Black-and-white photograph of a formal Black Carnival ball. A young woman wearing an ornate crown, embellished gown, long gloves, and holding a decorative scepter is escorted by an older man in a tuxedo and white gloves as they walk across a ballroom floor. Dancers in matching costumes stand behind them beneath draped curtains. Overlaid gold text reads, “Origins of New Orleans Black Carnival Society: The Story of the Illinois Clubs,” with The Presbytère logo. A caption at bottom left identifies the scene as

Exhibition Opening Reception
Origins of New Orleans Black Carnival Society: The Story of the Illinois Clubs

Thu, Jan 29, 2026
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
New Orleans
The Presbytere

The Louisiana State Museum invites you to the opening reception of "Origins of New Orleans Black Carnival Society: The Story of the Illinois Clubs," a new exhibition exploring the elegance, artistry, and cultural legacy of the Original Illinois Club and the Young Men Illinois Club.

Opening during the centennial year of the Young Men Illinois Club, the exhibition features rare historic photographs, heirloom gowns, and elements of the French Opera House set from the 1968 Original Illinois Club ball.

Refreshments and hors d’oeuvres will be served. This event is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are requested. Please use the button below to RSVP to the event. 

Gold rounded rectangular button with the word “RSVP” in white capital letters and a right-pointing arrow icon.


 


 

Black-and-white line-art logo depicting the upper balcony and cupola of the Cabildo building, with decorative balustrades and architectural details above the words “Friends of the Cabildo” in a serif typeface.

 

 

Stacked wordmark reading “Louisiana Museum Foundation” in a dark umber serif typeface on a transparent background, with the words arranged vertically and overlapping slightly for a layered effect.