Entry No. 28 — the New Orleans file — filed under: roadside-oddity

Old Man River Statue

Rising 18 feet from the Mississippi riverfront in Woldenberg Park stands a starkly abstract human figure carved from a single 17-ton block of white Carrara marble. Sculptor Robert Schoen erected it in 1991, with arms thrown upward and a tiered, ridged base meant to evoke the river's currents. Its streamlined, almost ancient look stands out oddly against the working riverfront and passing barges.

The move: Walk the riverfront at dusk to the marble giant and watch barges slide past while you puzzle out what the figure is supposed to be.

• 📍 French Quarter
• 💸 Free
• ⚡ Up for anything
• 🌗 Outdoors

Where: Woldenberg Riverfront Park, New Orleans, LA 70130

Hours: Added 2026-06-22 — confirm current hours before you go.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4

last checked: 2026-06-22