Piazza d'Italia, Postmodern architectural structure in downtown New Orleans, United States.
Piazza d'Italia is an architectural structure in downtown New Orleans that occupies a city block behind the American Italian Cultural Center. The site displays curved colonnades, arches, and a fountain shaped like the Italian peninsula, blending classical orders with unexpected materials.
The plaza was completed in 1978 to a design by Charles Moore and Perez Architects, celebrating the Italian-American population. After years of decay, a full restoration began in 2004 that brought back many original elements.
The plaza honors the Italian-American community through references to Roman temples and amphitheaters, combined with colorful tiles and electric light. Visitors today see a mix of stone columns and shiny surfaces that recalls festivals and public gatherings.
The plaza sits at the corner of Lafayette and Commerce Streets and remains freely accessible during daytime and evening. Visitors can walk around the fountains and columns up close, with lighting effects most visible after dark.
The water jets were shaped as acanthus leaves, a botanical detail from Roman capitals. The combination of stainless steel columns and neon tubes creates an unusual dialogue between ancient forms and postwar light art.
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