NEW ORLEANS - The Louisiana State Museum proudly announces the opening of Bienvenue Lafayette, a new exhibition at The Cabildo, on Thursday, April 10, 2025. This immersive experience explores the remarkable life and lasting impact of the Marquis de Lafayette, the French hero of the American Revolution, and the 200th anniversary of his triumphant Farewell Tour of the United States in 1824–1825, including the five days that he spent in New Orleans from April 10-15, 1825, living in some of the very same rooms in which the exhibition is presented.
“The Marquis de Lafayette, in very real terms, was a hero of the Revolutionary War against England. We are honored to be able to represent his life and triumphant visit to New Orleans in 1825. We hope you will join us for the exciting story of this patriot,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser.
Lafayette’s tour was more than a nostalgic journey, it was a national celebration. Having played a crucial role in securing American independence, the 67-year-old general returned to the young republic nearly five decades later, greeted by thunderous cheers, parades, and heartfelt tributes in every city he visited. This was certainly the case in the rapidly growing city of New Orleans, where a 58-foot-tall triumphal arch was erected in his honor inside Place D’Armes (now Jackson Square), and where the city offices inside the Cabildo were transformed into his temporary private residence and reception hall. Bienvenue Lafayette welcomes him back, recounting his remarkable life story, and his time in New Orleans with important paintings and rare artifacts.
A Hero’s Journey: From Revolutionary Battlefields to a Nation’s Welcome
Before he was the honored guest of America, Lafayette was its devoted ally. At just 19 years old, he defied the orders of King Louis XVI, purchased a ship that he filled with rifles, and crossed the Atlantic to aid the colonies in their fight for liberty. He earned George Washington’s trust at the Battle of Brandywine, played a key role in securing French support for the war, and helped trap the British at Yorktown, sealing America’s victory. Upon returning to France, the lessons of liberty he had learned served him well as an active participant in that country’s transition to democratic government.
Fast forward to 1825, and the United States welcomed back its adopted son with open arms. In New Orleans, he was celebrated not just as a hero of the American revolution, but also as a living symbol of the city’s enduring French heritage.
Highlights of the Bienvenue Lafayette exhibit include: Famous portraits of Lafayette, including an iconic painting of young Lafayette painted by Charles Wilson Peale. 200-year-old commemorative items from his tour, including a decorated tureen recently discovered by archeologists working in the French Quarter. Voice from the Past: listen to a re-enactment of the speech Lafayette gave upon his arrival in the city
Highlighting the opening is a live re-enactment of Lafayette’s speech in New Orleans. The re-enactment, hosted by the Louisiana Museum Foundation and Louisiana’s America 250 Commission, will kick off the French Quarter Festival on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 10:15 a.m.
The Louisiana State Museum invites history lovers, families, and visitors of all ages to experience Bienvenue Lafayette and step into a defining moment in America’s past. Bienvenue Lafayette will be on display through January 18, 2026, at The Cabildo, located in Jackson Square in New Orleans. For more information, visit LouisianaStateMuseum.org or call 1-800-568-6968.