JAMNola

New Orleans has always been about joy, art and music, but now there's a curated experience that combines all three. Located in converted warehouse space on the edge of the Bywater, this 5,500 square foot funky art playground opened in the pandemic summer, when joy was at a premium. Take a self-guided tour through JAM and you'll walk through a series of experiences, rooms that mine the New Orleans cultural map and tell stories through the eyes of local artists. Floor-to-ceiling installations of Mardi Gras beads seem like a glitzier extension of the yellow brick road leading to Oz. There are paintings, sculptures, fun with interactive virtual reality. The place is selfie-heaven, from carnival float-sized busts of iconic music makers to life-sized crawfish pots to jump into, to costumes to try on, this kid-friendly journey through eye-popping color, music and texture is a blast. There are 12 rooms to explore, it takes about an hour and isn't cheap, about $25 for adults, $20 for kids. But it's super fun. Check the gift shop on the way out for some locally inspired treats.