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The City of New Orleans

Summer 2023 Excessive Heat

Free/Discounted Attractions

We know that extreme heat means higher energy usage.  Check out these free/discounted local attractions to escape the dangerously hot temperatures or higher utility bills:

Contemporary arts center

900 Camp St

Wed-Mon: 11 AM - 5 PM (Free for Louisiana residents on Sundays)

Contemporary Arts Center's galleries are free to all Louisiana Residents every Sunday from 11:00am to 5:00pm (thanks to the Helis Foundation).  This Sunday (July 2), we also have a free lecture at 12:00. More info HERE.

 

JAMNOLA (Joy, Art, Music -New Orleans)

2832 Royal Street

Thurs-Sun & Mon (hours vary): 50% off for locals on Thursdays

50% Off Admission on Thursdays to Louisiana Residents. Kids under 3 are free!

Louisiana residents save 50% on admission with a state-issued photo ID. Stay cool as you check out NOLA's hottest family friendly exhibit showcasing the iconic art, music, food and theatrics of the city through the eyes of over 30 local artists. 

  • Our cultural funhouse is fully air conditioned
  • Kids under 3 are free
  • Family friendly
  • ADA & wheelchair accessible, strollers welcome

Purchase Thursday's Locals ticket type on-line: JAMNOLA.com 

National world war II Museum

945 Magazine St

Daily: 9 AM - 5 PM

Half Off Museum Admission to Louisiana Residents

Now through Sunday, August 6, Louisiana residents can visit The National WWII Museum’s immersive galleries and experience Expressions of America for 50 percent off. As New Orleans’s #1 attraction, the Museum offers a great escape from the summer heat, making this the perfect time for local visitors to see what’s new—or to discover this world-renowned institution for the first time. 

  • Fully air conditioned.
  • Safe and secure on-site parking starting at $8.00.
  • Tickets starting as low as $10.00.
  • Food & Beverage options on-site.

Purchase tickets on-line or upon entry HERE.

In addition to the above we are offering FREE admission to current US military through our Blue Star Program.

The National WWII Museum Blue Star Program

The National WWII Museum and the Blue Star Museums network have partnered to offer free admission to current US military personnel and their families now through Labor Day! This program is available for those serving in the US Armed Forces—Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Space Force—as well as members of the Reserves, National Guard, US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and NOAA Commissioned Corps.

Purchase tickets on-line or upon entry HERE.

Sazerac house

101 Magazine St

Mon-Sat: 11 AM - 3 PM

A free museum in the heart of downtown with great A/C and can provide water bottle refills for free and the use of restrooms etc.

 

THE HISTORIC NEW ORLEANS COLLECTION 

520 Royal St.  

Tues.–Sat. 9:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. / Sunday 10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. 

A free museum, research center, and publisher in the heart of the French Quarter. Visitors can explore 300 years of history, find gifts and keepsakes created by local artisans at The Shop at the Collection, and enjoy multicultural cuisine at CafĂ© Cour. Learn more about permanent and changing exhibitions at hnoc.org.  

Currently on view:  

“American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith” from the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service, through October 8, 2023.  

“Yet She Is Advancing: New Orleans Women and the Right to Vote, 1878–1970,” through November 5.  

Art & A.C. is back starting Saturday, August 5th!

Every Saturday in August, Louisiana residents get to beat the heat with free general admission to the Contemporary Arts Center (900 Camp St), Ogden Museum of Southern Art (925 Camp St) and New Orleans Museum of Art (1 Collins Diboll Cir) courtesy of The Helis Foundation.

Art & A/C Days:

  • Saturday, August 5
  • Saturday, August 12
  • Saturday, August 19
  • Saturday, August 26

Art & AC is an extension of The Helis Foundation’s Art for All initiative which occurs throughout the year. On select days, Louisiana residents enjoy free general admission to the above-mentioned institutions as well as New Orleans Botanical Garden and Louisiana Children’s Museum (schedule below).

Art for All schedule:

  • Sundays - Contemporary Arts Center, 900 Camp Street
  • Wednesdays - New Orleans Museum of Art, 1 Collins Diboll Circle
  • Wednesdays - New Orleans Botanical Garden, 5 Victory Park Drive
  • Thursdays - Ogden Museum of Southern Art, 925 Camp Street 
  • Second Sunday of Every Other Month - Louisiana Children's Museum, 15 Henry Thomas Drive