The museum's founder, Blaine Kern, built his first parade float with his father way back in 1932. After a long career building lavish, intricate floats, "Mr. Mardi Gras" (as Kern is known) decided to open his collection to the public and launched the museum in 1989.
The Mardi Gras Museum is also a working warehouse where artists create attractions for each Mardi Gras. Around 500 floats are built here every year. It's chock-full of artists' work, including costumes, parade floats, and attractions from previous Mardi Gras seasons.
Behind-the-scenes guided tours run throughout the day and are a great way to learn about the history of Mardi Gras. You can pair a visit to the museum with a jazz-themed brunch river cruise.
Book your Mardi Gras World tour in advance and enjoy free shuttle service to and from the museum.
Discounted Mardi Gras World tickets are available for seniors, students, and children.
Try a slice of "king cake," a delicious brioche-style dough topped with colorful icing.
The museum is located at the bottom of Henderson Street in the Central Business District. Paid parking is available across from the museum, or you can take the free shuttle bus as part of a pre-booked tour. You can also take the streetcar to the Hilton Riverside Hotel, a short walk away.
Mardi Gras World is open seven days a week year-round, from morning until early evening. It's closed on Christmas Day, Thanksgiving, Easter, and on the day of Mardi Gras.
Mardi Gras celebrations take place annually in February or March, just before Lent. For two weeks, city streets come alive with music, dancing, elaborate costumes, and parades of gigantic Mardi Gras floats. The fun culminates in a huge party on Mardi Gras Day, also known by its English-language name: Fat Tuesday.
