Best Museums in New Orleans

New York, Chicago, Paris, Rome . . . great museum cities, all. New Orleans isn’t included in that list, but it’s a surprisingly excellent museum city. Museums also make stellar retreats when the elements become overbearing.

* Backstreet Cultural Museum: To truly appreciate them, you really must see the Mardi Gras Indians’ astounding beaded suits up close (if not in action, then in this collection) and learn about this unique tradition.

* The Cabildo: Louisiana and New Orleans history, including terrific Mardi Gras exhibits. And Napoleon’s death mask.

* The Insectarium: Yes, it is what it sounds like. It’s especially good for families, but unexpectedly captivating even for the bug-averse.

* Louisiana Children’s Museum: So much hands-on, interactive fun (for all ages) you don’t even realize you’re also learning.

* National World War II Museum: It's the best museum of its kind. Period. Do not miss its world-class collection and interactive displays. 

* New Orleans Museum of Art: Consistently well-curated exhibits and an excellent permanent collection of all forms of fine art, housed in a stunning, neoclassical-meets-modernist building in beautiful City Park.

* Ogden Museum of Southern Art: A splendid collection of the art of the American South, new and old, in a modern atrium nestled between two historic buildings.

* Pharmacy Museum: Leeches and opium and Voodoo spells, oh my. A mightily worthwhile, off-the-wall diversion.

* The Presbytère: The excellent exhibit on hurricanes captures their impact from all aspects; other rotating exhibits are consistently good.