Helena Moreno has introduced a newly designed “key to the city,” marking a fresh visual identity for one of New Orleans’ most symbolic honors.
A Symbol of a “New Day”
The redesigned key was created in collaboration with Adler’s Jewelry, a historic Canal Street business. Designed by Tiffany Adler, the key features a sleek bronze tone with a glowing fleur-de-lis on one end and a stylized city skyline on the other, connected by the Mississippi River. The overall look is modern and understated, with subtle art deco influences.
Moreno presented 70 of these keys to Carnival royalty during the 2026 Mardi Gras season, continuing the long-standing tradition of honoring notable figures with the ceremonial item.
A Shift in Style
The new design stands in contrast to the previous version used under former mayor LaToya Cantrell, which featured more ornate elements like a French Quarter lamp and decorative ironwork. The updated key reflects a simpler, cleaner approach meant to represent change and a forward-looking vision for the city.
Honoring a Local Legacy
The decision to work with Adler’s Jewelry also serves as a tribute to the business, which is expected to close its longtime Canal Street location in 2026 after more than a century. The store has a long history of crafting ceremonial keys for New Orleans and other cities.
Cost and Production
The city ordered 250 keys at a cost of $55.50 each, totaling $13,875, funded through campaign resources. Each key is engraved with Mayor Moreno’s name on the back.
What It Represents
City officials say the redesigned key is meant to reflect both tradition and renewal, combining iconic New Orleans imagery with a more modern aesthetic.
