New Orleans Botanical Garden

New Orleans, Louisiana, United States

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The New Orleans Botanical Garden, located within City Park, was originally established in 1936 as the city’s first classical garden, funded by the Works Progress Administration.

It was designed in the Art Deco style by architect Richard Koch, landscape architect William Wiedorn, and sculptor Enrique Alférez, featuring formal garden rooms, a rose garden, reflecting pools, and elaborate surreal sculptures. The garden has expanded over time to include nearly 12 acres with diverse themed areas such as the Zemurray Azalea and Camellia Garden, a Japanese Garden named after Lafcadio Hearn, a Butterfly and Hummingbird garden, and a conservatory.

The garden suffered severe flooding during Hurricane Katrina in 2005 but was swiftly rehabilitated and has become a symbol of resilience for New Orleans. It serves as a public space for education, enjoyment, and horticultural research, celebrating native and exotic plant collections and providing a peaceful retreat in the city. The garden remains an artistic and botanical landmark, combining historical design with evolving plant displays and community programs.