NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — If you’ve walked along the Mississippi River in recent years, then you’ve noticed a fence decorated with several locks. It has become known as the “Love Lock” fence or “Locks of Love” fence. In recent weeks, visitors passing by the fence have noticed that the fence is now plastered with paint and vandalized.
A thick coat of black paint now covers the fence, which once had a variety of different locks of every shape and color. Couples would come to the fence and place a lock on the fence as a way to show a symbolic gesture of their affection, connection and love for someone.
With the fence now being covered in paint, those couples can’t differentiate their “love lock” from any of the others.
Over the years, the “Love Lock” fence has become a popular spot for visitors to take photos along the riverfront.
Many fence visitors have expressed their disbelief and sadness for the fence being covered in paint.
Experts say the paint splattered on the fence can’t be removed with simple paint remover. It looks like it will need to be removed with pressure washing.
The “Love Lock” fence here in New Orleans is similar to the internationally known “Love Lock” bridge in Paris, France over the iconic River Seine.
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