New Orleans Board of Trade

The New Orleans Board Of Trade was founded in 1880, and trading continued on the floor until mid-1960. Centered on the eastern wall of the building are three clocks, which have been in place since the building was erected, giving the times in New Orleans, New York & Rio de Janeiro, which were the major players in the Green Coffee Trading. The eight-sectioned mural done was hand-painted by local artist Alvin Sharpe in 1932. It took him approximately three months to complete. First, the canvas was glued to the dome, and then he painted them while on a scaffold in the prone position -- the local version of Michelangelo. (The cost for this project was only $5,500.00 -- just imagine what it would cost today!) In 1993, the Board of Trade was once again renovated, the floors leveled and carpeted with a movable dance floor. It is now available for special event rental, so the public has the opportunity to experience the grandeur of days gone by. The space can currently accomodate up to 500 guests reception style and 250 seated.