Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World
Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World
4.5
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
About
Mardi Gras World is the most unique attraction in America’s most uniquely attractive city. Come see how Mardi Gras is made and get up close to Mardi Gras' grandest floats and sculptures.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Address
Neighbourhood: Lower Garden District
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See what travellers are saying
- Robert77096Missouri City, Texas310 contributionsHow the Mardi Gras magic is madeReally interesting behind the scenes look at how Mardi Gras floats are made. The free tour has started back up (had been self guided) but you're able to stay and wander around for as long as you want. Worth a visit. We were there for about an hour including the movie at the start of the tour.Visited December 2022Written 19 December 2022
- Robyn SEnglewood, Florida152 contributionsInterestingFirst, they sent a van to the Ritz to pick us up. You view a video and receive king Cake. We opted to tour on our own. You saw the process of creating these floats. The artists will answer questions. It is a wonderful fun tour.Visited December 2022Written 28 December 2022
- Storyteller28958714 contributionsGreat way to learn about Mardi Gras in NOLAA friend recommended a trip to Mardi Gras World, and it was fantastic. In addition to a ~30 minute guided tour, you can wander around on your own. We spent about 2 hours looking at floats, watching Pixie and the various craftspeople in action. Definitely worth a visit! Even if you have to take a cab or rideshare. Plan ahead tho, there are few dining/drinking options in the area.Visited December 2022Written 3 January 2023
- James PMuskego, Wisconsin28 contributionsGREAT EXPERIENCE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILYABSOLUTELY LOVED IT. See the movie first to really appreciate all the work behind the floats. Incredible to watch the floats being made right in front of you. Loved the variety of all the items we were able to see, stand by and take pics! Something for everyone! BONUS: We got to try fresh King Cake, absolutely delicious!Visited December 2022Written 9 January 2023
- vacationmom82Flint, Texas19 contributionsIt’s a Mar do Gras parade without the crowdsThis museum was very interesting. There is a short movie to watch that gives history and interesting facts - then there is cake - then someone walks you through the area and gives you more fun and interesting facts. Then you can stay for as long as you want and explore and take pictures at your leisure. They have an outside deck and covered area where you can watch the ships go by. It was raining the day we went and the roof was leaking, so wear your rain coat. ☔️. I think we spent around two hours there.Visited December 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 January 2023
- Heidiks1New York City, New York85 contributionsMARDI GRAS UP CLOSE - The Backstage Experience!Don't miss this!!! It is an out-of-the-way world of fun! I was afraid it might be a bit hokey but instead it was amazing! It is like having a front row seat to seeing how the Mardi Gras floats are created.... like being backstage at a theater and seeing all of the sets and props up close. You actually get to wander through the warehouse and watch the people working on the different design elements. And you can wander endlessly around the gigantic and brightly colored creations that fill the warehouse. They even have a shuttle that will pick you up downtown. I would not, however, recommend walking there because it is not a beautiful walk, and it is a bit remote and isolated.Visited January 2023Written 13 January 2023
- JoanneLBLong Beach, New York48 contributionsCool Mardi Gras float experienceThis place was great! A friend recommended and we had some spare time so we went for it. They have a shuttle you can call to pick you up at many different spots around the city and it will drop you back off too. Cool video about mardi gras and it's history then a slice of King Cake. The tour of old props and floats is great and there are workers on site building new pieces. The tour guides were extremely knowledgeable and friendly. We spoke to our tour guide for 5-10 minutes after for more info. You are also allowed to go back in and look around on your own. Very cool experience.Visited January 2023Written 20 January 2023
- Ightham1325 contributionsGreat behind the scenes look at Mardi GrasWonderfully informative look behind the scenes of Mardi Gras and how the slots and figures are made. Great 15 min film (plus King cake) and then a guided tour of the warehouse and workshops in action. I don’t think I have ever taken so many pictures. We walked there and got the free shuttle bus back to Canal Street. One of the highlights of our trip to NO.Visited February 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 February 2023
- Jolane SDuluth, Minnesota49 contributionsIt is a 1-2 hr experienceThe costumes and wearing costumes was interesting g, bur overall I was a bit disappointed in this museum. I would have liked to see some more written stories or actual photos, or so.ethong? It just felt rather incomete. Yes the single male presenter told ghd story of Mardi Gras, but I'd like to see that in written form as well. So.ething just seemed to be missing. For a big city like NOLA, this was small potatoes.Visited January 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 February 2023
- mhersheyNorthfield, Illinois542 contributionsA must! Behind the scenesWe pleasantly surprised by how fascinating this working warehouse tour was. We saw floats being made, a great film about the history and pageantry, and saw many figures from previous floats. Can't miss this!Visited February 2023Written 13 February 2023
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4.5
4,399 reviews
Excellent
2,528
Very good
1,409
Average
339
Poor
78
Terrible
45
Mida H
13 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
Very affordable and interesting. The artist are so talented. We had no idea what it takes to make a character and a float. They are beautiful! We used the shuttle with no issue.
