Historic New Orleans Collection Opened Bunny Matthews Exhibit
The exhibition celebrates the life and iconic cartoon work of the late New Orleans artist through May 2027.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Fine Art
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The Historic New Orleans Collection has launched a retrospective exhibition dedicated to the late cartoonist Bunny Matthews. The display showcases his artistic career and includes interactive features that celebrate his unique portrayal of the city.
Why it matters
The retrospective offers a deep dive into the work of a cultural icon whose illustrations defined a distinct era of New Orleans storytelling. It provides fans and newcomers with a physical space to engage with the artist’s legacy through personal memorabilia.
The exhibition features a life-size replica of the Vic and Nat'ly bar and interactive drawing stations. The museum offers this experience to the public free of charge throughout its entire run.
The players
Bunny Matthews
He was a New Orleans artist and cartoonist known for creating the popular Vic and Nat'ly characters.
The Historic New Orleans Collection
This is a museum and research center in New Orleans dedicated to preserving the history and culture of the region.
Emily Perkins
She is a curatorial cataloguer who organized the records, memorabilia, and artwork featured in the exhibition.
The details
Produced in collaboration with the artist's family, the exhibit features a comprehensive cataloging of Matthews' records and artwork compiled by curatorial cataloguer Emily Perkins. Visitors can explore his career trajectory from his start in the 1970s to his time at The Times-Picayune.
Timeline
Matthews worked for alternative publications like Figaro during the 1970s.
Matthews joined The Times-Picayune in 1982.
Bunny Matthews died in 2021.
The exhibition opened at the museum on October 2, 2026.
The exhibition is scheduled to close on May 9, 2027.
Industry Dynamics
This retrospective reflects a broader trend of regional museums codifying local pop culture figures as essential art history. By formalizing his archive, the institution elevates Matthews' work from local illustration to a significant piece of regional cultural heritage.
Residents and tourists can visit the exhibit at no cost for the duration of its run. The inclusion of audio recordings of the Yat accent and interactive drawing boards allows for a hands-on experience of the artist's creative process.
The takeaway
Visitors are encouraged to explore the interactive elements of the exhibit to better understand the cartoonist's unique connection to local dialect and life. The retrospective remains open for several months, providing ample time for the public to engage with the artist's extensive body of work.
Further reading
Learn more about the local art scene by visiting New Orleans Fine Art.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Axios.
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