Where is Tivoli Circle located?

Tivoli Circle is located in New Orleans at the intersection of St. Charles Avenue and Howard Avenue.

What is the history of the name Tivoli Circle?

The name refers to Tivoli Gardens near Rome. While the inner grassy park was renamed Harmony Circle in 2022, the surrounding traffic circle retained the historic name Tivoli Circle.

Who designed the original site?

City planner and geographer Barthelemy Lafon designed the original Place du Tivoli (or Place de Tivoli) around 1806-1807 as a small circular island surrounded by a canal.

What happened to the monument at this location?

The site featured a monument to Confederate General Robert E. Lee from 1884 until it was removed on May 19, 2017.

What is the significance of this landmark?

Historically, the site served as a gateway between the older downriver portions of New Orleans and the newer upriver sections, and it was a popular meeting place and favorite spot on the Mardi Gras parade route for decades.

What should I check before going?

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

Tivoli Circle in New Orleans

What to know

Tivoli Circle sits at the intersection of St. Charles Avenue and Howard Avenue in New Orleans. Originally designed in 1807 by surveyor and geographer Barthelemy Lafon, the site was first known as Place de Tivoli. In its earliest form, it existed as a small, circular island surrounded by a canal, serving as a gateway between the city's older downriver portions and the newer upriver sections. The name Tivoli itself is a reference to the Tivoli Gardens located near Rome. For many years, the site was a popular meeting place and a favorite viewing spot for those watching Mardi Gras parade routes. However, the landscape changed in 1884 when the city dedicated a statue to Confederate General Robert E. Lee and renamed the traffic circle in his honor. This monument remained a fixture of the intersection for over a century until it was removed on May 19, 2017. Following the removal of the statue, the city entered a period of public engagement and discussion regarding the site's identity. In June 2020, the New Orleans City Council established a Street Renaming Commission to evaluate the names of Tivoli Circle and Tivoli Place. This process culminated on April 21, 2022, when the City Council passed an ordinance renaming the inner grassy park Harmony Circle. Today, the location maintains a dual identity. While the inner park is known as Harmony Circle, the surrounding circular street has retained its original historic name, Tivoli Circle, restoring a title that predated the 1880s monument.

Visitor tips

View the inner Harmony Circle park from the perimeter to avoid navigating heavy traffic at the St. Charles intersection.
Visit during Mardi Gras season to experience the spot as a traditional parade route viewing area.
Wear comfortable walking shoes as this stop is best experienced as part of a larger Garden District stroll.

Nearby context

Tivoli Circle serves as a transitional landmark in New Orleans, bridging the gap between the dense urban core and the lush, historic residential estates of the Garden District.