New Orleans Mayor Unveils Redesigned 'Key to the City'

The new design symbolizes the city's resilience and collective strength.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 4:54pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

New Orleans Mayor Helena Moreno has unveiled a redesigned 'Key to the City' in partnership with local jewelry company Adler's. The new key features a fleur de lis under a crescent moon halo, representing the closing of past chapters and the promise of new beginnings. The design also includes a replica of the Mississippi River, symbolizing the city's movement, purpose, and growth, as well as the New Orleans skyline.

Why it matters

The redesign of the iconic 'Key to the City' is seen as a symbolic gesture by Mayor Moreno to mark a new chapter for New Orleans. The key is traditionally presented to dignitaries and VIPs, and the updated design is intended to convey the mayor's vision for the city's future.

The details

The new key was designed with the help of long-time jewelry company Adler's, which recently closed its doors after 127 years in business. Jeweler Tiffany Adler worked closely with the mayor's office to 'capture Moreno's vision of resilience and collective strength.' The city has received 250 copies of the new key, along with notecards and organza pouches, at a cost of $13,875. So far, about 70 keys have been given to Mardi Gras royalty during the Carnival season.

  • The new key design was unveiled in April 2026.
  • Adler's, the jewelry company that helped design the key, closed its doors in 2026 after 127 years in business.

The players

Mayor Helena Moreno

The current mayor of New Orleans who commissioned the redesign of the 'Key to the City' to mark a new chapter for the city.

Tiffany Adler

A jeweler who worked with the mayor's office to design the new 'Key to the City' as a tribute to Adler's, the long-time jewelry company that recently closed its doors.

Adler's

A 127-year-old jewelry company in New Orleans that recently closed its doors and helped design the new 'Key to the City' as a tribute to its legacy.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It was an honor for Adler's to design the mold for the key, and it serves as a tribute to our years in service.”

— Mayor Helena Moreno

What’s next

The city plans to continue distributing the new 'Key to the City' to Mardi Gras royalty and other dignitaries throughout the year.

The takeaway

The redesign of the 'Key to the City' is a symbolic gesture by Mayor Moreno to mark a new chapter for New Orleans, with the updated design conveying the city's resilience, collective strength, and vision for the future.