A few weeks ago, Mart and I went on a road trip. Early spring flowers dotted the roadways, and warmer temperatures accompanied us as we drove south. We stayed with friends on the coast for a couple of days and then went on to see family in New Orleans.
Along the way, we ate well—our friend’s fabulous gumbo, fresh seafood, and a grilled feast at our niece and nephew-in-law’s house. In Mississippi, we visited a historic house, and in New Orleans, we spent an afternoon in the fantastic World War II museum, which we highly recommend.
On a chilly but sunny, blue-sky Monday morning, we made our way to City Park in downtown New Orleans. Although the art museum (NOMA) makes it home there, it was closed that day so we decided to explore the adjacent Sculpture Garden.
But first! Beignets at Cafe du Monde.
A second location in City Park of the original Cafe serves the famous delicacy that is a must-have tradition in New Orleans. We made sure to stop by.
Despite the tour bus parked in front of the restaurant, Mart and I didn’t have to wait to order or find an empty table. Even if the line had been out the door, we still would have stood there. Because, look…
Yes, everything you’ve heard about these beignets is true. They are scrumptious. And although we did eat every single bite with relish, we left all that powdered sugar behind. Yay for our self-control.
Then, just across the road, we entered the Sculpture Garden, which is free and open to the public.
NOMA’s Bestoff Sculpture Garden is one of the most renowned art environments in the world. The generosity of the Bestoffs and other donors plus a team of landscape architects, architects, arborists, and lighting designers developed the already existing garden into what it is today.
Azaleas, shrubs, other plants, and mature trees as well as water features bring natural beauty, shade, and serenity to the landscape.
The spotlight of this space, though, is the art. More than 90 sculptures—classical, abstract, modern, and whimsical—line the pathways in the garden, inviting visitors to examine the sculptures, engage with them, and even sit with them, as in the figures in the photo at the top of this post.
Here are a few of my favorites. Note the natural beauty in the background.
Everyone wants a photo with Rodrigo’s blue dog. Or if you prefer, walk around the side of the sculpture and choose the yellow or red version for your selfie.
Just in case you lose a button.
Slow and steady wins the race.
Brokenhearted Ruth and Naomi, from the Bible, as they journey toward their future, which was filled with hope and restoration.
A mother and child nestled in the shrubs.
Voluminous violins.
***
We thoroughly enjoyed our walk through the Sculpture Garden. What a wonderful example of the beauty of nature and of art coming together to create something new: an inviting space where people of all ages can interact with art and enjoy the outdoors at the same time.
We walked away refreshed and inspired—a morning well spent.
