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.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Address
Neighborhood: Lower Garden District
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586 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Daydream324658859404 contributionsBeautiful!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.Visited March 2023Traveled with familyWritten March 29, 2023
- Jenni MDecatur, Indiana556 contributionsIt’s Mardi Gras Everyday at Mardi Gras World!I took a tour of Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World with my group. Our guide was very informative and taught us about the tradition of Mardi Gras. We even got a piece of King’s Cake to sample! Seeing how the floats are made is amazing. There is so much time and detail put into each float, which helps bring the magic into the parades. This was a great learning experience! Go check this place out!Visited March 2023Traveled with friendsWritten March 29, 2023
- colelanderChicago, Illinois57 contributionsNeat informative with lots of photo opsWas not sure what to expect to be honest, but one of 3 ( the other adult) in our family was not feeling well and wanted to venture out, and while informational, this wouldn’t be “their thing” per say. Didn’t use, but like the fact they have a free shuttle pick up locations. We had already purchased a jazzy pass and it was a quick (15 or so min) walk from the stop. The video to start was informative, the king cake was delicious, our guide, whose name I don’t recall) was nice. It’s a fairly quick tour if you do guided, but you can walk around after If you want to get any additional photos. Over all it was a fun experience and neat to learn about the making of the floats and how it’s set up over all.Visited March 2023Traveled with familyWritten March 30, 2023
- Michelle APortsmouth, United Kingdom198 contributionsThe background behind Mardi GrasIt's like a working museum. People at work on the various bits and pieces for the floats in next year's Mardi Gras. Their work is excellent. There are also some of the floats stored there. Before the tour there is a sort film show explaining Mardi Gras. You are guided for the start of the tour but then can walk around on your own. You definitely need a camera.Visited March 2023Traveled soloWritten April 7, 2023
- Dawb99309 contributionsGreat experience.Finally visited here. A very worthy destination. Informative semi-guided tour. Huge working warehouse/shop for the design and build of the floats. Free shuttle transportation from Canal street locations to and from the tour site. Thousands of "props" to wander around and view. Provides a unique behind the scenes view of the work involved in float building.Visited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 7, 2023
- SGMHT16 contributionsLoved Mardi Gras World!We noticed Mardi Gras World on Google Maps and decided to visit while we were in town. We are so glad we decided to visit. It was so much fun, and the staff there couldn't have been nicer or more welcoming! The location was easy to get to from our hotel in the French Quarter. It is a fascinating place; don't miss it!Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 17, 2023
- Kristen13 contributionsGreat for all agesWe had a great time at Mardi Gras world! Our tour guide was awesome and taught us all about the history of Mardi Gras as well as how the floats are made and changes from year to year. The tour included a slice of King’s Cake. It is worth noting that it is very warm in the warehouse where most of the tour is led. Overall, highly recommend for all ages.Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 11, 2023
- Joyce JCoastal South Carolina, South Carolina134 contributionsFun Family OutingUsed a Groupon. Good value with Senior discount. Shuttle pick up when you call. Short film then a walk through the work area where float characters are produced. Work area was colorful, informative and great place for pictures, but very hot!Visited July 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten July 22, 2023
- William C37 contributionsMardi Gras CentralQuite 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.Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten September 8, 2023
- mplstravelMinneapolis, Minnesota385 contributionsUnique, Don't Miss ExperienceSo 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!Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 22, 2023
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 wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
4,424 reviews
Excellent
2,546
Very good
1,415
Average
340
Poor
78
Terrible
46
Louise P
Gatineau, Canada37 contributions
Feb 2020
The tour is interesting and it's nice to see all the floats and the decorations, but at $22 per person, plus $20 for parking, it makes for a very expensive tour, especially since the tour itself is not even one hour. You can spend a lot of time with the floats and decorations, but after a while, you've seen them all. Overall, I'm glad to have gone, but would not recommend it if you're time in NOLA is limited. there are other attractions that are more worth it.
Written February 21, 2020
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.
Pirate Gal
Lexington, SC140 contributions
Jan 2020
Sound/microphone system used by tour guide was crap. The group was way too large, and the sound/microphone system didn't allow us to hear in the back. Got to see the artists working on float and other display pieces, which was very cool, but it was incredibly loud and hot in the workshop. Pretty good gift shop.
Written January 20, 2020
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.
Tami P
Red Deer, Canada71 contributions
Jan 2020
Mardi Gras World has a free shuttle that picks you up at some hotels in the French Quarter. Our driver was so friendly and gave you a little history of New Orleans and Mardi Gras World on the drive over. We loved the tour. They show you a video and let you try king cake. Then they take you into the warehouse and show you the artists at work on the parade floats. After the tour you are free to wander and spend as much time as you want which we appreciated so you don't in any way feel rushed.
Written February 2, 2020
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.
Debbie S
Atlanta, GA36 contributions
Jan 2020
You may not think to go here, but if you go to New Orleans 1-2 months before Mardis Gras, this place is especially special. The floats are already partially built, you get to really appreciate the history of Mardis Gras and how hard the artists work to make it so special. And they do it for free fun. Harry Connick, Jr. has a group of people that create these floats and an awesome experience. Who knew?
Written January 27, 2020
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
New York City, NY48 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Luckily I visited here 2 weeks before the Mardi Gras and could see some artists doing final touches to the marvelous work they have done for the parade. I wish I could take a tour but I got here less than 1 hour before the closing time and tried to see and take photos as much as I could. I entered with a Go New Orleans pass. One of a kind.. this place.
Written September 15, 2020
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.
Beth B
Saskatoon, Canada56 contributions
Jan 2020
Definitely a Must See. 11 minute film gives the history and explains the importance of Mardi Gras to New Orleans. A sample of King Cake was handed out to everyone. The workshop and rows of floats was amazing - going in Jan we saw the floats ready for the parades. Good tour guide. Good gift shop with plenty of items for kids too.
Written January 29, 2020
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.
Debbie
Modi'in-Maccabim-Re'ut, Israel408 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
I did not take a tour but walked through the venue. I was amazed at all the work that goes into creating these larger than life flotillas and parade items. There were artists at work and it was interesting to see how the model figures become real life figures for the parade. It’s a really colorful place and worth a visit.
Written January 30, 2020
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.
Charlie Duncan
New York City, NY188 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Yes it’s a tourist trap but what a beautiful one it is. We went the week before the large parades roll through town and it was great to see the mostly finished product. The tour was fine but having free reign to explore the craftsmanship up close and personal was worth the visit. We enjoyed comparing the kern floats to the others when we saw parades later in the weekend
Written February 15, 2020
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.
Carlanmcd
Brooklyn, NY330 contributions
Feb 2021 • Family
Visited for the first time and was amazed by the production that goes into these floats and was thrilled to see artists at work. Endless sculptures. So beautiful and nice touch to give visitors king cake in celebration of Mardi Gras
Written February 23, 2021
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, NY85 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 January 13, 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 States303 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, Canada56 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, DC168 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
Middletown446 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.
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Claim your listingBlaine Kern's Mardi Gras World - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World
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