Written 24 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
0207jane
Chicago, IL81 contributions
Nov. 2023 • Couples
Really cool tour where you can see past and future floats of New Orleans with a great history lesson.
Written 12 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lucylaprof
Abingdon, MD109 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
A very interesting way to spend a couple of hours- they will pick you up in town with their own shuttle to get you there and back. The tour is interesting with a slice of King cake, and you can roam and take all of the pictures you want. Plus, there is a large deck overlooking the Mississippi. Don’t miss it.
Written 27 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
julie k
1 contribution
Oct. 2023 • Family
Do not take the shuttle into town if you are parked in Parking Lot J across from the museum. They make you think they will drop you off and then return you to the museum, they will not. When I called the front desk I was told they were not a shuttle service and did not take you all over the city. I explained we were just trying to get to the parking lot. He said "Oh, okay. Is this a good phone number to contact in case our driver does not see you? He should be there shortly. " The driver showed up 20 minutes later and refused to bring us back to the museum, even after we explained the situation and that the front desk knew. Unpleasant ending to what had been a good day.
Written 27 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pukeonthestreet
Cranston, RI170 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Solo
The best thing to do in New Orleans. So cool to see how they're made and all the great sculptures. Also you get a piece of king cake and they have a free shuttle!
Written 23 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mplstravel
Minneapolis, MN374 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
So I wasn't particularly interested in going. I visualized a warehouse full of dusty floats that hadn't been used for decades. Boy, was I wrong.
We had an amazing guide who was clearly passionate about Mardi Gras, and is an active participant, so he spoke with authenticity.
The props were amazing, and it was so great seeing the artisans at work.
One of our favorite stops in New Orleans!
We had an amazing guide who was clearly passionate about Mardi Gras, and is an active participant, so he spoke with authenticity.
The props were amazing, and it was so great seeing the artisans at work.
One of our favorite stops in New Orleans!
Written 22 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William C
3 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Family
I thought I already posted a review but Trip Advisor says no, so here goes. This is a truly unique experience. It is a bit of the beaten path, on the waterfront but a good walk from the Canal St. trolley stop, which is the closest. Buses may get you closer but it is off by itself in a warehouse on the waterfront. Very hot inside, limited air conditioning. But this is where the Mardi Gras Floats are made and developed. Not like any other attraction I have seen. It is unique and distinct, with so many colorful life-size or larger figures and props. Worth going, but bring a few drinks as it can get very hot in the warehouse in August, when we went.
Written 13 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
William C
35 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Family
Quite a unique place. Worth doing as you won't find many places like this. A little out of the way so consider Uber. They DO have a shuttle so consider calling to see if you are in their pickup area. Much of the display is in a large warehouse which gets very hot in warm weather so keep that in mind. But it is a fun place to visit.
Written 8 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sheryl E
Michigan18 contributions
Jan. 2023 • Family
Fun place to tour. Definitely worth it. Loved learning about how the stuff was made and got to see the artists working.
Written 31 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angela M
3 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Couples
A must see while visiting New Orleans. They explain how the parade floats are built and show you. See many past and present designs.
Written 10 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer S
13 contributions
What are their hours? Trip Advisor says they close at 4:30 but Google says 5:30. Also, do you have to pay for the guided tour or can you just pay for admission and tour on your own?
