History of Mardi Gras World
Mardi Gras World is a year-round tour attraction highlighting the history and behind-the-scenes assembly of New Orleans' most proud tradition: Mardi Gras.
Year after year, Mardi Gras fosters community, celebration, and camaraderie. The festive holiday has its own unique origin story, so does Mardi Gras World.
History of Mardi Gras World
The creation of Mardi Gras World dates back to the 1930s with the idea being trail-blazed by Roy Kern, a local painter-turned-sign artist. Kern gained notoriety by painting signs on freight and barges; later, with the help of his son Blaine, the two would begin building and designing Mardi Gras floats. Keeping things going, Blaine would then paint and design floats for many krewes such as Zulu and Rex.
Throughout time, Kern Studios was buzzing within the city, with people wanting private tours of the facility to get in on the behind-the-scenes action of Mardi Gras. This eventually led the Kerns to offer public tours, prompting the attraction of the Mardi Gras World as we see it today.
Magic at Mardi Gras World
While their building serves as a "tourist attraction," Mardi Gras World also delivers an experience like no other. It features a deep dive into the assembly of the unique floats made by local artists and sculptors, the history of the Mardi Gras tradition, and is even home to some of the biggest parties that happen in NOLA every year.
Experiencing Mardi Gras World
Mardi Gras draws thousands of visitors to New Orleans each year. The building is open for tourists and locals seven days a week, offering individual and group tours. General admission to that magical place starts at $29.95, with discounts available as well.
Whether preserving the history of Mardi Gras, offering the inside scoop as to how floats or props are made, or hosting big events in the Big Easy, Mardi Gras World continues to keep this New Orleans tradition alive.
