Ever wondered what it was like to be at the Declaration of Independence when it was signed in 1776? While it doesn’t have a time machine, The Historic New Orleans Collection (520 Royal St.) does have “American Revolution: The Augmented Exhibition,” on view through Jan. 17, 2027.
Twenty-one defining moments of the nation’s founding can be experienced through 360-degree reconstructions via easy-to-use hand-held “HistoPad” technology, which visitors can customize according to their interests. While there is focus on America’s original 13 colonies, the Gulf South is not left out. HNOC Chief Curator Jason Wiese was among those who worked with Histovery, the French technology firm that produced and designed the exhibition, to depict Spanish Gov. Bernardo de Gálvez’s Siege of Pensacola down to the last detail.
The exhibition — available in English, Spanish, French and German — is for children on up and is free; it is recommended to reserve timed-entry tickets for a smooth experience.
hnoc.org; @visit_hnoc
Spark the Revolution
While the U.S. is marking its 250th anniversary of Independence this month, there is another day when New Orleans, with its strong French roots, celebrates another rebellion: Bastille Day (July 14).
Marking this pivotal event of the French Revolution are two celebrations where French music and food, dancing, drinks and performances of “La Marseillaise” will abound:
• Alliance Française de La Nouvelle-Orléans Bastille Day Fête (1519 Jackson Ave.) on July 10, 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Tickets are $15. afno@af-neworleans.org.
• Faubourg St. John Block Party in Celebration of Bastille Day is July 11, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. Presented by the French Chamber of Commerce (Gulf Coast Chapter) and area merchants, the fête, which is free, is located on Ponce De Leon Street between Esplanade Avenue and N. Lopez Street.
Keyed In
Chopin, Beethoven and other composers will be making their harmonic presence known when 12 pianists from around the world are on stage for the 30th New Orleans International Piano Competition, presented by the Musical Arts Society of New Orleans, July 18-26.
These pianists will compete live in semifinal and final rounds for cash, performance and recording prizes totaling over $100,000. For the first time, the three finalists will perform with the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra as part of the final round. One of the pieces, “Ancestor Tree,” by New Orleans pianist and composer Courtney Bryan, will have its world premiere and be performed by each finalist.
The competition also takes place during the New Orleans Keyboard Festival & New Orleans Piano Institute, which offers music, master classes, student recitals and the NOPI Concerto Competition for piano students. Events are at Roussel Hall, Loyola University (6301 St. Charles Ave.)
masno.org/nopic; @masno1980
Suite Sounds
The tradition of New Orleans hotels featuring live entertainment lives on with recently opened locations that offer their own spin and ambiance. (Check websites for line-ups.)
* Three Maries Jazz Club at Omni Royal Orleans (621 St. Louis St.) provides a sophisticated place to cocktail, sample small plates, and savor music in the heart of the French Quarter. Live music is Thursday, 6:30 p.m.-11 p.m.; Friday, Saturday, 5 p.m.-1 a.m. and Sunday, 2 p.m.-4 p.m. threemariesjazzclub.com; @threemariesjazzclub
• The S Bar at The Monarch (210 St. Charles Ave.) serves as a vibrant hub for cocktails and live music, with a variety of bands, vocalists, musicians and DJs, Thursday-Saturdays. themonarchnola.com; @themonarchnola
• Commons Club at Virgin Hotel New Orleans (550 Baronne St.) showcases music on Wednesdays, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. (plus, 25% off of wine bottles); and Fridays, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Food is available, as well. virginhotels.com/new-orleans/entertainment; @commonsclubnola
All the World’s A Summer Stage
Drama, comedy, music — you name it, Tulane University is the epicenter of summer theater in New Orleans.
New Orleans Shakespeare Festival at Tulane is celebrating its 33rd season with a lineup that features two of William Shakespeare’s most powerful tragedies: “King Lear” (through June 7) and “Macbeth” (June 25-July 12) with an opening night celebration on June 26. The festival also offers its Lagniappe Series, which includes a staged reading of Moliere’s “The School for Wives” with a new translation by Tulane Professor Ryder Thornton on July 13. The shows are at Tulane’s Lupin Theatre (69 Newcomb Pl.) Tickets: neworleansshakespeare.org; @nolashakes
Summer Lyric Theatre at Tulane greets its 59th season with three major musical productions: “Chicago” (June 18-21), “La Cage aux Folles” (July 9-12) and “A Little Night Music” (July 30-Aug. 2). The shows are at Tulane’s Dixon Hall (68 Newcomb Pl.) Tickets: liberalarts.tulane.edu/summer-lyric-theatre; @summerlyrictulane
