Neighborhood Overview
The Warehouse District and Arts District, often collectively known as the "SoMa" (South of Mardi Gras Boulevard) area of New Orleans, represents one of the city's most dramatic urban transformations. Bounded by Poydras Street, the Mississippi River, the Pontchartrain Expressway, and Loyola Avenue, this former industrial zone has evolved from abandoned warehouses to a vibrant mixed-use district anchored by museums, galleries, residential conversions, and creative businesses. The area's reinvention began in the 1970s and accelerated after the 1984 World's Fair, creating a neighborhood that embodies both the opportunities and challenges of post-industrial urban revitalization. Today, the district navigates the complexities of maintaining artistic authenticity while accommodating luxury development and tourism growth.
Quick Facts
- Population: Approximately 4,200 residents (grown dramatically from near-zero residential population in the 1980s)
- Demographics: Predominantly white (75%), higher income than city average, with significant part-time resident population
- Housing: Converted warehouses, new mixed-use developments, luxury condominiums, and apartments
- Historic Significance: Once the city's industrial and shipping hub, site of the 1984 World's Fair, home to significant cultural institutions including the Contemporary Arts Center and Ogden Museum of Southern Art, and location of one of the nation's most concentrated gallery districts
Free Spaces
Julia Street Art Galleries
Julia St. between St. Charles Ave. & Convention Center Blvd.
Known as “Gallery Row,” Julia Street is lined with a dozen contemporary art galleries, many featuring local and regional artists. The First Saturday Art Walk each month is free and open to all, offering an easy way to explore New Orleans’ creative scene.
Lafayette Square Park
South Maestri Place & St. Charles Ave., New Orleans, LA 70130
One of the city’s oldest parks, Lafayette Square offers shade, sculptures, and free concerts during the Wednesday at the Square spring series. It’s a popular lunchtime spot surrounded by historic architecture.
Crescent Park Riverwalk Extension (Convention Center Access Point)
End of Julia St. behind the Morial Convention Center
This public riverfront space offers panoramic views of the Mississippi River and skyline. Great for walks, sunset photography, or watching ships pass. It connects to the larger Crescent Park pathway stretching toward Bywater.
Camp Street & Magazine Street Public Art Corridor
Between Julia St. and Andrew Higgins Blvd.
Public sculptures and murals line the streets near the Ogden and WWII Museum blocks. You can stroll through and view outdoor installations by Louisiana artists — no admission required.
Piazza d’Italia
Lafayette St. & Commerce St., New Orleans, LA 70130
An iconic postmodern landmark designed by Charles Moore in 1978. Recently restored, it’s a whimsical plaza celebrating Italian-American heritage with fountains, columns, and colorful tilework — free to visit day or night.
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