The Helis Foundation Enrique Alférez Sculpture Garden
The Helis Foundation Enrique Alférez Sculpture Garden is a special place in the New Orleans Botanical Garden. The sculpture garden celebrates the history, influence, and work of Mexican-American New Orleans artist Enrique Alférez (1901-1999). The garden is 8000 sq. ft. and features 15 sculptures set within sweeping footpaths surrounded by greenery and an oak tree.
15 sculptures set within sweeping footpaths surrounded by greenery and an oak tree.
The son of a Mexican sculptor, Alférez spent part of his young adult life in the army of Pancho Villa in the Mexican Revolution before coming to the United States. He studied with the prolific sculptor Lorado Taft in Chicago in the 1920s, then moved to New Orleans in 1929, where he lived until his death in 1999. His sculptures and reliefs adorn many parks, buildings, and landmarks in New Orleans and throughout South Louisiana including the well-‐known façade of Charity Hospital. He created numerous sculptures for New Orleans City Park through the Works Progress Administration, including the iconic bridges that cross City Park’s many waterways. Alférez also sculpted “Molly Marine” at Canal Street and Elk Place, which is the first statue of a woman in military uniform in the United States.
The Helis Foundation provides free admission to The Enrique Alférez Sculpture Garden at the New Orleans Botanical Garden for Louisiana residents every Wednesday from 10 am – 5 pm.
