New Orleans - 925 Camp Street - LA 70130
The Ogden Museum of Southern Art, located in the dynamic Warehouse Arts District of New Orleans, is a cultural institution dedicated to celebrating the rich artistic traditions of the American South. Founded in 1999 and housed since 2003 in the striking Stephen Goldring Hall on Camp Street, the museum holds the largest and most comprehensive collection of Southern art in the world. Its mission is not only to present visual art but also to explore its deep connections with Southern music, literature, and culinary traditions, creating a holistic portrait of the region’s identity.
The museum’s origins lie in the generosity of Roger H. Ogden, a New Orleans entrepreneur and philanthropist, who donated more than 600 works from his private collection. From this foundation, the collection has expanded to more than 4,000 works, representing artists from fifteen Southern states and the District of Columbia. Paintings, drawings, watercolors, prints, photographs, sculpture, and crafts showcase the diverse voices of Southern creativity. Among the artists represented are Walter Anderson, Benny Andrews, Clementine Hunter, George Dureau, William Dunlap, Ida Kohlmeyer, Will Henry Stevens, Kendall Shaw, and George Ohr, each contributing to a nuanced understanding of the region’s cultural fabric.
The Ogden Museum is more than a repository of art—it is an active center for learning and engagement. Welcoming nearly 85,000 visitors annually, it offers exhibitions, lectures, film screenings, and concerts that highlight the South’s ongoing artistic dialogue. Programs such as the museum’s educational initiatives and community events broaden appreciation for the Southern experience, drawing connections between past traditions and contemporary expression.
By presenting both historical and modern works, the Ogden Museum preserves the legacy of Southern art while encouraging new perspectives. It stands as a vital resource for understanding the South’s creative spirit, making it an essential destination for anyone seeking to experience the cultural richness of the region.
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