This post is about visiting Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World in New Orleans, a working float studio where you'll see historic floats, costumes, and decorations from past Mardi Gras festivals.
- Tickets
- Discounts
- About the Tour
- Reviews
- Other Mardi Gras Museums
- Tips on Mardi Gras in New Orleans
- Free Tours by Foot
Disclosure: While our recommendations are always unbiased, we may receive a small share of sales through some of the links below at no cost to you. See the full text.
TICKETS, DIRECTIONS AND FREE SHUTTLE
Even though Mardi Gras World is open almost every day of the year, it's still a good idea to plan your trip ahead of time.
With so much to see and do, it'll be important to give yourself enough time to experience as much as possible at this historic studio.
Here are some important details to keep in mind when preparing for your visit.
- Ticket Prices: $22 for Adults | $17 for Seniors & Students | $14 for Children
- Availability: Daily from 9 am - 5:30 pm
- Tour Duration: 60 minutes
- Tour is free with admission.
- Closed on Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter and Mardi Gras Day.
- Most visitors spend 1-2 hours exploring Mardi Gras World.
- Military members are eligible for a $5 discount on tickets.
FREE SHUTTLE
Mardi Gras World is located about 1.5 miles (2.5 km) south of the French Quarter along the Mississippi River.
There are several different options for traveling to Mardi Gras World.
If you plan on driving, you can park directly in front of the building in Lot J for $20.
Alternatively, they also offer a free shuttle service with designated pick-up locations in downtown and the French Quarter.
(As of Jan 2023, they are currently only picking up at the Canal Street Location.)
DISCOUNTS ON MARDI GRAS WORLD
This section will cover all of the best ways to save money on tickets to Mardi Gras World.
There are several different discount options to consider, and we recommend taking advantage of at least one of the deals listed below.
Use a Tourist Pass
Tickets to Mardi Gras World are included with both the New Orleans Sightseeing Pass and the Go City New Orleans Pass.
If you're planning to visit at least a few more attractions or take some tours in the Big Easy, these services could be a great way to save some money.
Here are some of the additional activities included with these tourist passes:
- National WW2 Museum
- Creole Queen Riverboat Cruise
- Escape Game New Orleans
- New Orleans Bus Tour
- Audubon Aquarium
- Swamp Boat Tour
- Houmas House
- Audubon Zoo
- Degas House
Depending on how you use these services, you could save anywhere from 20% - 50% off or more!
Learn more or purchase a New Orleans tourist pass.
Combo Packages
Some companies offer combo deals which include admission to Mardi Gras World with other activities and attractions in New Orleans.
Currently, the only combination deal available is offered by Take Walks.
Their New Orleans Mardi Gras tour includes a fully-guided tour of the Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture, tickets to Mardi Gras World, and a French Quarter Tour.
Discount Sites
There are a few websites like Groupon and LivingSocial that offer deals on tickets to Mardi Gras World at various times throughout the year.
As of writing this in Jan 2023, they are offering 18% off the standard ticket prices.
These sites also typically offer additional discount codes for 10% - 20% off local activities, if not even more.
As such, this is actually one of the best ways to save money on tickets.
Military Discount
Members of the military are eligible for a discount of $5 off the adult price for a ticket to Mardi Gras World.
You must provide identification in order to get this deal.
Senior Discount
Mardi Gras World offers a discount of $5 off for all senior citizens over the age of 65.
You'll need to show your identification to take advantage of this money saving opportunity.
Student Discount
Students at local universities are eligible for a discount of $5 off the adult ticket price.
You must show your valid student ID in order to get this deal.
Children's Discount
Admission for children between the ages of 2-11 are $8 off the adult ticket price.
Teens and older kids between the age of 12-17 are eligible for $5 off.
THE TOUR OF MARDI GRAS WORLD
Kern Studios has been developing floats and other decorations for Mardi Gras since 1932.
Over the years, their incredible work became so popular that several people began to request private tours of the studio.
During this walking tour, your guide will explain the history of both Mardi Gras and Kern Studios.
Afterward, you'll get a look at their "float den," the location where artists work year-round to create memorable floats and other decors.
Although you can't get too close to their floats during parades, taking this tour provides a level of access that you simply won't find anywhere else.
Tours begin every half hour from 9:30 am - 4 pm and last for approximately 90 minutes. *As of January 2023, the tour is currently self-guided and a visit lasts approximately one hour. Vaccination proof is required or a negative PCR test (within 48 hours) for admission.