Angela M
3 contributions
Paying admission includes the guided tour. Then you are free to browse in your own. Check their website for hours. They also have a free shuttle from the French Quarter and other stops.
JerzeeeyGirl
United States298 contributions
Are they strictly adhering to CDC guidelines such as smaller and socially distanced tours, masks must be worn CORRECTLY and fully at all times, high cleaning standards, etc? I emailed them and didn't hear back so wondering who visited lately could provide insight? I don't see comments on their webpage either like other museums are doing. We don't want to skip this but want to ensure everything is safe before trekking down there from our hotel. I know about the free shuttle...not so sure in these times. Thank you.
Beth B
Saskatoon, Canada55 contributions
We were there before the covid pandemic hit so I don't know what the conditions are now. Personally I wouldn't go to New Orleans right now anyway.
Kelly S
Soncy, TX7 contributions
Do you have to buy tickets in advance?
Self Tour
Burbank, CA83 contributions
No, you can buy the tickets at the counter. However sometimes they have a large group buying tickets and it can take a while. The owner of Mardi Gras World is a friend and I know he works hard at providing good customer relations.
Spicy Brown
1 contribution
Is there a way/option to make your own mask during/after the tour or otherwise as a visiting couple? The only available noted option online is for team building with a 15 guest minimum.
LightPacker827968
33 contributions
On the day that we were there, the first of the super parades were planned, so many any of the prepared floats were out of the building and lines up for the parade. We received a well guided tour and were able to still see many former projects md a few already in the works. No mention was given for making masks.
Are dogs allowed
Brian D
Asheville, NC1,887 contributions
Unfortunately there are no dogs allowed. Enjoy!
Disneyworlddreamer
152 contributions
Is this within walking distance from the cruise port?
Intlxpatr
Pensacola, FL1,722 contributions
Easily. It's almost next door to the cruise line berths.
DCinDC
Washington, DC165 contributions
Hi- Will we be able to see the floats in the warehouse if we go the week of Feb 18, since it is 2 weeks out from Mardi Gras? I wasn't sure when the floats would start to move out. Thanks.
SamMiddletown
Middletown443 contributions
Call, and ask...
Bruce M
Brick, NJ7 contributions
Can you take pictures?
barbarajtolbert
Villa Rica, GA56 contributions
Yes you can take all of the pics you want. They don’t have all of the floats for the Mardi Gras. I understood them to say there are many places where floats are being put together. Lots of props. After the guide takes you thru then you are on your own to spend as much time there. Well worth the $20 I paid. Can’t really remember what I paid but close enough.
Pam97212
Portland4 contributions
can you walk around on your own or do you have to take the tour
MIOreos18
Green Bay, WI15 contributions
I'm not 100% sure about whether you can walk around without taking the tour. I honestly wouldn't want to because the tour is incredible and after it was over, we could then go back in and walk around to anything we wanted to see again.
Can you purchase authentic masks there?
Joseph W
Nashport, OH502 contributions
They do have a gift shop but most of the items are mass produced for tourist trade. There are several places in New Orleans however where you can find authentic masks.
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Claim your listingBlaine Kern's Mardi Gras World: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World:
- Go City: New Orleans All-Inclusive Pass with 25+ Attractions (From AU$104.10)
- City Sightseeing New Orleans Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour (From AU$69.40)
- Mardi Gras Mambo Tours: Sip, Savor SecondLine (From AU$300.24)
- New Orleans Self-Guided Audio Tour (From AU$9.05)
- Mardi Gras Mambo Tours: Mambo Nights (From AU$264.03)
- Hotels near Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World:
- (0.68 km) Hampton Inn & Suites New Orleans-Convention Center
- (1.00 km) New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District
- (1.03 km) Terrell House Bed & Breakfast
- (1.00 km) Green House Inn
- (1.08 km) Hotel Saint Vincent
- Restaurants near Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World:
- (0.90 km) Two Chicks Cafe
- (0.98 km) Cochon Butcher
- (1.04 km) Restaurant Rebirth
- (1.00 km) Surrey's Juice Bar
- (0.99 km) Cochon