On June 19, 1865, nearly two years after President Abraham Lincoln emancipated enslaved Africans in America, Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas, with news of freedom for over 250,000 African Americans. With the principles of self-determination, citizenship, and democracy magnifying their hopes and dreams, those Texans held fast to the promise of true liberty for all.

One year later, in 1866, Black people in Texas reclaimed June 19 as Juneteenth in recognition of Black liberation nationwide, continuing the celebration and lobbying for the federal holiday status granted in 2021.

Juneteenth is a time to gather with family and community, honor the present, and reflect on shared history and tradition. Recognizing the legacy of liberation that Juneteenth represents, NOMA invites you to reflect on the theme of “movement” as you engage with artworks in the galleries and Besthoff Sculpture Garden.

In celebration of Juneteenth, NOMA is free to the public on Sunday, June 18.

Activities

Freedom at the Mat

10:30 am | Besthoff Sculpture Garden, Sculpture Pavilion

Celebrate Juneteenth at the New Orleans Museum of Art Sculpture Garden by expressing your freedom in community with others in a 60-minute joy of freedom movement & mindfulness experience presented by Freedom At The Mat.

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Music in the Garden

2 pm | Besthoff Sculpture Garden, Pine Grove

Due to excessive heat, Music in the Garden will move inside NOMA’s Great Hall.

Encounter the sounds of local New Orleans musicians while strolling through the Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden on select Sunday afternoons beginning at 2 pm.

Join us on Sunday, June 18, for a performance featuring Amine Boucetta. The concert will take place in Pine Grove, the first green space by the main entrance on Dueling Oaks Dr.

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Art-Making Activity

10 am–4 pm | Great Hall

Explore freedom of expression in a figure drawing art-making activity with NOMA educators. Live models will be present every hour on the half hour.