New Orleans Cultural Arts
From majestic performances to simple productions, New Orleans culture scene dazzles and delights
Theater and drama are everyday occurrences in New Orleans, a city where costume closets are a must and dressing up happens on a myriad of occasions. When it comes to more serious theatrical arts, New Orleans boasts impressive firsts, from the first documented performance of opera in America, back in 1796 to the first-ever commercial movie theater, which opened 100 years later on Canal Street.The birthplace of jazz is also home to a world-class philharmonic orchestra, ballet and other dance companies, both touring and locally-produced theater, and a rich array of museums and art exhibitions.
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New Orleans is home to theater companies big and small, all offering an array of choices all year long.
Opera has robust presence in New Orleans with traditional shows and modern twists.
The Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, based in New Orleans and performing throughout the South, carries the torch for live orchestral music in a city long enamored with the musical arts.
Dance, from ballet to burlesque, is performed at venues all over New Orleans. Lovers of classic artful adagio can take in ballet presented by the New Orleans Ballet Association, the New Orleans...
From Faulkner whose house is now a bookstore, to Mark Twain and many, many more, New Orleans inspires
From Southern Art to World War II to Mardi Gras Indian Culture, New Orleans has some of the most unique museums in the country. Some places take days to explore while others are perfect for an...
America's First City of Opera
"Sylvain" was the city's first opera performance, and New Orleans still has an Opera presence today. Click here to learn about the history of Opera.
New Orleans is a magnet for artists: painter, sculptors, weavers & ceramicists. Shop their works on Julia Street in the Warehouse District or Royal Street in the French Quarter!
Art markets can be found all throughout New Orleans, from the fence surrounding Jackson Square to the co-op markets along Decatur Street. Click here to find dates and locations!
New Orleans Performing Arts Organizations
A broad spectrum of the performing arts thrive in New Orleans, long considered a cultural mecca with artistic roots dating back to its French founding in 1718. These nonprofits, some small and others...
Theaters and Performance Spaces
From grand restored Victorian wedding cake theaters such as the Orpheum and the Civic to outdoor spaces like Music Box Village, where interactive music making is the order of the day, the spaces where...
01/20/2020 - Burlesque Bingo with Lefty Lucy
01/29/2020 - Let's Art! With Lefty Lucy
01/31/2020 - Off the Grid
02/12/2020 - Debauchery!
05/02/2020 - Jammin' on Julia
New Orleans Cultural Arts Videos