FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Louisiana State Museum
The Cabildo, New Orleans
Gálvez And Louisiana In The American Revolution Exhibition Opening
NEW ORLEANS, LA — The Louisiana State Museum announces the opening of Gálvez and Louisiana in the American Revolution, a major new exhibition debuting March 8, 2026, at the historic Cabildo in Jackson Square. Timed as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of American independence, the exhibition reveals Louisiana’s pivotal—and often overlooked—role in the American Revolution through the leadership of Spanish Governor Bernardo de Gálvez and the diverse communities he united.
Drawing on rare artifacts, costumes, documents and original research, the exhibition tells the story of how Louisiana served as a strategic stronghold for the American cause. From covert supply networks operating out of New Orleans to decisive military campaigns along the Gulf Coast and Mississippi River, Gálvez and his multicultural coalition of Spanish soldiers, Creole settlers, Indigenous allies, Acadian refugees, Canary Islanders, and free Black militia members helped weaken British control and shape the outcome of the war.
“Gálvez and Louisiana in the American Revolution expands the traditional narrative of independence by showing how global alliances and Gulf Coast communities were essential to America’s founding “This exhibition places Louisiana where it belongs—at the center of the Revolutionary story.” – Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser
The exhibition is presented at the Cabildo, a site deeply connected to Louisiana and American history. Built during Spanish rule, the Cabildo later served as the site of the 1803 Louisiana Purchase transfer, making it a fitting setting to explore Spain’s influence on the Revolutionary era.
This exhibition is made possible through the generous support of The Patrick F. Taylor Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities, reflecting a shared commitment to scholarship, public history, and expanding understanding of America’s founding through inclusive storytelling.
A gala preview celebrating the exhibition will be held on March 7, 2026, with proceeds supporting the Louisiana State Museum’s educational and America 250 initiatives.
Gálvez and Louisiana in the American Revolution will be on view through May 15, 2027, and is part of the Louisiana State Museum’s broader America 250 programming highlighting the people, places, and ideas that shaped the nation.
Exhibition Details:
Location: The Cabildo, 701 Chartres Street, New Orleans
Opening: March 8, 2026
Admission & Hours: Standard Cabildo admission ($11) and hours apply
For press images, interviews, or additional information, contact:
Jeff Anding
Marketing Director
Louisiana State Museum
janding@crt.la.gov
504-296-3370
https://louisianastatemuseum.org/exhibit/galvez-and-louisiana-american-revolution
For information on the Spanish Gala see: https://www.thelmf.org/galvezgala