Mardi Gras World
Mardi Gras World
4.5
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 5:30 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.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Address
Neighbourhood: Lower Garden District
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See what travellers are saying
- RJG_travelerNew Bedford, Massachusetts376 contributionsMust visit in NOLAGreat tour and explanation of what Mardis Gras is, the history of it and how the parades are made. My kids were fascinated with the floats and props. It was interesting to see the process. Definitely a must visit in New Orleans.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 7 March 2024
- Nikki BCheltenham, United Kingdom100 contributionsA hidden gem of New OrleansSuch a good experience . The tour was excellent you got to see the whole process from cutting of the styrofoam foam through to the painting of these amazing creations. You were also allowed to dress up in a Mardi Gras costume for photo sessions. Definitely worth the money for an afternoon or morning of fun and laughter!Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 8 March 2024
- Alamito259 contributionsInteresting Experience, but not the best time to goThis was not the greatest time to go, since the Mardi Gras parade was only a few weeks ago, but there was still quite a bit to see. Make sure you see the video before going through the warehouse, or you won't be able to appreciate the work and history that goes into the floats. We didn't get to see many artists working at this time of year, but the guide was very knowledgeable. Expect to spend an hour or so.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 13 March 2024
- HeatherLas Vegas, Nevada1,617 contributionsAwesome!What a cool museum. You get to see a plethora of sculptures and a few floats. You also get to see workstations where people are fabricating new sculptures. You can do a guided tour, or self guided, it's all the same price. This is a warehouse, so whatever the weather is like outside, it's like that inside too. This isn't negative at all, just something to be aware of.Visited March 2024Travelled soloWritten 17 March 2024
- Robert LAmherst, Massachusetts1,622 contributionsOutstandingVery interesting insight into the creation of floats ....not only in the Mardi Gras parage, but statues made for movies and props. Nice demo on Styrofoam carving, creation, and most recently, the robotics. Recommended. Take a taxi even though its near Canal St near the river.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 March 2024
- Sue AlbanyAlbany, New York120 contributionsView the pre-Mardi Gras!Went with a senior citizens group through Collette. I visited two years ago, but the warehouse was closed because of the flooding from Katrina. Glad I got a chance to see this now. Amazing place. Great narrator who answered all kinds of questions and he told us of the history and operation of this place. They have several other warehouses. Gave us a good view of what goes into Mardi Gras parades. These folks are really amazing artists. Their stuff can be seen in Disney productions also. You can see the artists working too !!Visited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 26 March 2024
- Heather JohnsonSterling, Illinois52 contributionsLearn all about Mardi Gras...up close!This was the perfect rainy day activity with my family on St. Patrick's Day weekend. Not only do guests receive a guided tour, but before the tour begins, guests watch an informational video about Mardi Gras, as well as receive a piece of King Cake! All of the children received crowns to wear throughout their tour, and the guides were knowledgable and allowed so many opportunities for touching and photographs! It is a work site, so it is important to keep in mind that it is messy!Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 31 March 2024
- JillyF1sh72Dawsonville, Georgia47 contributionsFun and informative!If you have any interest in the history, story, art, or pageantry behind the Mardi Gras parades in NOLA, then this place is an absolute must! I’ve never been to Mardi Gras - nor ever really wanted to go - but this visit definitely inspired me to try to go in the future. Plan to take the guided tour with some extra time to wander. Enjoyed the bonus of some authentic King Cake as well. Truly worth a couple hours of time while you’re in NOLA! I’ve seen a Groupon from time to time, but even without, the admission is quite reasonable.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 9 April 2024
- Sharon R1 contributionGood interesting tourIt was very interesting to see a lot of huge characters displayed. We saw the process of how to make them and several of the floats. It was an inexpensive tour, well worth the time and expense. They even have a shuttle to transport you there and back.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 20 April 2024
- FoodangeManchester, United Kingdom4,934 contributionsA Real Flavour of Mardi GrasThis was out of the way. The Hop-On Hop-Off bus dropped us what they said was nearby … when we finally found it by asking people coming out of the Convention Center, we were enchanted. This is a great tour, preceded by an informative film and Mac was a wonderful guide, very keen to answer all our questions. We really got a flavour of the Mardi Gras parades and even saw a likeness of our Queen!Visited October 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 30 November 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
4,479 reviews
Excellent
2,574
Very good
1,428
Average
346
Poor
82
Terrible
50
sabrinak136
New Orleans, LA1,499 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
Mardi Gras 2024 has officially come to an end however, there is a place that you can visit all year to learn about the magic of Mardi Gras.
