Lafayette Square Photos
You might also consider
More like Lafayette Square
Recommended Reviews - Lafayette Square
Start your review...
Reviews With Photos
Lafayette Square truly is a precious gem in the city. It is perfect for events and private time to enjoy lunch during a beautiful day. This visit was for Luna Fete, an event I had only been to once before. The night was perfect!
I did not hit the park during any events, so it was just about the beauty and sculptures. Turns out, it is the 2nd oldest public park in NOLA, located in the 10th ward. The park has a bronze statue of Henry Clay in the center of the park, and statues of John McDonogh and Benjamin Franklin on St. Charles Avenue and Camp Street. The park is small and can be appreciated in 15 minutes, the surrounding buildings make for a great stop. We happened across the park on our walk to breakfast and I'm glad we got a chance to take it in.
Lafayette Square is located south of the French Quarter in the business district of New Orleans. It was founded in 1788 and is the second oldest public park in New Orleans after Jackson Square. The square is named after Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, a general who fought in the American Revolutionary War. There are multiple statues at the park: Henry Clay in the center, John McDonogh on one side, and Benjamin Franklin on the other. It's also surrounded by office buildings and government building. When we walked by we saw benches being set up and we assumed that it was for Mardi Gras. This area seemed like it is part of the route during the parade which is cool. There's a good amount of greenery although there's not much else other than a couple benches throughout. Regardless, this park is well kept, good for a quick stroll, and is pretty dog-friendly.
cute little square in middle of the city. usual passing through traffic, id be cautious in the evening though!
This was such a pleasant surprise! My colleagues and I found out that on Wednesdays there was live entertainment in Lafayette Square. We were tight on time and only stayed for 30 minutes, but very much enjoyed the band that was performing. The park itself was beautiful with lots of lush plants and trees.
This is a very small park (2.5 acres) in the heart of downtown. Right by the Hale Boggs Federal Building and Courthouse and across from the 5th circuit Court of Appeals. It is also across the street from Gallier Hall and is primarily used for dog walking from what I have seen, or an occasional person taking their lunch break from work there on a nice day. The park is New Orlean's second oldest park, dating back to 1788. The park was originally known as Place Gravier, it became Lafayette Square after Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, a French aristocrat and general who fought on the American side in the American Revolutionary War, visited to New Orleans. It has played host to inaugurations, movie locations, weddings, music concerts and my favorite, the Wednesday at the Square concert series. Mardi Parade goes also hangout here during some of the biggest parades because it is along the route. The park does not have any basic amenities such as benches or chairs, Nor does it have any bathrooms or playground equipment. There is metered street parking nearby as well as a couple of paid lots. The park features a few statues. the most prominent statue is that of Henry Clay, located on a tall pedestal in the center of the park. You will find a statue of Ben Franklin on the Camp Street side of the park and a statue of John McDonogh on the St Charles side. Additionally, there are historic marker placed in the park to explain some of the park's significance. This is a nice piece of land that they call a park. It has does not have much to offer outside of its green space and prime location. however, that is enough for me and it works. This is not a destination park (unless you are going to an event or parade), but a decent place to place to stop and relax if you are in the heart of downtown.
In the middle of the week and just before noon, the park was quiet and clean. A few people walking, a couple of folks with dogs and it was a nice spot in the shady area. The park is named for the famous Marquis de Lafayette, the French general who fought on the American side during the Revolutionary War. It was designed in 1788. His official name is Marie Joseph Paul Yves Rock Gilbert Du Motier. He visited the city in 1825. The park also has a few statues including Henry Clay (who laid the corner stone for the New Orleans Custom House on Canal Street in 1949), John McDonogh (a New Orleans entrepreneur) and Benjamin Franklin (an interesting choice because he had no direct connection to New Orleans). The park is open from 6am to 10:30pm. No organized sports or other activities are allowed without a permit. [Review 14141 overall, 1463 of 2020, number 13 in Louisiana.]
My favorite chill spot! Walked her early morning and enjoyed coffee the birds the dogs and like us all watching people! They even have a mile track mapped out.
