Despite the long journey, two rare portrait paintings of Bernardo de Gálvez have arrived at the Louisiana State Museum for the major exhibition Gálvez and Louisiana in the American Revolution, which opened March 8, 2026, at the Cabildo.
The portraits are featured in Gálvez and Louisiana in the American Revolution, a major exhibition exploring the life, leadership, and legacy of Bernardo de Gálvez, the Spanish governor whose victories in Louisiana and along the Gulf Coast helped weaken British forces and support the cause of American independence. By bringing these works to New Orleans, the exhibition deepens the international dimensions of that story and offers visitors a rare opportunity to encounter monumental visual tributes to Gálvez in the city where his legacy remains deeply felt.
The arrival of the paintings represents a major milestone for the exhibition and a remarkable achievement in international cultural collaboration. The works – one of which is the largest portrait of Gálvez and has never been exhibited in the United States – were shared through the generous cooperation of the Gobierno de México, the Secretaría de Cultura de México, and the Consulado de México en Nueva Orleans.
The paintings traveled to Louisiana under challenging circumstances, with security-related disruptions in Mexico temporarily delaying their departure. They have now safely reached New Orleans, where they will help illuminate the story of one of the most important figures in Louisiana and the American Revolution.
"This is a historic moment for Louisiana and a powerful reminder that our story has always been part of something much larger,” said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “The successful arrival of these extraordinary portraits speaks to the determination of our partners around the world and highlights the deep international ties that shaped Louisiana’s role in the American Revolution. We are proud to share this remarkable piece of history with our citizens and visitors alike.”
Adding to the complexity of the journey, one of the paintings measures more than seven feet by seven feet, requiring extraordinary measures to meet strict museum transport standards. Its successful arrival underscores both the scale of the exhibition and the commitment behind bringing these rare works to the people of Louisiana.
“The arrival of these portraits is a powerful moment for the Louisiana State Museum,” said Becky Mackie, Museum Director. “These are not only striking works of art but also symbols of the deep historical ties that connect Louisiana, Mexico, Spain, and the United States. Their journey here reflects the extraordinary commitment of our partners to sharing this story with the public.”
The Louisiana State Museum gratefully acknowledges the support of the Patrick F. Taylor Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts, whose generosity has helped make this exhibition possible, as well as the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities for funding the transportation of these historic portraits.
With their arrival, the Louisiana State Museum welcomes not only remarkable works of art, but also a vivid reminder that the story of the American Revolution was international in scope – and that Louisiana stood at the center of that global struggle.
