Ogden Museum of Southern Art facts for kids

The Ogden Museum of Southern Art is a special place in New Orleans, Louisiana. It's a museum that celebrates art made by talented artists from the southern parts of the United States. It first opened its doors in 2003, but its story began in 1999.

Quick facts for kids
Ogden Museum of Southern Art

Old Library building, Confederate Hall, and Ogden Museum of Art
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Established	2003
Location	925 Camp Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Type	Art museum
Collection size	4000+

Discover the Ogden Museum

The Ogden Museum is located in the Warehouse Arts District of downtown New Orleans. It has been at its current spot on Camp Street since 2003. The museum is made up of two main buildings.

Exploring the Museum Buildings

One building is the Patrick F. Taylor Library, built in 1889. It was designed by a famous architect named Henry Hobson Richardson. The other building is the Stephen Goldring Hall. This is a modern, five-story building made of glass and stone. It was built in 2003.

The museum also has a gift shop and a special center. This center is called the Center for Southern Craft and Design. It shows off amazing crafts and designs from the South.

The Ogden Museum is right across the street from two other cool places. These are the National World War II Museum and the New Orleans Contemporary Arts Center. Together, these three spots create a lively arts area. This area is enjoyed by local people and millions of visitors. The Ogden Museum is also connected to the Smithsonian, which means it's part of a big network of museums.

What Art Can You See?

Area from which the museum draws its collection

The museum's collection features art from artists who live in or are connected to fifteen southern states. These states include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. It also includes art from District of Columbia.

The collection started with a huge gift of over 600 artworks. These came from Roger H. Ogden, a businessman from New Orleans. Since then, the museum's collection has grown a lot. It now has more than 4,000 pieces. These include paintings, drawings, prints, photographs, sculptures, and crafts. Many people and collectors from all over the U.S. have donated art.

Some of the many artists whose work you can see include Walter Anderson, Benny Andrews, Clementine Hunter, George Rodrigue, and Ida Kohlmeyer.

A Look at Southern Art Styles

Entrance to Ogden Museum of Southern Art

When the museum first opened, people noticed something interesting. There isn't one single "Southern art style" that defines the collection. Instead, the artworks often share themes. These themes include a strong sense of place, history, and memory.

The art ranges from folk art to shadowy paintings of bayous. You can also see old photographs and bright, modern abstract art. The museum has permanent exhibits that are always there. It also has new, changing exhibitions throughout the year.

Making a Difference: Awards and Support

The Ogden Museum has a special program called the Teen Docent Program. It started in 2008. In this program, students learn about art and then lead tours for visitors. They also help with outreach programs and summer camps. They have helped thousands of people learn about art.

Roger Ogden, who first donated many artworks, has been honored for his support. He has helped many non-profit groups and is very dedicated to Southern art.

The museum also received a grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies. This program helps museums across the country. It gives them money and training to manage their operations better. This support helps the Ogden Museum continue its important work.

How Donations Help the Museum

In 2023, Roger Ogden made another very generous donation. He gave the museum a portfolio of shopping centers he had developed. This gift is worth about $20 million. The Greater New Orleans Foundation will manage these properties. The money earned from them will go to the Ogden Museum. This plan is expected to bring in about $1 million each year. Half of that money will go directly to the museum. The other half will be invested to create a lasting fund for the museum's future.

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