Marie Laveau Tomb

After the Marvie Laveau Tomb was painted bright pink in 2013, Bayou Preservation was hired by the Archdiocese of New Orleans and Save Our Cemeteries to restore the tomb to its former glory. The tomb had seen decades of latex paint and inappropriate graffiti in the form of "XXX" markings. We very carefully stripped the decades of latex paint away, and then demo'd only as much historic plaster as was absolutely necessary. We restored the plaster by keeping what we could and by blending in our patches around the old plaster. We used 100% lime-based plaster. The restoration of the cornice was particularly challenging, as some of the profile had been lost to time. After the new plaster roof and walls were complete, we then applied several coats of a white limewash. Bayou Preservation still limewashes the Marie Laveau Tomb once a year around All Saints' Day.

Here is a before photo of Marie Laveau’s tomb. As you can see, many tourists made their way to the tomb, hoping their x’s would bring prosperity and good luck.

Here is a before photo of Marie Laveau’s tomb. As you can see, many tourists made their way to the tomb, hoping their x’s would bring prosperity and good luck.