TIP: These tours are great for families with children!
For other family-friendly activities, read our post on things to do with kids in New Orleans.
MARDI GRAS WORLD REVIEWS
Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World currently has a rating of 4 ½ out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor.
A majority of guests who enjoyed their trip to Mardi Gras World appreciated the chance to take a look behind-the-scenes.
In addition to seeing how the floats are made, guests also indicate that they value the chance to learn about the history of Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans.
According to several reviews, the tour provides a lot of interesting information about how Kern Studios has developed floats over the course of several decades.
Many reviewers describe the guides as informative and helpful, as well as humorous and entertaining.
Reviewers also noted that this was a good attraction to bring children to see.
Although there weren't many complaints about Mardi Gras World, some visitors felt that the price of admission was too high.
It's worth noting that there were quite a few people who felt the tour was worth the ticket price.
TIP: Mardi Gras World is included for free with the New Orleans Power Pass. For more information, check out our post on discount passes in New Orleans.
MARDI GRAS MUSEUMS
These museums offer an opportunity to see how people celebrated the event in decades past.
Some of these locations are entirely free to visit, which could also make them an affordable alternative for those on a budget.
The Presbytère
This historic building is one of the showcase units owned by the Louisiana State Museum.
Located right next to the St. Louis Cathedral, the Presbytère includes exhibits about both Hurricane Katrina and Mardi Gras.
Considering that the parade routes often run through this area, it seems fitting to visit this gallery to learn more about the history of Fat Tuesday.
Although admission is not free, ticket prices are more than reasonable.
- Ticket Prices: $7 for Adults | $6 for Military/Student/Senior | Children 6 and under - Free
- Availability: Tuesday - Sunday from 9 am - 4 pm
- Location: 751 Chartres St.
- Click here for more information.
The Germaine Cazenave Wells Mardi Gras Museum
This museum is located in Arnaud's Restaurant, and it is entirely free to visit.
Included in the gallery are more than two dozen Mardi Gras costumes from the mid-20th century.
Along with all of the historic outfits, this impressive display also includes various masks, jewels, vintage pictures, invitations and party favors.
Although it's not the biggest Mardi Gras museum in New Orleans, this location is a wonderful opportunity to discover what the celebration looked like from 1941-1968.
- Ticket Price: FREE
- Availability: Daily during business hours
- Location: 813 Bienville St
- Click here for more information
Backstreet Cultural Museum
In addition to exhibits focusing on New Orleans film history and jazz funerals, this museum also includes a collection of regalia from the Mardi Gras Indians.
This exhibition features suits and costumes from the Big Chiefs, Queens, Flag Boys, Wild Men, and more.
These groups celebrate every year by creating elaborate and finely detailed outfits to wear during the events of Mardi Gras.
This is a great chance to learn more about their cultural contributions to the festivities of Carnival.
- Ticket Prices: $20 per person
- Availability: Tuesday - Saturday from 10 am - 4 pm
- Location: 1531 St. Philip Street
- Click here for more information.
The Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes & Culture
Over the years, this Mardi Gras museum has housed a number of interesting collections and exhibitions focusing on the history of Fat Tuesday.
In addition to their permanent installations, you'll also typically find at least one limited exhibit featuring memorabilia and/or artwork related to Mardi Gras.
Visitors can take part in a professionally guided tour of the museum.
- Tour Prices: $15 per person |
-
Friday/Saturday/Sunday/Monday @2pmAdditional Saturdays @Noon
- Location: 1010 Conti Street
- Click here for more information.
TIP: Tickets to both this museum and Mardi Gras World are included with the New Orleans Mardi Gras tour provided by Take Walks.
This is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to learn as much about the celebration as possible.
House of Dance and Feathers
If you're looking to learn even more about the Mardi Gras Indians, this is a fantastic opportunity.
Curated by the former Council Chief of the Choctaw Hunters, this museum provides a look behind the culture of Native American celebrations during Carnival.
The House of Dance and Feathers includes a variety of masks, suits, images, and ornamentation that was used for past Mardi Gras events.
Admission is free for all visitors, but any and all donations are much appreciated.
- Ticket Price: FREE
- Availability: Visits are by appointment
- Location: 1317 Tupelo Street
- Click here for more information.
