The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden

Situated next to the New Orleans Museum of Art (aka NOMA) This beautiful park is filled with a huge collection of classical to modern sculpture beautifully displayed among trees, green lawns, flowers and shrubbery. Paths wind around the garden, across the water, and through a narrow trough along the edge of the pond. The environment is restful and calming. Sitting on one of the many benches in a magic garden canopied by a huge tree draped in Spanish moss was a balm to my soul. The sculptures were intriguing and had a story to tell - strength, love, grief, humor, or enigma. I highly recommend taking the trolly out from downtown.

What do you get when you combine Fine art and Garden? No, not Farden. Though when I combine sour cream and cheddar cheese, that get me Farden. All the way to the toilet. Anyway, located in the must-see City Park (check my separate review), this free park has almost 100 sculptures along winding paths around a lagoon within 11 acres of well-maintained and lush landscaping, making Sydney and Walda Besthoff's gift "one of the most renowned outdoor art environments in the world." (Source: someone suspiciously named "Wydney and Balda Sesthoff").OMG. Who would give a FREE, clean and safe, multi-million dollar sculpture garden anything less than five stars? Well, if you really want to know, Jordan of Louisiana said the rude, unfriendly, and unprofessional front desk lady bumped into her, but there is no front desk. Maybe she was at the Sydney and Walda Bestoff Dollar General? Meanwhile, John of Columbus, Karen of Cape Coral, Armistead of Maryland, Renee & Annie of Baton Rouge and Shakena of Philly had no complaints but were just stingy with the stars. Julie of Pompono Beach only gave 4 stars for "pouring rain". CK of Simi Valley deducted a star for the unsafe, hot bathroom door. Vivian of Boston deducted a star for closing a few minutes early. Kevin of Detroit deducted a star for the art being "gimmicky and trying too hard". AB of Tennessee deducted a star because there's no arrows on the path (This isn't IKEA, bro). And, you guessed it, a lady from Geneva complaining of "occasional kids running through" named Karen. Wow.

I visited, and loved, this park very much when my husband brought me here a few years ago... Since then he has returned and keeps telling me how badly we need to return; we did on our last New Orleans trip and I was very impressed. Apparently my husband purposely did not tell me about the entire new areas that I had not seen yet. The park is free and they have an amazing collection of scultpures spread out along paths through the park. It blows my mind that these are gorgeous and expensive pieces of art. I admit I don't know values but the artists that have done some of these I am well aware they are established, famous artists. And beyond the art, the park is beautiful with paths running along ponds and interesting bridges (one is glass or something like that).City Park is huge and offers a lot, but if you are here, be sure to visit the Sculpture Garden.

Went on a first date here and ended up marrying him. Five stars for ambiance and match making.

Located in City Park, to the left of the NOMA (New Orleans Musuem of Art) and to the right of Cafe Du Monde. There is a main entrance to the sculpture park with an attendant to answer any questions. No food or drink are allowed in the garden. There are lots of different kinds of sculptures. They have Rodriguez's blue dog. They have the classic love statue which makes a great photo op. I loved walking through the park and seeing all the unique statues.

This place is so peaceful and very well kept. There are dozens of beautiful sculptures inside, and plenty of benches to relax and enjoy the willows, greenery, lake, and mini waterfalls. There is no cost, and you could easily stroll around and admire the artwork for about an hour.

The sculpture garden is simply incredible. This is my third visit and I always find a new spot to lounge or a sculpture that I missed on my previous visit. I cannot believe it is FREE! There some of the most incredible sculptures (I've attached a few) and so many peaceful spaces for a mediation or a picnic. We chose a picnic today after a ballet performance in the garden. Come for a walk through the New Orleans Museum of Art. Come for a stroll through the sculpture garden. Or just come to chill out alone, on a date, or with a group. Bottom line, COME!

Favorite place in NOLA that isn't food. Free access, beautiful grounds and sculptures rain or shine. There is even a whole back area that's much larger and new since I last visited. Can access thru the under bridge walkway next to the water. Always a must visit when in town!

What a mistake. I've been to NOLA maybe 10 times but I had never been to the sculpture garden in City Park. Wow!!The setting is fabulous -- among the live oaks alongside two small lakes. The sculptures are impressive. And the weather in December was perfect. Here's my review: Art. Fabulous. Sculptures. Outside. Great setting. Don't miss.

Highly recommend if you're looking for something free to do in the city, especially if the weather is nice. Absolutely gorgeous park. This is about 12 acres housing some 90 sculptures tucked into a picturesque nature trail with green space and waterways. Plenty of space to picnic or otherwise relax among the art. We went late morning on a Saturday and it was still pretty quiet. Located within City Park, you can keep exploring the park (seasonal public restrooms here before you keep walking) or pop into NOMA to further satiate your art fix. We actually walked from here to another sculpture garden at the NOLA Botanical Gardens for an extra dose of affordable art and nature tourism.