Grand Opening Events for The Helis Foundation John Scott Center

The Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities celebrates the opening of The Helis Foundation John Scott Center, a 6,000-square-foot interactive, community gathering space in the heart of downtown New Orleans. The center, named after New Orleans artist, humanist, and educator, John T. Scott, features 51 works by Scott and is an interactive community hub of exhibits, programs, and experiences inspired by the artist. A public grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, September 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will feature live music, snowballs, center tours, and outdoor arts activities for the whole family. Join us rain or shine!

Get your free ticket for grand opening day

Housed in Turners’ Hall, LEH’s historic building in New Orleans’s central business and arts district, the center integrates arts and humanities programming unlike any other space in the Gulf South. The center presents expansive ideas of heritage and symbolism interpreted through the lens of John T. Scott’s life, art, and legacy while promoting opportunities that nurture connections, enhance human potential, and drive social change.

Additionally, the space serves as a modern public square: a vibrant community space empowering the public to gather, raise critical humanities questions, and experience a renewed sense of civic agency and voice.

Other upcoming programming at the center includes “The Eye of the Beholder: Why New Perspectives On Historical Documents Open Old Wounds,” a Constitution Day lecture with 2022 Humanities Book of the Year awardee Fatima Shaik, on Saturday, September 17, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Then, on Thursday, September 22, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m., the center will host “Collaborating at the Crossroads: Activating Programming and Partnerships,” a moderated panel discussion with an introduction to Scott, the center and programming partnership opportunities.

Both events are free and open to the public.