"Planned in 1788 as a public place for...city's first suburb." It is a small 2.5acres simple flat square city park that honors Marquis de Lafayette, an American Revolutionary War major general & hero. In the center is the bronze statue of admired statesman Henry Clay (not Lafayette!). Used as the site for some civic events and live music concerts. Saw at least 1 benches to sit and linger. "The statue of Henry Clay was erected AD 1856 on Royal and Charles Street and was removed to Lafayette Square AD 1900" Also there is the statue of Benjamin Franklin on Camp St. Note: The bust of slave owner & NOLA patron John McDonogh on St Charles Ave was removed last year Jan '22 after it had been toppled in July '22 during the Black Lives Matter protests. Henry Clay -born in Virginian in 1777 & died 1852 -attorney -US Rep & Senator for Kentucky -7th & youngest House Speaker (& expanded its role) -political rival with Andrew Jackson -Secretary of State for President John Quincy Adams (who Clay helped get elected in 1825 when neither Adams or Jackson had the majority and House of Rep where Clay was House Speaker decided in favor of Adams. Jackson suspected a deal) -ran for President 3x & lost -antislavery stance starting from 1790s but had 60 slaves. Was in court in 1828 & won to get slave Charlotte Dupuy, who claimed she was freed by former owner, to return. He sent her to work for his daughter's home in NOLA. Freed her in 1844. Freed his 50 slaves in his will and wanted to send them back to West Africa -called "the Great Pacificator" for co-writing Compromise of 1850 after winning land from the Mexican-American War. It listed CA as a free state, UT (&NV) & NM (&AZ) to self decide and stopped slave state Texas's expansion by defining its NW border. Also banned slave trade in WA DC. -part of Great Triumvirate, trio (with Daniel Webster & John Calhoun) of most influential politicians in 1st half of 19th century -had 11 children with Lucretia Hart (from wealthy family and he was from modest but not poor upbringing) with only 5 living into adulthood. A daughter lived in New Orleans Lafayette -name Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette but know as Lafayette in the US -born in France (in wealthy family) in1957; died 1834 (buried in Paris with dirt from Bunker Hill) -came to America to help with the American Revolutionary War 1. became a 19 yr old major general after serve for free & was with George Washington at Valley Forge (year after the crossing of the Delaware) 2. was in many battles including and at the Siege of Yorktown that led to end of the war; 3. in the middle of the war went to France to increase France's support. -a hero in France 1. started to write (with help from Thomas Jefferson) the The Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen. 2. influential in the 1789 French Revolution 3. Influential in j 1830 July Revolution (declined offer to be dictator). -visited the NOLA in 1825. -named a son Georges Washington Located between 1. St Charles Ave (& former city hall now Gallier Hall), 2. Camp St (&US Court Appeals), 3. N Maestri St (&1 block south of Poydras St) & 4. S Maestri Pl (& hotel The Lafayette)
We get grandstand seats here during carnival and Mardi Gras day. We always have a great time here. There are Porta potties lined up on two sides of Lafayette Square. Bars and restaurants are nearby.
In town for a funeral and well since it's Covid I brought my fur babies and stayed at a hotel in the area. Typically a great area but definitely a little sketchy right now due to the recent hurricane in the surrounding areas so lots of evacuees. The park is a great addition to the area especially if you need to walk your fur pup BUT PLEASE PICK UP AFTER YOUR ANIMALS NO ONE IS INTERESTED IN DUCKING AND DIVING DOG
Cute little park in Lafayette Square that serves as a small observatory. A few structures, shrubbery & tiny walking path. Perfect for business people in the area to break away from the office and get a breath of fresh air. ~Christy
Dropped into town to visit family and had my Millie (dog) along for the trip. I found this park using the GPS for one nearby. It's a beautiful park and was very dog friendly. It's in a great area and the surroundings are incredible. Clean, very well manicured, wide walk ways and easy to find.
