Mardi Gras World: Step Behind the Beads & Floats at New Orleans’s Ultimate Carnival Workshop Experience

Claim to Fame

Mardi Gras World is the nation’s largest float-building facility—where over 100 dazzling parade floats, intricate papier-mâché sculptures, and authentic costume workshops bring New Orleans’s Carnival spirit to life year-round.

📌 Navigating Mardi Gras World : Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Washrooms: Clean washrooms are conveniently located throughout the facility for visitor use.
Hours of Operation: Mardi Gras World operates daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, with extended hours during peak season.
Important Information: It is recommended to book tours in advance, especially during the Mardi Gras season for larger groups.
Admission Fee: Admission fees are typically around $20 for adults, with discounts for children and seniors.
How Long to Visit: A typical visit lasts about 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the pace of the tour.
Parking: Free parking is available on-site at Mardi Gras World for visitors.
Family Friendly: Mardi Gras World is family-friendly, offering activities and exhibits suitable for all ages.
Photography: Photography is encouraged, with ample opportunities to capture vibrant floats and decorations.
WIFI: Free Wi-Fi is provided throughout the venue for visitors.
Picnic Area: There is no designated picnic area; visitors are encouraged to enjoy food within the café.
Handicap Accessible: The venue is handicap accessible, with accommodations for individuals with mobility challenges.
Pets: Pets are not allowed inside the facility, except for service animals.
Guided Tours: Guided tours are available, providing insights into the history and creation of Mardi Gras floats.
Restaurant or Cafe: There is a café on-site offering light snacks and beverages for guests.
Gift Shop: A gift shop is available, featuring Mardi Gras-themed merchandise and souvenirs.

📌Heads up: All times, prices and visitor policies are subject to change without notice. Please check the official website for the most recent information.

Photos of Mardi Gras World

Just upriver from the French Quarter, Mardi Gras World invites you into the heart of Carnival creativity. Wander through massive warehouse bays where artisans paint larger-than-life kings, build towering fleur-de-lis, and stitch elaborate feathers and sequins. With guided tours, hands-on bead-stringing activities, and photo ops atop a fully rigged float, you’ll discover the artistry, engineering, and French-and-Spanish-inspired symbolism that fuel one of the world’s most vibrant celebrations.

What to Expect

Begin at the welcome area where you’ll don complimentary colorful beads and a tour lanyard. A guide leads you through themed sections: the steel-fabrication shop where floats take shape on chassis; the papier-mâché studio alive with pastel paints and sculpting tools; and the costume atelier where feathered headdresses and sequined jackets await final trims. En route, view videos of past parades—complete with marching bands and masked krewes—and learn how street-legal regulations shape float design. The experience culminates with a photo on a retired float decked in LED lights and authentic Carnival décor.

Background and Cultural Context

Carnival in New Orleans dates to 1857, blending French Catholic fête traditions with African, Caribbean, and Creole cultures. Mardi Gras World grew from Blaine Kern Studios, founded in 1947 by legendary float builder Blaine Kern Sr., who elevated float-building to fine art. Today, Kern’s descendants continue crafting floats for Rex, Zulu, and other historic krewes—preserving techniques like hand-laid papier-mâché, custom mold-making, and elaborate costuming that underscore Mardi Gras’s community roots and pageantry.

The facility supports year-round educational programs for local schools, apprenticeships for aspiring artisans, and collaborative floats for cultural festivals worldwide—sharing New Orleans’s festive heritage on a global stage.

Best Time to Visit

Mardi Gras World is open daily (except major holidays). Weekday mornings (10 AM–12 PM) offer smaller tour groups and quieter studios. Late afternoons (2–4 PM) let you catch artisans adding final flourishes before evening work. Peak Carnival season (January–February) features special behind-the-scenes events and pop-up costume fittings—book at least two weeks in advance for these seasonal extras.

How to Get There

The entrance is at 1380 Port of New Orleans Place, just off US-90 “Old Claiborne” Highway near the convention center. Free parking is available on site. Ride-share drop-offs are easiest at the front door. Streetcars do not serve this location—consider a short taxi or shuttle ride from the French Quarter or CBD. The ground-floor studios, restrooms, and gift shop are wheelchair-accessible; outdoor float decks require one small step.

Photo Opportunities

Close-up of a master painter applying gold leaf to a giant fleur-de-lis float element
Artisans sculpting papier-mâché heads in vibrant Carnival colors
Panorama of completed floats lined up under warehouse skylights
Visitors stringing authentic beads alongside costumed studio mannequins
Group shot atop a retired “King of Carnival” float decked in LED lights

Travel Tips

Book your tour online to secure your desired time—tours fill quickly during Carnival prep season.
Wear closed-toe shoes—floors can be covered in glitter, paint splatters, and workshop debris.
Bring a reusable bag—pick up hand-painted ornaments, replica beads, and mini float models in the gift shop.
Join the optional bead-stringing workshop to make your own Mardi Gras necklace to wear home.
Combine with a visit to the nearby Aquarium or Convention Center for a full riverside excursion.

FAQs

Is there an admission fee?
Yes—general admission is USD 23 adults; USD 17 seniors (65+)/students; USD 14 children (4–12); under 4 free. Bead-stringing workshops and specialty events carry extra fees.

Are guided tours required?
Yes—all visits are guided to ensure safety around workshop tools and machinery; self-guided access is not available.

Can I purchase Mardi Gras beads?
Yes—the gift shop offers authentic strands and you can string your own during the hands-on segment of the tour.

