Information
Landmark: Mardi Gras WorldCity: New Orleans
Country: USA Louisiana
Continent: North America
Mardi Gras World, New Orleans, USA Louisiana, North America
Overview
At Mardi Gras World in New Orleans, you can step behind the scenes to watch artists paint giant floats in a riot of color, getting an up-close glimpse at the creative magic behind one of the world’s most famous celebrations.Right on the Mississippi River in the city’s Warehouse District, Mardi Gras World buzzes with the hum of saws and bursts of color, serving as both a busy workshop and a museum that keeps New Orleans’ Mardi Gras traditions, art, and culture alive.Mardi Gras World began in 1984, when Kirk and Barry L. opened its doors, the scent of fresh paint still hanging in the air.Hutter was part of the Blaine Kern Artists team, the group that painted floats in bright swirls of gold and purple.Blaine Kern, a legend in Mardi Gras float design, has led Blaine Kern Studios in crafting the parade’s dazzling creations since the 1940s, from glittering masks to towering papier-mâché figures.At Mardi Gras World, you can watch artists piece together towering, glitter-covered floats and hear the stories behind the festival’s history and its deep roots in New Orleans culture.Mardi Gras World isn’t just a museum-it’s a bustling studio where artisans still shape floats and stitch sequined costumes for the seasons ahead.Visitors can stroll through the facility, watch skilled hands shaping glittering floats, explore the event’s colorful history, and soak up the Mardi Gras spirit no matter the season.First.At Mardi Gras World, one of the biggest draws is the floating studio tour, where you can watch artists paint bright swirls of color and piece together the massive parade floats from start to finish.From the first sketch to the final brushstroke or carved detail, visitors watch up close as the massive, intricate floats take shape.Towering floats crowd the studio, some draped in glitter from past parades, creating a vivid, almost magical backdrop for photos.Artisans spend the whole year designing and building floats for specific krewes, shaping fiberglass, layering papier-mâché, and carving foam until each piece comes to life.Every float is its own work of art, bursting with colors and details that echo New Orleans’ rich mix of cultures, its storied past, and the legends whispered through its streets.Number two.Another highlight at Mardi Gras World is the dazzling array of masks and costumes, some glittering under the lights like jewels in a parade float.Mardi Gras bursts with elaborate, often whimsical costumes-think sequined masks or feathered hats-each one capturing the celebration’s wild joy and unrestrained revelry.The museum showcases Mardi Gras costumes ranging from the jeweled, hand-stitched robes of krewe royalty to the bright, whimsical outfits parade marchers might wear while tossing beads into the crowd.Visitors can explore the rich history behind the vibrant, feathered masks and discover why they’ve been a cherished part of Mardi Gras for generations.These masks carry meaning, letting people slip into an alter ego, sidestep the rules for a while, and lose themselves in the crowd’s laughter under the glow of paper lanterns.Number three.The museum showcases historic Mardi Gras treasures-faded photographs, colorful parade posters, and worn artifacts pulled straight from New Orleans’ lively streets.The exhibits delve into Mardi Gras’ 18th-century roots, then follow its transformation into the dazzling, music-filled parade we know today.You’ll find exhibits celebrating legendary Mardi Gras krewes like Zulu and Rex, along with displays tracing parade traditions back to their roots-right down to the glittering beads and little trinkets tossed into the crowd.Bright splashes of color fill the museum, each piece so vivid it feels alive, pulling you into the electric rhythm and glittering chaos of Mardi Gras.The exhibits shine a light on the rich mix of cultures and traditions at the heart of the celebration, from bright embroidered scarves to the sound of drums in the air.Number four.At Mardi Gras World, you can slip into a glittering costume, strike a pose on a real float, and enjoy plenty of other hands-on activities.Step right into the parade, wave to the cheering crowd, and feel the rush of Mardi Gras for yourself.You’ll also find hands-on programs and lively workshops where kids and adults can dive into Mardi Gras history and try their hand at the careful, glitter-dusted craft behind it.On the self-guided tours, you’ll carry an audio device that tells the story of Mardi Gras-its history, the meaning behind the floats, the shimmer of sequined costumes, and the traditions that keep it alive.On these tours, visitors can wander through the facility at their own pace, pausing to take in the scent of fresh paint while discovering the rich cultural history behind New Orleans’ most famous celebration.Five.Perched on the Mississippi’s edge, Mardi Gras World treats you to sweeping riverfront views and a clear glimpse of the New Orleans skyline, with steamboats drifting past in the distance.Strolling through the museum’s outdoor grounds, visitors can take in the rolling green lawns and leafy shade, a space that often comes alive with events, festivals, and celebrations.Down by the riverfront, you can stretch out on a bench and watch the lights shimmer on the water while the lively buzz of the crowd drifts past.Mardi Gras World stays open all year, but as Fat Tuesday draws near, it comes alive with special events and programs-think colorful exhibits and hands-on experiences that echo the parades and music spilling through the streets.Tourists flock there to soak up Mardi Gras’s buzz-bright beads jingling and music spilling into the streets-before the main parade rolls in.The facility also hosts private gatherings-everything from glittering Mardi Gras balls to polished corporate events, even weddings with candlelit tables.With its bright lights and lively music, the grand setting feels one-of-a-kind, perfect for celebrating life’s big moments.On special occasions, Mardi Gras World runs themed tours that dive into specific parts of the festival, from the brassy swing of early Mardi Gras music to the proud role African American krewes have played in shaping its traditions.Before you head out, swing by the Mardi Gras World gift shop and browse the shelves lined with colorful beads and masks.You’ll find a wide range of Mardi Gras goodies here-glittering masks, bright beads, keepsake souvenirs, and colorful decorations that catch the light.It’s the perfect spot to grab a keepsake from your trip or a one‑of‑a‑kind gift touched with the bright colors and lively spirit of Mardi Gras.Mardi Gras World bursts with color and energy, pulling you right into the heart of New Orleans’ Mardi Gras-bright beads glint, music swells, and the celebration feels alive around you.Whether you live here or are just passing through, the museum pulls you in with vivid displays that reveal the skill, beauty, and rich history behind the world-famous event.At Mardi Gras World, you can watch artists paint glitter onto massive parade floats, then dive into the rich traditions behind the celebration-a vivid glimpse of New Orleans’ spirit you won’t forget.