Lafayette Square is a small but beautiful pocket of greenery in the heart of downtown New Orleans. Surrounded by some of the city's most impressive historic buildings, the square feels like a quiet pause from the energy of the surrounding streets. It's great place to sit down and appreciate downtown New Orleans for a bit. read more
Lafayette Square is the 2nd oldest public park in New Orleans. It's located in th Central Business District, but in the late 18th century, it was part of a residential area called Faubourg Sainte Marie. Gallier Hall, the old City Hall of New Orleans faces the square on St. Charles Avenue. read more
1 year ago
A nice little green space located in downtown New Orlean. This park is dedicated to several historic figures. My wife did a quick educational tour while waiting for the city bus. It was a nice 15 minutes tour in beautiful weather. read more
10 months ago
2 years ago
Lafayette Square truly is a precious gem in the city. It is perfect for events and private time to enjoy lunch during a beautiful day. This visit was for Luna Fete, an event I had only been to once before. The night was perfect! read more
I did not hit the park during any events, so it was just about the beauty and sculptures. Turns out, it is the 2nd oldest public park in NOLA, located in the 10th ward. The park has a bronze statue of Henry Clay in the center of the park, and statues of John McDonogh and Benjamin Franklin on St. Charles Avenue and Camp Street. The park is small and can be appreciated in 15 minutes, the surrounding buildings make for a great stop. We happened across the park on our walk to breakfast and I'm glad we got a chance to take it in. read more
Lafayette Square is located south of the French Quarter in the business district of New Orleans. It was founded in 1788 and is the second oldest public park in New Orleans after Jackson Square. The square is named after Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, a general who fought in the American Revolutionary War. There are multiple statues at the park: Henry Clay in the center, John McDonogh on one side, and Benjamin Franklin on the other. It's also surrounded by office buildings and government building. When we walked by we saw benches being set up and we assumed that it was for Mardi Gras. This area seemed like it is part of the route during the parade which is cool. There's a good amount of greenery although there's not much else other than a couple benches throughout. Regardless, this park is well kept, good for a quick stroll, and is pretty dog-friendly. read more
1 year ago
This was such a pleasant surprise! My colleagues and I found out that on Wednesdays there was live entertainment in Lafayette Square. We were tight on time and only stayed for 30 minutes, but very much enjoyed the band that was performing. The park itself was beautiful with lots of lush plants and trees. read more
This is a very small park (2.5 acres) in the heart of downtown. Right by the Hale Boggs Federal Building and Courthouse and across from the 5th circuit Court of Appeals. It is also across the street from Gallier Hall and is primarily used for dog walking from what I have seen, or an occasional person taking their lunch break from work there on a nice day. The park is New Orlean's second oldest park, dating back to 1788. The park was originally known as Place Gravier, it became Lafayette Square after Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, a French aristocrat and general who fought on the American side in the American Revolutionary War, visited to New Orleans. It has played host to inaugurations, movie locations, weddings, music concerts and my favorite, the Wednesday at the Square concert series. Mardi Parade goes also hangout here during some of the biggest parades because it is along the route. The park does not have any basic amenities such as benches or chairs, Nor does it have any bathrooms or playground equipment. There is metered street parking nearby as well as a couple of paid lots. The park features a few statues. the most prominent statue is that of Henry Clay, located on a tall pedestal in the center of the park. You will find a statue of Ben Franklin on the Camp Street side of the park and a statue of John McDonogh on the St Charles side. Additionally, there are historic marker placed in the park to explain some of the park's significance. This is a nice piece of land that they call a park. It has does not have much to offer outside of its green space and prime location. however, that is enough for me and it works. This is not a destination park (unless you are going to an event or parade), but a decent place to place to stop and relax if you are in the heart of downtown. read more
In the middle of the week and just before noon, the park was quiet and clean. A few people walking, a couple of folks with dogs and it was a nice spot in the shady area. The park is named for the famous Marquis de Lafayette, the French general who fought on the American side during the Revolutionary War. It was designed in 1788. His official name is Marie Joseph Paul Yves Rock Gilbert Du Motier. He visited the city in 1825. The park also has a few statues including Henry Clay (who laid the corner stone for the New Orleans Custom House on Canal Street in 1949), John McDonogh (a New Orleans entrepreneur) and Benjamin Franklin (an interesting choice because he had no direct connection to New Orleans). The park is open from 6am to 10:30pm. No organized sports or other activities are allowed without a permit. [Review 14141 overall, 1463 of 2020, number 13 in Louisiana.] read more
2 years ago
My favorite chill spot! Walked her early morning and enjoyed coffee the birds the dogs and like us all watching people! They even have a mile track mapped out. read more
