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New Orleans, Orleans Parish / Landmarks

Piazza d’Italia

A vibrant, Postmodern architectural landmark in the Warehouse District, dedicated to the Italian American community of New Orleans and featuring dramatic lighting and water features.

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Piazza d’Italia
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What is Piazza d’Italia known for?

Piazza d’Italia is a major work of Postmodern architecture designed by Charles Moore in 1978. It serves as a memorial and tribute to the Italian American community's contributions to New Orleans.

What are the hours?

The piazza is open daily from 7 a.m. to dusk, though some sources list the hours as 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Where is it located?

It is located at 377 Poydras Street in New Orleans' Warehouse District, bounded by Poydras, Lafayette, and Tchoupitoulas Streets.

What does the plaza look like?

The two-acre plaza is described as a Romanesque-style and Renaissance revival space featuring water features and dramatic, colorful lighting.

Can I host an event there?

Yes, the venue is suitable for receptions and events with a maximum capacity of 400 people.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Piazza d’Italia is a two-acre public space located at 377 Poydras Street in New Orleans' Warehouse District. Designed in 1978 by the renowned Postmodern architect Charles Moore, the plaza serves as a memorial to the Italian community of New Orleans and their contributions to the city's development. The project began in 1974 as a commission from Italian-American leaders to commemorate the immigrant community. As a major work of Postmodern architecture, the site features a Romanesque-style design with Renaissance revival elements. The plaza is characterized by its distinctive water features and colorful, dramatic lighting that transform the space into a local treasure. It was originally designed as part of an urban revitalization scheme to modernize the neglected downtown port area. Following its opening in 1978, the piazza fell into disuse and deteriorated rapidly. However, it underwent a comprehensive restoration in 2004 that returned it to its original state, followed by a second renovation starting in 2013 that re-added the clock tower and completed further restoration efforts. Today, the space is operated by the Loews Hotel, which maintains it as a gathering place and a symbol of community and architecture within the city. The venue can accommodate up to 400 people for events, functioning as a distinctive outdoor backdrop for receptions and public gatherings.

Visitor tips

  • The plaza is open from 7 a.m. to dusk, so plan your visit during daylight hours.
  • Access the piazza most easily from Poydras Street.
  • Visit during the evening to see the colorful, dramatic lighting features.

Nearby context

Situated in the Warehouse District, the Piazza d’Italia is bounded by Poydras Street, Lafayette Street, and Tchoupitoulas Street, and is adjacent to the Loews Hotel and the American Italian Cultural Center.

Sources

Evidence and links