Black Museums, Art Galleries And Tours

New Orleans has no shortage of unique and eclectic attractions, many of which are Black-owned, and we’re here to direct you to some of our favorites. From tour companies to museums, we are providing the inside scoop on where Black folks can take in and enjoy the city in the comfort of the presence of those who helped build it. 

First and foremost, I would be remiss to not direct you to my own walking tour company:

Anansi’s Daughters, LLC. 

504-544-0119

Co-owned by myself and my sister, we are a 100% Black-owned operation. Licensed tour guides, we are both High Priestesses of Louisiana Plantation Vodou, providing our guests with a unique perspective on the history of the city. We offer tours on Voodoo/Vodou, Tremé Music and Black History, Cemetery, Garden District, The Blackest Ghost Tour ages 17+, and adult New Orleans History tours. 

Backstreet Cultural Museum

1531 St. Philip St.

New Orleans, LA 70116

504-657-6700

This museum is a staple to New Orleans history, especially when it comes to the Mardi Gras Indians, and the Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs of the city (organizations created by African-Americans in New Orleans as early as the 1800s in lieu of health and burial insurance that was not available to POC historically). Though officially opened by the late Sylvester Francis in 1999, he began collecting video and photo archives on the Indians and the Clubs as early as the 1970s. Completely unique to the city of New Orleans, Mardi Gras Indians were initially known as Carnival Indians, as “Carnival” was more connected to the Caribbean than Mardi Gras, which was primarily a European festival. 

The history of the Indians is fascinating, paralleled only by the majesty of the suits they wear on Mardi Gras day. They are completely hand sewn, primarily by the boys and the men. A Big Chief’s suit can weigh anywhere from 75-150 lbs. The beadwork is traceable to West Africa, and the experience of being in a room with these works of art is ineffable. 

Backstreet has one of the largest collections of the suits in the nation, so this is a definite must-see.

Tremé’s Petit Jazz Museum

1500 Governor Nicholls St.

 New Orleans, LA 70116

 504-715-0332

This museum consists of one room, but if it were any bigger, visitors would have to come back multiple days to absorb all there is to see at Tremé’s Petit Jazz Museum. The owner, Mr. Al Jackson, has forgotten more about Black music history in New Orleans than most of us could ever hope to know. 

He provides a curated tour of jazz artifacts from all over the world, connecting the over 14 different cultures that contributed to the genre we know today as jazz. Just spending time in the company of Mr. Jackson is a priceless experience, and one that you absolutely cannot afford to miss. 

New Orleans African-American Museum

1418 Governor Nicholls St.

New Orleans, LA 70116

504-218-8254

This museum also resides in the neighborhood of Tremé, and the grounds themselves hold the key to some of the earliest real estate owned by POC in New Orleans. The main building is a preserved Creole plantation house, and every structure on the block leading up to the front door on the right side of the street will be used as a rotating exhibit for the museum. 

The hours tend to change often, so definitely call ahead to ensure your visit is not in vain.

Studio Be

2941 Royal St.

New Orleans, LA 70117

504-252-0463

B-Mike Odum’s Gallery

When viewing some of the largest, most colorful murals in the city, you cannot help but stand in awe of the works of B-Mike Odums. The scale of the art he is able to create, coupled with the t-shirts he sells emblazoned with the caption, “I am my Ancestor’s wildest dreams,” there is no bigger treat than going to visit ground zero of his work, Studio Be. 

In addition to showcasing his own creations, B-Mike Odum has created his studio as a space where other artists can craft and display their work as well. The philosophy of the studio is that the “blueprint for a better tomorrow lives in the collective imagination.” At a time where positive messaging can be difficult to find, Studio Be is a balm to the soul. 

Terrance Osborne Gallery

3029 Magazine St.

New Orleans, LA 70115

504-232-7530

If you’re looking for one-of-a kind art pieces, or prints of paintings that encapsulate what cannot be put into words about New Orleans, Terrance Osborne has you covered. From his jazz fest posters to his piece entitled, “Lady Mardi Gras,” you can see his work all over the city, as well as featured in the OWN series, “Queen Sugar.”

A born and raised New Orleanian, his aesthetic take on the city itself allows for his canvases to breathe effervescence into any space. Osborne has partnered with the NBA, Coca-cola, and Heineken, just to name a few. His gallery holds fast to its place as of the most highly regarded in the city of New Orleans. Stop by and see for yourself!

Le Musee de FPC

2336 Esplanade Ave.

New Orleans, LA 70119

Museum/Venues

504-323-5074

One of the only museums in the nation dedicated to the images and art of Free People of Color, Le Musee de FPC is to be found in a historic structure on Esplanade Avenue. New Orleans being the only city in the nation to have a publicly thriving class of Free POC by the early 1800s (and having a presence in the city from 1722 at the earliest documentation to be found), there is a uniqueness to the artifacts displayed.

From writings, paintings, various mediums of visual art and documents, Le Musee de FPC illustrates the multifaceted existence of those referred to as the gens de couleur libres. What makes this essential to understanding the culture of New Orleans is that these displays are made up of the contributions of this demographic, as opposed to being yet another story told by outsiders, that as a result will never completely get it right. Visit Le Musee de FPC and take in a unique perspective from Ancestors that are rarely given voice anywhere else in the world. 

George and Leah McKenna Museum of African-American Art 

2003 Carondolet St.

New Orleans, LA 70130

504-586-7432 

A private collection of art from the African Diaspora, the McKenna Museum of African-American Art offers shows that include not only the work of established artists, but also the creations of those up and coming in New Orleans. With the amalgamation of cultures, experiences and traditions rooted in the Motherland itself, the city is in a unique position to import some of the most authentic artifacts that showcase the African experience from several different parts of the world.

The museum itself is housed in a three story pre-Civil War structure, adding to the potency of your visit. The environment itself blends seamlessly with the Antebellum art on display by people of color, alongside the creations of the living Ancestors of those who came before. 

Stella Jones Gallery 

201 St. Charles Ave.

New Orleans, LA 70170

504-568-9050

A museum that showcases African-American, Contemporary African, and Caribbean fine art, the venture itself began as the shared dream of married couple Stella Jones and her late husband, Harry Sr. Avid art collectors in their personal lives, the two had a desire to make these works available to the public, as well as create a space where African diasporic art from around the world could be shared.

With the belief that visual art is meant to be a communal experience, the Stella Jones Gallery strives to serve as a haven for those with a love of aesthetics and African-based cultures. From programming to exhibitions, you are sure to have a memorable experience each and every time you visit this gallery on historic St. Charles Avenue. 

Motherland African Art

1021 N. Peters St.

New Orleans, LA 70116

504-522-0722

A boutique and women’s store located in the historic French Market, this is a great place to purchase fashion, accessories and view arts and crafts from the Continent. From hand-crafted fans made of African-print fabric, to wooden sculptures and body oils, this little shop on North Peters St. is sure to have something for everyone. 

The cowry shell jewelry laced with silver, the turquoise treasures, the sleeveless cotton dresses complete with Adinkra symbols and the textile handbags make this stop worthwhile for anyone who rocks the diasporic aesthetic. With wares that were imported directly from Africa, you can’t go wrong spending your time and money here.