"Planned in 1788 as a public place for...city's first suburb." It is a small 2.5acres simple flat square city park that honors Marquis de Lafayette, an American Revolutionary War major general & hero. In the center is the bronze statue of admired statesman Henry Clay (not Lafayette!). Used as the site for some civic events and live music concerts. Saw at least 1 benches to sit and linger. "The statue of Henry Clay was erected AD 1856 on Royal and Charles Street and was removed to Lafayette Square AD 1900" Also there is the statue of Benjamin Franklin on Camp St. Note: The bust of slave owner & NOLA patron John McDonogh on St Charles Ave was removed last year Jan '22 after it had been toppled in July '22 during the Black Lives Matter protests. Henry Clay -born in Virginian in 1777 & died 1852 -attorney -US Rep & Senator for Kentucky -7th & youngest House Speaker (& expanded its role) -political rival with Andrew Jackson -Secretary of State for President John Quincy Adams (who Clay helped get elected in 1825 when neither Adams or Jackson had the majority and House of Rep where Clay was House Speaker decided in favor of Adams. Jackson suspected a deal) -ran for President 3x & lost -antislavery stance starting from 1790s but had 60 slaves. Was in court in 1828 & won to get slave Charlotte Dupuy, who claimed she was freed by former owner, to return. He sent her to work for his daughter's home in NOLA. Freed her in 1844. Freed his 50 slaves in his will and wanted to send them back to West Africa -called "the Great Pacificator" for co-writing Compromise of 1850 after winning land from the Mexican-American War. It listed CA as a free state, UT (&NV) & NM (&AZ) to self decide and stopped slave state Texas's expansion by defining its NW border. Also banned slave trade in WA DC. -part of Great Triumvirate, trio (with Daniel Webster & John Calhoun) of most influential politicians in 1st half of 19th century -had 11 children with Lucretia Hart (from wealthy family and he was from modest but not poor upbringing) with only 5 living into adulthood. A daughter lived in New Orleans Lafayette -name Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette but know as Lafayette in the US -born in France (in wealthy family) in1957; died 1834 (buried in Paris with dirt from Bunker Hill) -came to America to help with the American Revolutionary War 1. became a 19 yr old major general after serve for free & was with George Washington at Valley Forge (year after the crossing of the Delaware) 2. was in many battles including and at the Siege of Yorktown that led to end of the war; 3. in the middle of the war went to France to increase France's support. -a hero in France 1. started to write (with help from Thomas Jefferson) the The Declaration of the Rights of Man and the Citizen. 2. influential in the 1789 French Revolution 3. Influential in j 1830 July Revolution (declined offer to be dictator). -visited the NOLA in 1825. -named a son Georges Washington Located between 1. St Charles Ave (& former city hall now Gallier Hall), 2. Camp St (&US Court Appeals), 3. N Maestri St (&1 block south of Poydras St) & 4. S Maestri Pl (& hotel The Lafayette) read more
In town for a funeral and well since it's Covid I brought my fur babies and stayed at a hotel in the area. Typically a great area but definitely a little sketchy right now due to the recent hurricane in the surrounding areas so lots of evacuees. The park is a great addition to the area especially if you need to walk your fur pup BUT PLEASE PICK UP AFTER YOUR ANIMALS NO ONE IS INTERESTED IN DUCKING AND DIVING DOG read more
11 years ago
Cute little park in Lafayette Square that serves as a small observatory. A few structures, shrubbery & tiny walking path. Perfect for business people in the area to break away from the office and get a breath of fresh air. ~Christy read more
Dropped into town to visit family and had my Millie (dog) along for the trip. I found this park using the GPS for one nearby. It's a beautiful park and was very dog friendly. It's in a great area and the surroundings are incredible. Clean, very well manicured, wide walk ways and easy to find. read more
This is a nice park area in the middle of a very busy area. It was nice to have a space to walk through with trees and grass. It was a good, calming break that was welcomed. The area is clean and serene. (LOL) Anyway, a nice space to chill out. read more
4 years ago
Hubby and I visited here twice on today . It's definitely Conversations with this Art .... However, it's a Beautiful Park that we have attended for many festivals. read more
Really nice, but kind of small park. Lafayette Square seems like the perfect place to kind of chill and take a break from your day. I could see this as a nice picnic spot if I lived there. From what I've read before, this is a good place to see live music. The park was clean and had plenty of trash receptacles to keep it that way. Lots of sculptures for a small area and a huge statute of Henry Clay can be found here. I liked it. I think if I lived here I would go here a lot to just relax, but as a tourist, maybe skip it if you're pressed for time| read more
16 years ago
Lafayette Square is a welcome bit of green in a sea of concrete. Surrounded by cool buildings, this is a great place to take a lunch break if you're on trial for tax evasion or any of the various RICO statutes. New Orleans has several of these small parks throughout the city, but Lafayette Square is my favorite. It is also New Orleans' second oldest park. The square is filled with cool statues and art. My favorite were the two eyes, but some scumbag stole part of them. There are also cool statues of Ben Franklin, John McDonough and Henry Clay. If you're in the area, check out the park. read more
