. The museum is composed of two very different buildings: the Patrick F. Taylor Library, designed by the famous architect H.H. Richardson in his signature Romanesque style, and the modern Goldring-Woldenberg Institute for Southern Art and Design. This museum holds the largest and most comprehensive collection of Southern art in the world. Its mission is to tell the story of the American South through its visual culture. From self-taught folk artists to contemporary masters, the Ogden celebrates the diverse and complex identity of the region, all while showcasing how historic and modern architecture can coexist harmoniously.

The National WWII Museum

The National WWII Museum is a monumental presence in the Warehouse District. Originally founded as the D-Day Museum, its location in New Orleans is no accident; this is where the Higgins boats—the amphibious landing craft that General Eisenhower credited with winning the war—were designed and built. The museum's campus has expanded into a series of striking pavilions that use light, shadow, and large-scale steel structures to evoke the era's industrial might and the gravity of the conflict. Even from the sidewalk, the scale of the Boeing Center, with its vintage aircraft suspended in mid-air, is a testament to the neighborhood's transformation into a world-class cultural destination.

Piazza d'Italia

Tucked away behind modern office buildings is the Piazza d'Italia, one of the world's most famous examples of postmodern architecture. Designed by Charles Moore and completed in 1978, it was intended as a tribute to the city's significant Italian immigrant community. The piazza uses classical Roman elements like columns and arches but renders them in vibrant colors, neon lights, and stainless steel. The central fountain is actually shaped like the map of Italy. It is a whimsical, slightly surreal space that captures the 'anything goes' spirit of postmodern design. After years of neglect, it was restored to its former glory, serving as a hidden gem for photographers and architecture enthusiasts.

The Sazerac House

Your walk concludes at the corner of Canal and Magazine Street at The Sazerac House. This beautifully restored 1860s building once stood at the edge of the bustling port district. Today, it serves as an immersive exploration of New Orleans' cocktail history. The Sazerac, made with rye whiskey, bitters, and absinthe, is widely considered the first branded American cocktail and was named the official cocktail of New Orleans in 2008. The building's restoration preserved historic details while introducing sleek, modern displays. It’s a fitting end to a route through the Warehouse District, where the city’s industrial roots and its celebrated traditions of hospitality and craftsmanship meet.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk is the best way to explore the Warehouse District at your own pace. This route covers the essential 'Gallery Row' on Julia Street and the major museums like the National WWII Museum, allowing you to stop and start as you please.