Cafe Negril on Frenchmen Street, is continuing its “Bring Back Bob” campaign — a community-driven effort to restore the iconic Bob Marley mural that watched over the venue for decades.
Originally painted in 1990 by New Orleans artist Dwayne Conrad, the massive mural became a visual landmark of Frenchmen Street culture and a symbol of the music, reggae spirit, and creative energy that helped define Cafe Negril for generations of locals, musicians, hospitality workers, and visitors from around the world. The mural was covered several years ago due to fireproofing and building requirements, leaving a noticeable void in one of New Orleans’ most recognizable live music spaces.
Now, more than three decades later, Conrad has returned to Cafe Negril to recreate the beloved mural in collaboration with the venue and the surrounding community. The “Bring Back Bob” campaign officially launched on April 20, 2026, and Conrad began painting the mural during Jazz Fest. The restoration is now actively underway, with guests still able to catch Conrad painting live during daytime hours on weekends at Cafe Negril.
“For decades, Bob Marley watched over this room while thousands of musicians, tourists, locals, and hospitality workers gathered here for live music and community,” said Emily Rowlands, General Manager of Cafe Negril. “This mural means something to people. It’s part of the history and soul of Frenchmen Street.”
The Kickstarter campaign supporting the project runs through June 1, 2026 and organizers say additional community support is urgently needed to help complete the mural and cover artist compensation, materials, installation and preservation costs. Donors to the campaign can receive a variety of supporter rewards, including commemorative plaques displayed at Cafe Negril, merchandise, gift cards, reserved seating experiences, and other exclusive gifts tied to the restoration project.
Beyond restoring the artwork itself, organizers say the project represents a celebration of New Orleans music culture, public art, and the independent spirit of Frenchmen Street.
Artist Dwayne Conrad, whose original work became one of the most recognizable visual elements of Cafe Negril for decades, says the project is about more than repainting a wall.
“It’s about bringing back a feeling,” he stated. “That mural became part of people’s memories of New Orleans.”
Supporters can contribute through the official Kickstarter campaign and attend upcoming fundraising events at Cafe Negril featuring local musicians, artists, and community partners.
