Rainy Days, Free Getaways
When rain hits New Orleans, locals have plenty of reasons to head indoors, from immersive art experiences to historic exhibitions. Many of the city's cultural institutions offer free admission for Louisiana residents, making it easy to explore the city's rich history and vibrant arts scene.
For city residents, a New Orleans Public Library card opens the door to free arts and heritage experiences across the city. New Orleans Public Library cardholders can reserve a Culture Pass, which provides free admission to a range of partner institutions such as the Audubon Aquarium & Insectarium, Audubon Zoo, the Contemporary Arts Center, Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses, the National WWII Museum, the New Orleans Museum of Art, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, Historic BK House & Gardens, the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, the Museum of the Southern Jewish Experience, and more.
"Each pass has different terms, so it's important to review them when booking," said Jane LeGros, director of marketing and communications at the New Orleans Public Library. She explained that library cardholders must be 18 years or older and the Culture Pass can be reserved online, in person, or by phone. Patrons receive a digital pass by email, which must be presented on the day of the visit, along with any additional requirements. LeGros added, "The goal is for New Orleanians to get back to seeing their culture." Details and full pass rules are available at nolalibrary.libcal.com/passes.
Louisiana residents can also take advantage of the State Library's Check Out Louisiana program, which provides a free one-day pass for visiting Louisiana State Museums, including the Cabildo and the New Orleans Jazz Museum, as well as state parks. Current library cardholders can reserve passes online through participating public library systems. "Check Out Louisiana is an exciting new benefit for library cardholders that they may not realize they have," said Kevin Calbert, director of communications for the State Library of Louisiana. "It provides free access to Louisiana's state parks, museums, and other historical and cultural treasures. We'll be expanding the offering to even more library systems during 2026 and encourage cardholders across the state to check out a day pass and enjoy these great venues." For more information, check out library.la.gov/check-out-louisiana.
If rainy weather keeps you from wandering the streets of the French Quarter, seek shelter in the Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC) at 520 Royal St., which is open Tuesday through Sunday at no cost to visitors. During the month of April, six exhibitions are on display, including American Revolution: The Augmented Exhibition (March 20, 2026 to January 17, 2027). "We welcome people of all ages," said Director of Audience Engagement Amanda McFillen. "Our daily talks at 2 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday, called Exhibition Shortcuts, offer insight into HNOC's artifacts and exhibitions." McFillen also highlighted The Trail They Blazed, a traveling exhibition featuring oral histories, on view through May.
A short stroll into the Warehouse District leads to the Ogden Museum of Southern Art at 925 Camp St., a quiet refuge from the rain featuring works from 15 Southern states and the District of Columbia.The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and is free for Louisiana residents on Thursdays. Must-see April exhibitions include Vicinal Visions and I Am Face.
Just steps away, the Contemporary Arts Center at 900 Camp St. serves as a rainy-day retreat where New Orleanians can discover vibrant and multidisciplinary work by local and regional artists. The museum is open Monday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Tuesdays), with free admission for Louisiana residents on Sundays. You can also view upcoming exhibitions on Instagram
@CACNOLA.
In the midst of stormy skies, cocktail culture comes alive at the Sazerac House, located at Canal and Magazine streets. Locals can enjoy a complimentary self-guided tour with interactive exhibits, a micro-distillery visit, and cocktail samples for guests 21 and older. According to General Manager Thomas Register, visitors will learn the history of the Sazerac cocktail, explore New Orleans' cocktail culture, and discover the differences among some of America's most popular spirits. Guests of all ages are welcome, with non-alcoholic samples available.
Nestled in City Park, the New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA) offers a world-class collection of fine art, making it an ideal indoor escape on rainy days. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with extended hours until 7 p.m. on Wednesdays, NOMA is free for Louisiana residents on Wednesdays. Don't miss Hayward Oubre: Structural Integrity (January 30 to May 3), the first monographic exhibition of American modernist Hayward Oubre Jr. The exhibit features 52 sculptures, paintings, and prints that highlight his influence on Southern art and the vital contributions of Black artists.
Finally, raindrops won't spoil your day in the Bywater. StudioBE, a 35,000-square-foot warehouse, offers an immersive space featuring eye-popping, large-scale murals and exhibits by Brandon "BMike" Odums in collaboration with more than 40 artists. Located at 2941 Royal St., the work at StudioBE brings to life themes of activism, resistance, and Black American history. Free admission for Louisiana residents is available on Wednesdays, with advance reservations required. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday to Saturday, as well as 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday to Monday, and Tuesdays are by appointment only.
For city residents, rainy days don't have to mean staying home. Whether you're in the French Quarter, the CBD, or Mid-City, stormy weather in New Orleans is the perfect excuse to go indoors and experience the city's museums, galleries, and cultural landmarks, where history, art, and its unique spirit await.