Mardi Gras World is this unique place. We took a free shuttle to the museum. The shuttle has a variety of pickup areas throughout the CBD and is an inexpensive and convenient way to visit. The cost to enter Mardi Gras World for an adult and a child is $36.00.
Mardi Gras World is an interesting place to visit because you will have an opportunity to learn about the float design process. Visitors watch a short film on the history of Mardi Gras. Once the film is over you can sample a slice of King Cake, try on some Mardi Gras attire, and then walk through the warehouse to see a variety of floats/props. The visit definitely provides a bird’s eye view of the Mardi Gras process.
Visiting Mardi Gras World makes for a wonderful way to enjoy Lundi Gras, Mardi Gras, or any other time. Just remember that you have plenty of time to visit because Mardi Gras 2025 will not take place until March 4th of next year.
Mardi Gras World is this unique place. We took a free shuttle to the museum. The shuttle has a variety of pickup areas throughout the CBD and is an inexpensive and convenient way to visit. The cost to enter Mardi Gras World for an adult and a child is $36.00.
Mardi Gras World is an interesting place to visit because you will have an opportunity to learn about the float design process. Visitors watch a short film on the history of Mardi Gras. Once the film is over you can sample a slice of King Cake, try on some Mardi Gras attire, and then walk through the warehouse to see a variety of floats/props. The visit definitely provides a bird’s eye view of the Mardi Gras process.
Visiting Mardi Gras World makes for a wonderful way to enjoy Lundi Gras, Mardi Gras, or any other time. Just remember that you have plenty of time to visit because Mardi Gras 2025 will not take place until March 4th of next year.
Written 14 February 2024
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.
Heidiks1
New York City, NY83 contributions
Jan 2023
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.
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.
Written 13 January 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.
Daydream32465885940
12 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
We throughly enjoyed ourselves! My 5 and 8 year said they loved it! We found all the sculptures/props from the past floats beautiful, interesting and the perfect photo opps. We enjoyed watching the movie in the beginning and eating our piece of king cake, it gave a nice history and backstory to all the work that was being done in the warehouse. We watched some of the artisans shaping, papering and painting new and reused props for next year and watched some of the graphic design artist at work in creating new designs.
Written 29 March 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.
Jissy
Sammamish, WA95 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
I wasn't sure what to expect but was glad we went on the tour. Seeing how they make the statues, the people working on them, and the floats was fun and also great to learn about Mardi Gras. There was a Groupon and I bought it while waiting in line and then redeemed it there. Our guide was fun and it was nice to be able to walk around afterwards to see more. We walked there not realizing how far it is, but took the shuttle back. Check out the shuttle for getting there and back as they have several stops and are very convenient.
Written 23 January 2024
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.
ihatecats
Coaldale, PA269 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
The tour started with a short video about the history of the Mardi Gras parade floats, and a piece of King cake. It is actually a working parade float factory. They show the workers performing different tasks on the art of molding, cutting, and there's even a robotic machine that does some of the cutting, painting, and plenty of finished product in the warehouse to touch and view. Carla our tour guide was very informative.
Written 16 December 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.
Zippy B
Petach Tikva50 contributions
May 2022
The building is a wharehouse. Tickets can be purchased on line or on arrival. First of all one is shown a film of the history of Mardi Gras, very informative. Then they give everyone a piece of king cake. We joined a tour which was taking much too long so decided to leave the organised tour and walk around ourselves which was more or less the same only not so slow. There is a gift shop at the end of the tour.
Written 7 June 2022
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.
Storyteller289587
17 contributions
Dec 2022
A 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.
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.
Written 3 January 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.
vacationmom82
Flint, TX23 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
This 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.
Written 10 January 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.
JoanneLB
Long Beach, NY56 contributions
Jan 2023
This 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.
Written 21 January 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.
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?
Written 12 August 2023
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.
Written 13 August 2023
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.
Written 25 July 2020
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.
Written 26 July 2020
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.
Written 18 July 2019
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.
Written 8 April 2019
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.
Written 26 April 2019
Is this within walking distance from the cruise port?
Written 6 February 2019
Easily. It's almost next door to the cruise line berths.
Written 6 February 2019
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.
Written 7 January 2019
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.
Written 6 February 2019
can you walk around on your own or do you have to take the tour
Written 16 July 2018
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.
Written 16 July 2018
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