Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1
WAREHOUSE DISTRICT: AN ART
LOVER'S PARADISE
BOUNDARIES:
St. Charles Ave., Poydras St., Convention Center Blvd., Andrew Higgins Dr.
DISTANCE:
1.8 miles
PARKING:
Lots, garages, metered parking
PUBLIC TRANSIT:
St. Charles Ave. Streetcar
The Warehouse District, also called the Arts District, is by far one of the coolest neighbor-
hoods in New Orleans, its establishment an answer to the urban blight that replaced a once-
thriving industrial area. The Contemporary Arts Center pioneered the effort in 1976, con-
verting a dilapidated building into a showcase for visual and performing artists.
Over the next quarter of a century, the area experienced a complete transformation, and
today it is home to some of the city's preeminent museums, galleries, restaurants, and
clubs. Countless buildings have been converted into luxury condo developments, making
the Warehouse District one of the most desirable neighborhoods in town.
Museums include the National World War II Museum, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art,
the Louisiana Children's Museum, and the Confederate Memorial Hall Museum. Julia
Street boasts some of the city's top art galleries, among them the Arthur Roger Gallery,
Jean Bragg Gallery, and Jonathan Ferrara Gallery.
The culinary scene is equally vibrant. Eateries range from upscale Emeril's and Tommy's
to the trendy and hip Root and Pêche Seafood Grill. For drinks—and fun—gathering spots
include Tommy's Wine Bar and Manning's, the sports bar and restaurant owned by Archie
Manning, former New Orleans Saints quarterback and father of current NFL quarterbacks
Eli and Peyton.
•
Begin your walk at Lee Circle, where St. Charles Avenue intersects Andrew
Higgins Drive. Lee Circle is known for its bronze statue of General Robert E.
Lee, commander of the Confederate Army during the Civil War. The statue,
which stands high atop a granite pedestal, was sculpted by Alexander Doyle in
1884.
•
Walk a block down Andrew Higgins across Camp Street, and turn left. To the
right is the Contemporary Arts Center, known for its bold, sometimes daring
displays of visual and performing arts. To the left is the Confederate Memori-
