The Issac Delgado Museum of Art was established in 1911. Initially funded through a charitable grant by local philanthropist and art collector Isaac Delgado.The museum building was partly designed by the former chief engineer of New Orleans Benjamin Morgan Harrod. The City Park Board designated the circle, at the end of what would become Lelong Avenue, for the museum. On December 11, 1911, the Isaac Delgado Museum of Art opened its doors.

In 1970/1971, the Edward Wisner Foundation funded the Wisner Education Wing, which is a three level addition to the left side.

In 1989, the Board of Trustees voted to change the museum’s name to the New Orleans Museum of Art

1993 brought the opening of the $23 million expansion and renovation project. The Museum also includes the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, an 11.5-acre (47,000 m2) landscaped area behind the main building. The gated garden features over 90 modern and contemporary sculptures set among live oaks, pines, magnolias, camellias, lagoons, several bridges, and a walking trail.

The museum is also known by the acronym NOMA