Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes & Culture

This is one of those quirky hidden gems that is so New Orleans, I don't think you would find it anywhere else.It was eye boggling, entertaining, and educational. I loved getting to hear the history of Mardi Gras and it's roots in the Catholic cannon. The bacchanal that takes place from January 5 (12th day of Christmas) to Ash Wednesday (beginning of Lent) is a city wide celebration of " let the good times roll" "Laissez Les bons Temos router"Our host for the afternoon, Carl Mack, entertained us with songs accompanied by his zylaphone, while sharing the history and culture of Mardi Gras and this diverse city. We were able to admire the stunning and over the top costumes worn in past parades. Interesting fact - they are only worn once.The costumes are made on site and they have a huge closet of costumes available for rent or purchase. The handiwork and detail of creating these works of art is I credible.Definitely a little gem with a big story. Don't miss this one.

We went here on a whim. There is a gift shop area and a Mardi gras costume display area. Our favorite part was the back area where you could try on some Mardi gras costumes and take photos. We had a blast having fun with the costumes. It is worth it just for that.

They are only open Fri-Mon and they don't allow entry after 3pmIt's an interesting place, but don't expect anything too fancy. It smells old and musty and the exhibits aren't maintained to "museum" standards. Still, the costumes are amazing. Being able to see the intricate details up close and personal is really cool. And the staff is all very knowledgeable about Marci Gras and New Orleans history.Everyone gets to choose at least one costume to try on (not the ones that are on display of course). And everyone is encouraged to take lots of photos.There's a small room that sells new items (masks, hats, parasols) and used elaborate ball gowns for just $50.If you decide to go DONT PRE-PURCHASE your tickets... wait until you get there then "check in" on Yelp and you will get a $2 off coupon from Yelp for checking in.

GRAB your reservation for this ahhmazing tour with Carl Mack at Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes & Culture!! This was absolutely THE BEST museum tour and highlight of our trip to New Orleans!!We planned on popping in one day during the week of our November 2021 visit to New Orleans and with the everything as it currently is when we arrived the doors were locked with a note that said you had to book a tour in advance to our disappointment but alas the friendliest man opened the door and asked if we were there for our tour andd my immediate response was whyy YESS we are, with the biggest smile on my face. He matched my grin and said that he could accommodate us since it was just my husband and I to include us in the group that would be hopefully on their way soon with even graciously allowing us to utilize the Yelp Check-in for $2 off our visit - wahooo!!Then we were asked if we would like wait for the others to arrive in the fun costume closet with lots of Mardi Gras costumes to play dress up, take and post selfies! Ummm, heck YES - we had a BLAST and were definitely IN!!The show and exhibits we walked through with the many traditions of Mardi Gras were elaborate and gorgeous - the history that was shared and even the music from Carl Mack made the day extra special. This is an absolute MUST!! Grab your tickets and book your tour today, you absolutely MUST go see these beautiful exhibits, dress up in the costume closet and hear all the history of Mardi Gras.Thank you Carl Mack and Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes & Culture!!

I think if you want to see the insides of Mardi gras this is a place to visit. All they need to do is serve king cake and it will be Mardi gras. Check this outhttps://youtu.be/tXXPlGHzyLk

A wonderful afternoon learning about Mardi Gras and the pageantry! The hosts were delightful! Thank you!

Reading previous reviews of this place made me excited to visit. I deeply regret spending money to go here.At first, it seemed like it could be fun playing a little dress up - but the dress up room is a mess, dusty, costumes falling apart, and clearly not sanitized regularly - if at all.Then, the host (not the owner that everyone raves about - some new person from Pittsburgh?) gave disjointed and awkward historical "facts", read us a couple of....interesting.....poems, then said that was it. No singing, no "parade experience ", no look at any floats, and he seemed barely knowledgeable and as if he were making up what he said on the fly.One fun fact he shared was the commonplace act of doing BLACK FACE in Mardi Gras to this day if you want to join an "all black crew". I was truly taken aback.As me and my travel partner went to leave after the "performance ", another employee stopped us to look at more. We went along with it, he seemed nice enough, then once he got a good crowd going (about 8 Caucasian people and myself and my friend being the only 2 Black people in the crowd) he proceeds to say n**** repeatedly and tell us that in New Orleans it's okay for everyone to say it because "it's just a word". As everyone around us nodded and started agreeing, my friend and I booked it out of there. It was so uncomfortable, so ridiculous, and just racist. Truly, not a business I can offer any support to.I was looking forward to learning more about the culture and history in the city I was visiting - but that was completely ruined.A waste of money and time.

INCREDIBLE HIDDEN GEM!!! The small size of the museum means you get a more personal experience. We first viewed the STUNNING costumes. Next we went to the trying-on area with full length mirrors for fun photos in genuine Mardi Gras costumes including headpieces. We then got to view the area where all the magic happens, where the costumes are created. Racks and racks, as well as bins of supplies. At 2:00 they show a short documentary, and a super interesting talk from Carl the entertainer/owner. He has firsthand knowledge of the history of Mardi Gras and made it so much fun!! I would highly recommend this for the whole family. Spend an hour or two. You set the pace. The highlight of our visit to New Orleans !!!!

Totally fun time. Lots of stuff to see and excellent guide. Their shuttle van was easy to utilize and pleasant driver. You could see older floats and how everything is built and prepared for show

The tour guide is still lost on the drugs he did in the 70s. And there was no tour. It was just a couple small rooms with costumes, with a couple you can try on.