Exploring the Colorful World of Mardi Gras Through Museums and More
- Apryl Thomas
- Jan 13
- 5 min read
There's a mystique surrounding Mardi Gras, from the elaborate gowns and costumes to the colorful krewes and parades.
Even if you cannot attend any of the festivities that lead up to Fat Tuesday (Mardi Gras), you can learn more about the history and pageantry regarding this annual celebration year-round at various Mardi Gras museums throughout the South.
Bossier City, Louisiana
Krewe of Gemini Mardi Gras Museum
The Krewe of Gemini Mardi Gras Den shows off over a decade of Mardi Gras in northwest Louisiana. View displays of costumes, memorabilia and parade floats.
Call 318-741-9264 to arrange an appointment to tour
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Capitol Park Museum
The Mardi Gras section at the Capitol Park Museum provides a general overview of the holiday and highlights how parishes throughout the state celebrate it.
Tues. – Sat., 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Purchase tickets online; $10 for adults, $8 for students, senior citizens and military, free for children, ages six and younger.
New Orleans, Louisiana
Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World
Learn what it takes to construct the elaborate and colorful Mardi Gras floats and props at Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World. Go behind the scenes on a self-guided tour to see how artists turn concepts into creations.
The experience at Mardi Gras World begins with a short video about the celebration's history and a sample of King Cake.
Mon. - Sun., 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m., with the first admission beginning at 9:00 a.m. and the last at 4:30 p.m. General admission tour: $29.95 for adults, $24.95 for seniors ages 65 and up, students, and military; $24.95 for children ages 2 - 12.
The Presbytère
Learn about the celebrations and rituals that make up Mardi Gras at Mardi Gras: It's Carnival Time in Louisiana, one of two permanent exhibits at The Presbytère.
Climb aboard a parade float, see the different throws, learn about Mardi Gras music and more.
Daily, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. (last ticket sale at 3:30); purchase tickets online; $11 for adults, $9 for senior citizens, military and students, free for children ages six and younger
Germaine Cazenave Wells Mardi Gras Museum
The Germaine Cazenave Wells Mardi Gras Museum, on the second floor of Arnaud's Restaurant, is named for the daughter of Count Arnaud.
The museum provides an intimate look at the grandeur of Mardi Gras. Its exhibits highlight over two dozen elaborate costumes, vintage photographs, Carnival masks and Krewe invitations.
Open to the public during restaurant hours. Free
Backstreet Cultural Museum
The Backstreet Cultural Museum is in the Tremé District, less than a mile northwest of the French Quarter.
Local photographer Sylvester Francis has curated a vast collection of Mardi Gras items associated with the African American community in the Big Easy. On display are everything from Mardi Gras Indian costumes to artifacts related to jazz funerals, social aid and pleasure clubs, and more.
Tues. - Sat, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., $25 general admission, $20 for locals, seniors, students and veterans, $15 for teens, ages 12 -16, $10 for children, ages 6 -11, and free for children ages 5 and under.
Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture
The Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture, opened in January 2017, features the private collection of Carl Mack, owner of Carl Mack Presents, an entertainment and costume-providing company.
Enjoy the craftsmanship of various costumes representing Kings and Queens, Mardi Gras Indians, Walking Clubs, Cajun Mardi Gras and more. Don't miss the Costume Closet, where you can dress up in costumes, wigs, crowns and tiaras, masks and beads.
Thurs. - Mon., 12 - 4 p.m., with a show at 2 p.m., closed Tues. and Wed. Purchase tickets online; $17.68 per person.
House of Dance and Feathers
Located in the Lower Ninth Ward, the House of Dance and Feathers, started by life-long resident Ronald Lewis, could be described as a living history museum. The collection celebrates the significance of Mardi Gras Indians, Social Aid and Pleasure Clubs, and Skull and Bone Gangs. However, more than just displays, Lewis intertwines personal stories with each item represented.
Be sure to check out Lewis' book, The House of Dance and Feathers: A Museum, which discusses the cultures and communities of New Orleans.
Call 504-957-2678 to schedule a visit. Free, but donations are appreciated.
JAMNOLA
JAMNOLA ("Joy, Music, Art - New Orleans") celebrates the Crescent City's vibrant cultural scenes through 29 colorful, immersive exhibits curated by over 100 local artists and collaborators in a 10,000-square-foot space on Frenchman Street, less than a 10-minute walk from the French Quarter.
There are many photo opportunities at Mardi Gras-related exhibits to enjoy.
Open Mon., Thurs., Fri., Sat., and Sun., times vary; ticket prices vary depending on the purchased ticket - choose from timed-entry, flex anytime and a VIP JAMNOLA available on Sundays.
Antoine's Restaurant
Three of Antoine's private rooms are named after Krewes: Rex, Proteus, and 12th Night Revelers. The walls of each room are decorated with photographs and various memorabilia from throughout the years.
Call 504-581-4422 to arrange a private tour of the restaurant.
Slidell, Louisiana
Slidell Mardi Gras Museum
Located on the second floor of the Slidell Museum is the Slidell Mardi Gras Museum. It features various artifacts from costumes to throws to scrapbooks of past kings and queens.
Tues. and Wed., noon-4 p.m., Fri., 10 a.m. -4 p.m., Sat., 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Free
Bay St. Louis, Mississippi
Bay St. Louis Mardi Gras Museum
The Bay St. Louis Mardi Gras Museum is inside the historic train depot. It displays over a dozen intricately designed costumes.
Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., and Sat., 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Free
Biloxi, Mississippi
Coastal Mardi Gras Museum
From the krewes to the costumes and everything in between, the Coastal Mardi Gras Museum highlights what goes into making Mardi Gras along Coastal Mississippi memorable for participants and visitors.
Mon. - Fri., 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Sat. by appointment; $ 8 for adults, $7 for senior adults and military, $5 for children, ages 12 and younger
Mobile, Alabama
Mobile Carnival Museum
The birthplace of Mardi Gras is home to the Mobile Carnival Museum. Housed in the historic Bernstein-Bush mansion, the museum details over 300 years of celebration in the city through photographs, gowns, costumes and other Mardi Gras-related pieces.
Mon., Wed., Fri., and Sat., 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. $8 for adults, $6 military, students with ID and senior adults, $3 for children, ages 12 and younger