The Rivergate Convention Center, completed in 1968 at the foot of Canal Street in New Orleans, stood as a hallmark of modernist architecture and a pivotal element in the city's mid-20th-century urban revitalization efforts. Designed by the renowned local firm Curtis and Davis Architects and Planners, in collaboration with structural engineers from Skilling, Helle, Christiansen, and Robertson, the Rivergate was conceived to replace the outdated Municipal Auditorium and to bolster New Orleans' position as a premier destination for conventions and exhibitions.
Architectural Significance

The Rivergate's most striking feature was its innovative roof—a series of six thin-shell concrete barrel vaults, each spanning approximately 253 feet. This design allowed for a vast, column-free interior space, accommodating 130,000 square feet of exhibition area and seating for up to 17,500 attendees. The roof's undulating form was not only an engineering marvel but also a symbolic representation of the nearby Mississippi River's rolling waves. At the time of its construction, the roof was among the longest thin-shell concrete spans globally, showcasing advancements in architectural engineering.
Role as an Exhibition Space
Beyond its architectural feats, the Rivergate served as a versatile venue for a myriad of events, including trade shows, conventions, Mardi Gras balls, and even the lying in state of gospel singer Mahalia Jackson in 1972. Its strategic location and expansive facilities made it a central hub for both local and international gatherings, significantly contributing to the city's economic and cultural landscape.
Decline and Demolition
By the 1980s, the Rivergate faced obsolescence with the emergence of larger venues like the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and the Louisiana Superdome. Economic shifts, including the downturn of the oil industry, prompted New Orleans to explore alternative revenue sources, leading to the legalization of land-based casinos. Despite initial plans to repurpose the Rivergate for casino use, political and economic pressures favored its demolition. In 1995, the Rivergate was razed to make way for Harrah's Casino, now known as Caesars New Orleans.
The Tunnel
The tunnel under the Rivergate Convention Center was a significant part of the site's infrastructure and remains an important — though now largely hidden — piece of New Orleans’ urban fabric.
When the Rivergate was constructed in the 1960s, a vehicular tunnel was built beneath it to connect Canal Street with Poydras Street. This tunnel was a clever urban planning solution to accommodate the Rivergate’s placement at the foot of Canal Street — a crucial corridor between the Central Business District and the Mississippi Riverfront.
The tunnel was constructed in anticipation of the Riverfront Expressway segment, a highly controversial project proposed in the 1960s. It was meant to serve as a covered portion (or underpass) of the elevated highway where it would dip briefly underground beneath the Rivergate structure. This would allow the massive convention center to span across the expressway without interrupting its flow — a compromise to preserve the building's large interior and exterior footprint while still accommodating federal highway development.
The expressway was never built, due to fierce public opposition, especially from:
- The Vieux Carré Commission
- Preservationists like Ada Louise Huxtable and local activists
- National attention from the National Trust for Historic Preservation
By 1969, the expressway project was killed — a major early victory for the historic preservation movement in the U.S.
Legacy
The Rivergate remains a significant chapter in New Orleans' architectural history, exemplifying the city's embrace of modernist design and its ongoing evolution in response to economic and cultural shifts. While the physical structure no longer stands, its influence persists in discussions about urban development, preservation, and the balance between innovation and heritage.