Is it suitable for children?
Absolutely—kids love the bright colors and interactive bead-stringing; strollers navigate easily, though watch for workshop clutter.

Final Thoughts

A visit to Mardi Gras World is a rare chance to step inside New Orleans’s Carnival magic where creativity meets community tradition. From the hiss of welding torches to the swirl of sequins, each tour reveals the passion and craftsmanship behind the city’s most beloved celebration—leaving you with sparkling memories and perhaps a strand or two of beads to treasure.

Things To Do near Mardi Gras World

Enjoy a Mississippi River cruise

The Distance from Mardi Gras World to Enjoy a Mississippi River cruise is 1.9 Kilometer(s) / 1.2 Mile(s)

Preservation Hall for Jazz

The Distance from Mardi Gras World to Preservation Hall for Jazz is 2.4 Kilometer(s) / 1.5 Mile(s)

Bourbon Street

The Distance from Mardi Gras World to Bourbon Street is 2.9 Kilometer(s) / 1.8 Mile(s)

Jackson Square

The Distance from Mardi Gras World to Jackson Square is 3.1 Kilometer(s) / 1.9 Mile(s)

St. Louis Cathedral

The Distance from Mardi Gras World to St. Louis Cathedral is 3.1 Kilometer(s) / 1.9 Mile(s)

Historic Voodoo Museum

The Distance from Mardi Gras World to Historic Voodoo Museum is 3.4 Kilometer(s) / 2.1 Mile(s)

Garden District

The Distance from Mardi Gras World to Garden District is 3.5 Kilometer(s) / 2.2 Mile(s)

Louis Armstrong Park

The Distance from Mardi Gras World to Louis Armstrong Park is 4.3 Kilometer(s) / 2.7 Mile(s)

Audubon Zoo

The Distance from Mardi Gras World to Audubon Zoo is 10.1 Kilometer(s) / 6.3 Mile(s)

📘 New Orleans Visitors Travel Information

Time Zone: New Orleans operates on Central Standard Time (CST), which is UTC -6. During Daylight Saving Time, it shifts to Central Daylight Time (CDT), UTC -5.

Weather: New Orleans has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Summer temperatures often exceed 32°C (90°F), with frequent thunderstorms. Winters are short and mild, with average highs around 16°C to 20°C (61°F to 68°F).

Population: New Orleans has a population of approximately 375,000 people, with over 1.2 million in the greater metropolitan area. It is the largest city in the state of Louisiana and a cultural hub of the American South.

Size: New Orleans spans roughly 906 square kilometers (350 square miles), including significant areas of water and wetlands. It lies along the Mississippi River, near the Gulf of Mexico.

Language: English is the primary language spoken in New Orleans. Due to its multicultural history, French, Spanish, and Louisiana Creole influences are evident in place names, cuisine, and traditions.

Currency: The official currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, including at restaurants, bars, and music venues.

Safety: New Orleans is generally safe for visitors, especially in well-trafficked areas like the French Quarter. However, some neighborhoods have higher crime rates, and standard precautions are advised—especially at night.

Tipping: Tipping is customary in New Orleans. A 15–20% tip is standard in restaurants. Tips are also expected for musicians, hotel staff, bartenders, and taxi or rideshare drivers.

Electricity and Plugs: The United States uses 120V electricity at 60Hz. Plug types A and B are standard. Visitors from other regions may need adapters and voltage converters.

Water: Tap water in New Orleans is safe to drink. The water is sourced from the Mississippi River and undergoes rigorous treatment to meet EPA standards.

Annual Visitors: New Orleans attracts over 19 million visitors annually. Major draws include Mardi Gras, Jazz Fest, historic architecture, live music, and world-famous Creole and Cajun cuisine.

Visa Requirements: Most international visitors must comply with U.S. visa requirements or use the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). A valid passport is required for all non-citizens.

Health & Vaccinations: No special vaccinations are required to visit New Orleans. Routine vaccinations such as flu, tetanus, and COVID-19 are recommended, particularly during crowded events like Mardi Gras.

Transportation: New Orleans has a modest public transportation system, including streetcars and buses operated by the RTA. Many tourists walk or use taxis, rideshares, and bike rentals.

Food: New Orleans is famous for its food, including gumbo, jambalaya, crawfish étouffée, beignets, po’boys, and muffulettas. The city is a global destination for Creole and Cajun cuisine.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms: New Orleans is known for its hospitality, relaxed atmosphere, and celebration of cultural diversity. Politeness, friendliness, and a love for music and food are deeply embedded in local culture.

Telecommunications & Connectivity: Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, restaurants, and public areas. Mobile coverage is strong, and local SIM cards are available from major U.S. carriers.

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is recommended for visitors to New Orleans. It can cover medical care, which can be expensive for non-residents, as well as delays or losses during major events or weather-related disruptions.

Did You Know? - Facts About Mardi Gras World

Mardi Gras World is open year-round, giving visitors the opportunity to see artists at work and get a glimpse of the creativity and effort that goes into New Orleans’ biggest celebration.

The facility covers more than 300,000 square feet and is home to a workshop where artists and craftsmen create the colorful, larger-than-life floats that are a hallmark of Mardi Gras.

Mardi Gras World is where many of the extravagant floats for New Orleans’ famous Mardi Gras parades are designed, built, and stored, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the festival.

Visitors to Mardi Gras World can take guided tours that showcase the history and traditions of Mardi Gras, from its roots in medieval Europe to its evolution in New Orleans.

The facility houses floats from various Mardi Gras krewes (social organizations), each with its own unique themes and designs, many of which are used year after year.