Ogden Museum of Southern Art facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Ogden Museum of Southern Art

The old library building (left), Confederate Hall (center), and the Ogden Museum of Art (right).
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Established	2003
Location	925 Camp Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
Type	Art museum
Collection size	4000+

The Ogden Museum of Southern Art is a special museum in New Orleans, Louisiana, that shows art made by people from the southern United States. If you want to see paintings, sculptures, and photographs that tell the story of the South, this is the place to go. The museum first began in 1999 and opened in its current building in 2003.

The Museum Buildings

The Ogden Museum is located in a cool part of New Orleans called the Warehouse Arts District. It's made up of two main buildings that are right next to each other.

One building is the Patrick F. Taylor Library, which was built way back in 1889. It was designed by a famous architect named Henry Hobson Richardson and has a classic, historic look.

The other building is Stephen Goldring Hall, which opened in 2003. It's a modern, five-story building made of glass and stone. This mix of old and new buildings makes the museum a unique place to visit.

The museum is in a great spot for art lovers. It's right across the street from The National WWII Museum and the New Orleans Contemporary Arts Center. Together, these museums create a hub of culture and history for both locals and tourists. The Ogden Museum is also a Smithsonian Affiliate, which means it works with the famous Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C.

The Art Collection

The museum's collection features art from these 15 southern states and Washington, D.C.

The museum's collection focuses on art from fifteen southern states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia, plus the District of Columbia.

How the Collection Started

The museum began with a large donation of over 600 artworks from a New Orleans businessman named Roger H. Ogden. He wanted to share his private collection with the public. Since then, the museum has grown a lot. It now has more than 4,000 pieces, including paintings, drawings, photographs, and sculptures.

What Kind of Art Can You See?

The entrance to the Stephen Goldring Hall at the Ogden Museum of Southern Art.

The art at the Ogden shows many different styles. You won't find just one type of "Southern art." Instead, the artworks explore themes like the importance of place, history, and memory. You can see everything from folk art made by self-taught artists to beautiful paintings of swamps and city streets. There are also old, interesting photographs and bright, modern abstract art.

Some of the well-known artists whose work is in the museum include Clementine Hunter, Walter Anderson, George Rodrigue, and Ida Kohlmeyer. The museum has galleries that are always open, as well as special exhibitions that change throughout the year, so there is always something new to discover.

Special Programs and Awards

The Ogden Museum does more than just display art. It also has programs to get the community involved, especially young people.

Teen Docent Program

In 2008, the museum started a Teen Docent Program. A docent is a guide who teaches visitors about the art. In this program, teenagers learn about the museum's collection and then lead tours for visitors and help with summer camps. This program has been very successful and has received awards for its work in the community.

Other Recognition

The museum has also been recognized for its importance in the art world. In 2018, it received a grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies. This grant helps the museum with its daily operations and provides training to its staff, ensuring it can continue to bring great art to the public for years to come.

Gallery