The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Gardens is an outdoor gallery adjacent to the New Orleans Museum of Art. This stunning, five-acre oasis features over sixty life-sized sculptures, lagoons, moss-draped Live Oaks, a cascading garden and more. Stroll across pedestrian bridges or take a seat and simply enjoy the scenery. A free audio tour, accessible on your cellphone, is available (ask at the entrance for information on how to access). The gardens is the perfect spot for nature and art lovers.
Parking and transportation at The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Gardens
The gardens are located in City Park, so there's ample free parking in either of the parking lots or in designated spots along the streets. Visitors can easily access this quiet oasis via public transportation or by hopping aboard the red Canal Streetcar.
Best and worst time to go to The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Gardens
One of the best times to visit the gardens is during special events like Movies in the Gardens, which features an outdoor movie on a large inflatable screen. Before the movies start there's usually live music, food and activities for the kids. The last admission to the gardens is 30 minutes before closing (6 p.m. during the week; 5 p.m. on weekends), so the worst time to visit is late afternoon when you won't really have time to explore.
Admission to The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Gardens
Admission to the gardens is free except during special events. For instance, Movies in the Gardens will cost about $10.00 with discounts for seniors and children. During these events seating is not provided so you'll need to bring a folding chair or a blanket.
Must see/do at The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Gardens
There are numerous sculptures that offer a memorable photo opportunity. For example, have your camera ready to snap a photo while next to life-sized figures seated peacefully on two of the park benches. You'll definitely want to see Louisiana native, famed painter George Rodrigue's Blue Dog sculptures. The red, white and blue Love sculpture is also a favorite spot to snap a photo.
Other places to visit near The Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Gardens
A trip to the gardens should be part of your overall visit to City Park, where you can literally spend an entire day enjoying this great attraction, including the New Orleans Museum of Art. Looking to quench your thirst? Stop by Pandora's for a cold, yummy sno-ball, a New Orleans sweet, crushed ice treat.
Inside tip for visitors to The Sidney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Gardens
The gardens does not allow any pets (with the exception of service dogs). There's also no picnicking, bicycling, skateboarding or rollerblading in the gardens -- save these activities for City Park.
Author's bio: Myra Faye Turner is a writing living in New Orleans and when the weather is agreeable, you just might find her strolling in the gardens.