Lafayette Square is the second oldest park in New Orleans, Louisiana and was designed in 1788 by Don Carlos Trudeau, general surveyor of Louisiana under the Spanish Crown.. The Square was named after Gilbert du Motier, marquis de La Fayette, a French aristocrat and general who fought on the American side in the American Revolutionary War. We stopped in and enjoyed Lafayette Square on a recent Sunday as part of a Blues and BBQ festival. It was a fun crowd, 2 stages, a bunch of booths, and some killer BBQ equipment. The Square seemed a little buried under all of that, but the character of this attractive and historical public square remained to be seen. read more
One lifetime bucket list item has now been checked off! The music for Blues Fest is simply incredible. We will hope to make this a regular stop on our annual travels. The bbq is also out of this world. The music is free, the food is cheaper than you get elsewhere in the Quarter. Marriot courtyard was a perfct crash spot as it was only a couple of blocks away. Parking can be a pain, as usual in New Orleans. read more
Nice park area in the middle of a really busy downtown type area. It's a nice area but not really sure why it's called Lafayette Square when there are statutes of Henry Clay and Ben Franklin. Maybe I missed Lafayette's statute or maybe they thought he was so awesome he deserved the whole square? read more
5 years ago
14 years ago
16 years ago
In cities, a little oasis of green is necessary to keep people from losing their minds. The oasis need not be too large to be effective, and Lafayette Square Park is one such small space. (Tune out ex-boyfriends saying, "But honey, bigger isn't better!" about now. This park is nothing like your ex-boyfriend. For one thing, it's full of art.) The astute among us will be ahead of me as I point out that Lafayette Square is surrounded by an interesting parade of architecture. Nothing overtly New Orleans, but lots of nice government-issue Art Deco (authentic!) mixed with 1980s boomtown (also authentic) and 1950s homegrown business (yes, authentic) overlook the lush greenery. And of course, those same astute readers will know that the park is home to more art than any dog could shake a stick at. Lafayette Square is a nice place to take a quiet turn, to clear your head, to pass some time. It's a space that's clearly part of something bigger while being at arm's length from the city. Not enough to get lost in, but certainly enough to let the mind safely wander off-leash for a little bit. Lunch hour just won't be the same without it. Accessibility notes: No issues. read more
16 years ago
Lafayette Square by day is just a park you occasionally walk through on your way to One Shell Square from the IP Buiding, for instance. It used to be full of napping homeless people (or napping office workers, you never know) but now it seems to have more art installations than bodies sprawled on the ground. This is good. Lafayette Square by night, however, is an entirely different story. (At least during a few weeks in the spring and fall.) It becomes the location of Wednesday at the Square and Harvest the Music, the free concert series(es) beloved by office workers from all corners of the CBD. It's a great place to drink a few beers, chill out with your friends/family/dog/all of the above after a hard day's work. read more
7 years ago
It's a fairly nice park just outside the French quarter. Simple square design with a few classical statues that offers a little sanctuary to the busier nearby neighborhood. read more
This is just a beautiful space when there is nothing going on. Statues, large shade trees, benches, a place for bikes. Now, with events that happen here make it a GREAT space. I've been here for a few events. The last was the 2016 BBQ and Blues Festival (Saturday). I saw and heard some great musicians. They had venors with super art and craft things, tee shirts, booze and beers. Some great places had food, but i didnt have a chance to sample. THE MUSIC: Jon Cleary and the Absolute Monster Gentlemen were awesome with their blues New Orleans tinged sound. It rocked, it had soul, it had feel. The crowd was into it and jammed along. The headliner was Taj Mahal. He is an old timey blues man, a multi instrumentalist. It was soulful, and laid back. Just beautiful to the ear. There was an artist on stage who painted a portrait of Taj during the set. It was auctioned off for charity after the set. I love the fests here! read more
Here's a pretty little square near Harrah's Casino New Orleans. The park is very historic so its cool to learn about the history of New Orleans and see some huge statues. It's also fun just to take a walk through and sit down on a bench and take in the nature side of the city. There's also some modern sculptures being built here. One is called "bunny". I was walking to a coffee shop called Haro which seemed the opposite away from everything and stumbled upon it. Check it out =) read more
What an unexpected treat! As I was trekking through the City of New Orleans, I had my first chance to walk through Lafayette Square. It was bigger than I thought, a block or so in size, but this was big enough to enjoy the shade and sun, the trees and grass. Sometimes there are concerts here and there have even been a few demomstrations. Now it is nothing to drive hours out of you way for. bu tif you are in the area stop by, enjoy the grass and trees, and get a little bit cultured. read more
I love this great piece of green space. They have some giant trees and some interesting sculptures all around the square. I have been taking my dog there and they provide poo bags. There are a few historical monuments here as well. I will continue to visit this place. read more
10 years ago
Page 1 of 2
More info about Lafayette Square
500 St Charles Ave
New Orleans, LA 70130
Warehouse District
Directions
(504) 881-9861
Call Now
Visit Website
http://lafayette-square.org
Hours
Indoor Amenities
Outdoor Amenities
Ask the Community - Lafayette Square
Review Highlights - Lafayette Square
Why does Yelp recommend reviews?
4 reviews that are not currently recommended
The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.
7 years ago
9 years ago
9 years ago
13 years ago
