Exploring Metairie Cemetery: New Orleans’ Outdoor Museum of Art and History
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels, involving gentle walking on paved and gravel paths.
Overview
Discover Metairie Cemetery, a historic 65-acre site in New Orleans filled with magnificent sculptures and rich stories of the city's most notable figures. Explore an outdoor museum of art and history that offers a peaceful, evocative alternative to typical sightseeing.
Metairie Cemetery
Named by Forbes as one of ten of “America’s Best Cemeteries".
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Explore the enchanting Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery, a stunning 65-acre site filled with remarkable architecture and sculptures. Discover the fascinating stories of New Orleans' most notable figures, from governors to musicians, as you stroll through this historic resting place. Experience a unique blend of art, history, and intrigue.
Metairie Cemetery
Duration
2 hours
About
Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery, founded in 1872, and following the path of its former incarnation as an antebellum horse trace, contains profound monumental architecture and world class sculpture in the world. Live oaks surround Greek temples, gothic and Islamic style tombs, obelisks, and marble monuments with beautiful ironwork and stained glass.
Hear the stories of New Orleans' most influential and notorious citizens, including nine Louisiana governors, seven New Orleans mayors, 49 kings of Carnival, musicians Louis Prima and Al Hirt, and writer Anne Rice, rest alongside madams, brothel owners and other infamous characters. Metairie Cemetery holds the graves of over 9,000 people on 65 landscaped acres.
General Information:
• Accessible to wheelchairs and scooters.
• All walking is on paved surfaces.
• There must be a minimum of 4 guests per tour. If a tour does not meet minimum guests you'll be notified by email/text.
• Requests for private tours are always welcome!
• Did you enjoy your tour? You are welcome to tip your guide, and by all means leave a review!
Adventure Tips
Respect the grounds
Stay on designated paths and avoid touching sculptures to preserve this historic site.
Best visiting times
Mornings offer soft light for photography and a quieter atmosphere before midday crowds.
Wear comfortable shoes
Uneven pathways demand sturdy footwear for an enjoyable walk around the extensive grounds.
Quiet observation
Maintain a respectful silence to honor the cemetery’s solemn nature and other visitors.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Eastern gray squirrel
- Northern cardinal
History
Metairie Cemetery was established in the late 1800s on drained lakebed, reflecting New Orleans' evolving urban landscape.
Conservation
The cemetery is maintained with care to preserve historical monuments and local flora, supporting sustainable urban green space.
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Adventure Hotspots in New Orleans
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Essential for navigating uneven cemetery paths throughout the year.
Sun hat or cap
Protects against strong summer sun during daytime visits.
summer specific
Water bottle
Staying hydrated is important while exploring the extensive grounds.
Camera or smartphone
Capture the intricate sculptures and serene landscapes during your visit.