Bienvenue Lafayette
Bienvenue Lafayette commemorates the 200th anniversary of the Marquis de Lafayette’s 1825 Farewell Tour, when the Revolutionary War hero spent five days in New Orleans. The exhibition features portraits, artifacts, and immersive storytelling that trace Lafayette’s journey from young French nobleman to trusted ally of George Washington—and finally to beloved guest of the nation he helped create.
About this Exhibit:
In 1824, the Marquis de Lafayette, a key figure in the American Revolution, embarked on a grand tour of the United States at the invitation of President James Monroe and Congress. The tour, celebrating the nation’s 50th anniversary of independence, lasted into 1825. Lafayette, known as the “hero of two worlds” for his role in securing French support for the American cause, was welcomed with enthusiasm across all 24 states. His visit reaffirmed the enduring Franco-American alliance and celebrated shared ideals of liberty and democracy.
Lafayette’s tour was marked by public celebrations, music, and the creation of commemorative items, making him a precursor to modern celebrity. One notable stop was his five-day visit to New Orleans in April 1825, where city officials spared no expense, spending the equivalent of $450,000 to transform the Cabildo into lavish accommodations for Lafayette, symbolizing the city’s growing significance in the United States.
To commemorate the bicentennial of Lafayette’s tour, the Louisiana State Museum presents Bienvenue Lafayette from April 10, 2025, to May 4, 2027, opening on the exact 200th anniversary of his arrival in New Orleans. The exhibition features artifacts, documents, and works of art from local and national collections, and offers visitors insight into Lafayette’s legacy as a champion of liberty, democracy, and the abolition of slavery. This exhibition deepens the public’s understanding of Lafayette’s impact on both the United States and France and highlights New Orleans’ role in the broader historical narrative.
More on Louisiana State Museums
As America approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, the Louisiana State Museum joins the national America 250 and Louisiana America 250 commemorations—celebrating the people, places, and ideals that shaped our nation’s founding. Through two major exhibitions at the Cabildo and a series of partner events, we honor Louisiana’s unique contributions to the fight for independence and to the democratic ideals that still define us today.