Mardi Gras World

The basics

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.

Things to know before you go

• 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.

How to get there

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.

When to get there

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.

Experience the magic 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.

How much time do you need for Mardi Gras World?

You'll need about an hour to visit Mardi Gras World on a self-guided tour, though if you're crunched for time, even half an hour will do. Mask-making workshops are sometimes held at the museum. If you plan to participate, you'll need another hour for your visit.

When is Mardi Gras World closed?

Mardi Gras World is closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Thanksgiving Day, Easter Sunday, and the day of Mardi Gras. The museum is otherwise open every day of the week from morning until early evening. The last admission takes place one hour before the museum closes.

What do you see on a tour of Mardi Gras World?

A tour of Mardi Gras World will take you to the world of float-making and allow you to see artists at work as they construct floats and parade-related props. You'll also get to see a few completed floats used in previous years, plus costumes and tools of the trade.

Can you take photos on a tour of Mardi Gras World?

Yes, you can take photos on a tour of Mardi Gras World, and guests are encouraged to share images they take on social media using the #AlwaysMardiGras hashtag. Photos next to some of the floats are a great way to show off their sheer size and scale.

How long is the Mardi Gras World tour?

The Mardi Gras World self-guided tour takes about an hour, though it can be done in less time, depending on crowds. If you're visiting Mardi Gras World as part of an organized group tour run by a third party, you may be allotted less or more time to experience the museum.

What time of year is best to visit Mardi Gras World?

The best time to visit Mardi Gras World is right before Mardi Gras when the year's floats will be nearing completion, and there's lots of excitement in the air. However, this time of year can also get busy at the museum and in New Orleans, so be prepared for crowds.

Ways to explore

Since 1984, Mardi Gras World has invited visitors to immerse themselves in the revelry of New Orleans’ favorite holiday. The museum is chock-full of costumes, parade floats, and attractions from previous Mardi Gras seasons. It’s also a working artists’ warehouse, where festive props and crafts are constructed each year.

Behind-the-scenes guided tours of Mardi Gras World run throughout the day, and are a great way to learn about the history of the celebrations. You can also pair a visit to the museum with a jazz-themed brunch river cruise to continue the only-in–New Orleans experience.

Accessibility

The museum is in a large warehouse space that’s accessible to wheelchair users.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, handheld bag

What to wear

Wear a comfortable outfit for sightseeing, plus good walking shoes.

Not allowed

Disruptive behavior, interfering with artists working on-site

Amenities

Guided tours, free shuttle bus

Address

Mardi Gras World is adjacent to the Convention Center in New Orleans’ Central Business District, right next to the Mississippi River. To get there, take a streetcar, taxi or rideshare, or drive yourself. The museum also offers a free shuttle service.

Driving

Mardi Gras World is accessible via many routes, including major highways such as U.S. 90. There is a paid parking lot nearby.

Public transportation

Take the Loyola-Riverfront (49) Streetcar to Canal Street Station—one of the pickup points for the museum’s free shuttle.

Best times to visit

The museum is open daily, from mid-morning to early evening; the last tour is scheduled for one hour before closing. Arrive early in the day to maximize your time.

Best days to visit

As a general rule, you can expect the museum to be more crowded, and tours more in demand, on the weekends. Go on a weekday if you can.

Best months to visit

The best time to visit Mardi Gras World is in the winter months leading up to Mardi Gras (held in February or March, depending on the year), when many floats will be nearing completion and things feel festive.

Special events

Visit during the lead-up to Mardi Gras to experience the season in full swing—just note that the museum is closed on the day itself.