World’s Fair 1984 Official Map New Orleans

Colorful souvenir map from the 1984 World’s Fair in New Orleans.

The Louisiana World Exposition was held in New Orleans in 1984, a century after the city hosted an earlier, and arguably more successful, World’s Fair (the World Cotton Centennial). Ninety-five countries participated in the six-month-long event, whose theme was “The World of Rivers – Fresh Waters as a Source of Life.” Despite seeing over 7 million attendees, the exposition was a financial bust and remains the only World’s Fair to declare bankruptcy during its operational run.

This colorful map of the grounds in New Orleans was sold as a souvenir to attendees of the Louisiana World Exposition. Geographic accuracy and directional aids are sacrificed in favor of gaudy pictorial representations of local attractions, landmarks, and amusements. Highlights include Centennial Plaza, riverboat cruises, Festival Park, and the Space Shuttle Enterprise (at the United States pavilion).

Drawn and signed by an artist named Duell (lower left). Published in 1984 by Picayune Publishing, Inc.