Mardi Gras Museums in Louisiana
If you are interested in closely exploring the history and artistry behind Mardi Gras, go no further than these five Louisiana museums. Whether they are entirely focused on Mardi Gras or have dedicated an exhibit to Carnival, these institutions provide a special opportunity for guests to learn about the celebration so near and dear to the city of New Orleans.Mardi Gras World
1380 Port of New Orleans Pl., (504) 361-7821
Mardi Gras World is open everyday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with their only days of closure occurring for major holidays. Visitors have the opportunity to see Mardi Gras floats for the upcoming Carnival in-person. The warehouse allows photography and each tour is about an hour, beginning with a 15-minute educational video. Mardi Gras World provides the rare experience of behind-the-scenes craftsmanship that makes the celebration possible.
Backstreet Cultural Museum
1531 St. Philip St., (504) 657-6700
The Backstreet Cultural Museum began with Sylvester Francis, whose personal photographs and memorabilia of Mardi Gras Indians turned into a larger artistic display capturing the magic of Carnival culture. With recognition and donations from Mardi Gras Indians and other culture bearers, Francis turned his garage-based collection into a multimedia museum exhibit. Guests can visit the Backstreet Cultural Museum Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to engage in the history of Carnival.
Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes & Culture
318 N. Rampart St., (504) 218-4872
This interactive Mardi Gras museum includes an indoor parade experience, access to the costume closet, and viewing of elaborate Carnival garb. The Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture is open Thursday through Monday from 12 to 4 p.m. The exhibit is open to visitors of all ages as the family-friendly display is appealing to both children and their parents. The museum can also be used as an event venue with its optimal location situated one block from Bourbon Street.
Arnaud's Germaine Wells Mardi Gras Museum
813 Bienville St., (504) 523-5433
Arnaud's Mardi Gras Museum takes a vintage approach to a display of Carnival, focusing on the celebration's history via photographs, old costumes, and Krewe party favors. The museum captures the evolution of Mardi Gras in an artistic and classic exhibit, which is open to the public all week during restaurant hours. Arnaud's is unique in the various services it provides, combining elegant dining with the city's celebrated Carnival history.
The Presbytère
751 Chartres St., (504) 568-6968
Mardi Gras: It's Carnival Time in Louisiana Exhibit
The Presbytère features two exhibits encapsulating the culture of Mardi Gras, with Mardi Gras: It's Carnival Time in Louisiana being one of them. This display dedicates a museum room to Mardi Gras costumes and accessories, providing visitors with an in-person visual experience. There is also a virtual museum experience that gives visitors access to a digitized float ride.
Mardi Gras Satire: Puncturing Pomposity Exhibit
The secondary Presbytère exhibit is Mardi Gras Satire: Puncturing Pomposity. In 2024, this display was introduced to emphasize the intentionally satirical aspects of Mardi Gras. Specifically focusing on the Krewe of Petronius, the Presbytère highlights how floats could be used to touch on relevant social and political issues behind the anonymity provided by costumes.
Origins of New Orleans Black Carnival Society: The Story of the Illinois Clubs Exhibit
Mark your calendar for a brand new exhibit coming to the Presbytère. On view from January 29, 2026, to Mardi Gras 2027, The Origins of New Orleans Black Carnival Society exhibit will focus on the Original Illinois Club and the Young Men Illinois Club, two of the United States' oldest Black social organizations. The exhibit will show the effect these organizations had on the Black Carnival traditions in present in New Orleans.
