Gallier Hall
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Gallier Hall is the former location of the New Orleans city hall. It is currently a convention center and reception hall.
Gallier Hall is located on St. Charles Avenue at Lafeyette Square in the Central Business District. The building was originally designed to be the city hall of New Orleans by the noted architect, James Gallier, Sr.. Construction began in 1845, and the building was dedicated on 1853 May 10. Gallier Hall is a three-story marble structure fronted by two rows of fluted Ionic columns in the Gothic Revival style. It is one of the most important structures built during the ante-bellum period of the city.
After its dedication in 1853, Gallier Hall remained the city hall for almost a century. Many important events during the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the era of Louisiana governor Huey Long took place at Gallier Hall. Today, it is best known as a place of honor during Mardi Gras. Viewing galleries in front of the hall are reserved for Mardi Gras royalty, and parades on the St. Charles route pause in front them. Marching bands typically perform shows here during the parades, and Gallier Hall is where the King of Rex stops to salute his queen.
