Mardi Gras World

Get an inside view into preparations for one of the world’s most famous annual festivals.

Mardi Gras in New Orleans is a way of life, a time when this already energetic city lights up even further with daily parades and festivities. Most cities are content to throw celebrations that run for a few days, but in New Orleans the parade season begins in January and builds up steam until “Fat Tuesday,” the day before Ash Wednesday. At Mardi Gras World, however, the carnival season runs all year round.

Mardi Gras World is a large, warehouse-style building located on the banks of the Mississippi River. It forms part of the studios of Blaine Kern, a celebrated local artist with an internationally recognized flair for creating floats and props.

The working studio grew from humble beginnings. In the 1940s, a young Blaine Kern first publicly demonstrated his artistic skills by painting a mural on a hospital wall as partial payment for his ailing mother’s bills. Spotted by a float captain, he was asked to work on a design for the forthcoming parade. He was soon a hugely sought-after artist, and his visions brought floats to life on a scale never seen before. Today, his designs are no longer limited to carnival floats. His studio is also responsible for some of the props you see at Disneyland, Universal Studios and other major theme parks.

Wander through a fantasyland of floats and props that have made each carnival special. Join the one-hour studio tour which commences every half hour to see master float builders at work and get a behind-the-scenes peek into the technology which brings the floats to life. Tours are included in your admission price. Afterwards, soak up the views of the Mississippi River as it rolls past the Mardi Gras World Café.

Mardi Gras World houses one of the most dazzling “museum archives” in the world and gives visitors insight into this fascinating sub-culture. It's open seven days a week, except major public holidays and Mardi Gras. A free shuttle is provided with ticket purchase with pickups in 20 convenient locations.

Attractions and Neighbourhoods near Mardi Gras World

National World War II Museum

Personal accounts, films and artifacts provide a thorough and informative look at World War II.

Confederate Memorial Hall Museum

One of the oldest museums in Louisiana explores Civil War history via the second-largest collection of Confederate artifacts in the world.

Audubon Aquarium of the Americas

Interesting hands-on learning experiences are just one part of this wonderfully well-equipped aquarium, home to around 15,000 different fascinating creatures.

Audubon Insectarium

Fascinating insects creep, crawl and flutter all around the extensive displays at this living museum, which promises a magical day out for adults and kids alike.

New Orleans

Grab a beignet and a strong coffee—or three—because New Orleans (or NOLA) is known for its non-stop action.

Hotels near Mardi Gras World

Hyatt Place New Orleans Convention Center

881 Convention Center Blvd

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Lower Garden District, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Julia Street Cruise Terminal and Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. National World War II Museum and Harrah's New Orleans Casino are also within 15 minutes. New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is 17 minutes by foot.

Hilton Garden Inn New Orleans Convention Center

1001 S Peters St

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Lower Garden District, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Julia Street Cruise Terminal, and National World War II Museum. Louisiana Children's Museum and The Outlet Collection at Riverwalk are also within 10 minutes. New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is 18 minutes by foot.

Hampton Inn & Suites New Orleans Convention Center

1201 Convention Center Blvd

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Lower Garden District, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Ogden Museum of Southern Art, and Contemporary Arts Center. Port of New Orleans is 0.6 mi (1 km) away. New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is 20 minutes by foot.

Embassy Suites by Hilton New Orleans

315 Julia St

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in New Orleans Central Business District, this hotel is steps from Louisiana Children's Museum and Julia Street Cruise Terminal. National World War II Museum and Harrah's New Orleans Casino are also within 10 minutes. New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is 16 minutes by foot.

Prytania Park Hotel

1525 Prytania St

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Lower Garden District, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Magazine Street, National World War II Museum, and Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Mardi Gras World and Port of New Orleans are also within 1 mi (2 km). New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is 17 minutes by foot.

New Orleans Marriott Warehouse Arts District

859 Convention Center Blvd

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Lower Garden District, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Julia Street Cruise Terminal, Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, and National World War II Museum. Canal Street and Harrah's New Orleans Casino are also within 15 minutes. New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is 18 minutes by foot.

Courtyard by Marriott New Orleans Downtown/Convention Center

300 Julia St

Rated 4.1 / 5 by Guests

Located in New Orleans Central Business District, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Julia Street Cruise Terminal, National World War II Museum, and Harrah's New Orleans Casino. Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and Canal Street are also within 10 minutes. New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is 16 minutes by foot.

SpringHill Suites New Orleans Downtown/Convention Center

301 Saint Joseph St

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Lower Garden District, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Julia Street Cruise Terminal, National World War II Museum, and Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Harrah's New Orleans Casino and Canal Street are also within 15 minutes. New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is 16 minutes by foot.

Historic Streetcar Inn

1509 Saint Charles Avenue

Rated 3.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Faubourg Lafayette, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Magazine Street and National World War II Museum. Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and Mardi Gras World are also within 1 mi (2 km). New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is 15 minutes by foot.

Maison Saint Charles by Hotel RL

1319 Saint Charles Avenue

Situated in the historical district, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Magazine Street, National World War II Museum, and Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Mardi Gras World and Canal Street are also within 1 mi (2 km). New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is 13 minutes by foot.

Club Wyndham Avenue Plaza

2111 Saint Charles Ave

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Faubourg Lafayette, this aparthotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Magazine Street and National World War II Museum. Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and Mardi Gras World are also within 2 mi (3 km). New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is 20 minutes by foot.

Sonesta ES Suites New Orleans Convention Center

345 St Joseph St.

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Lower Garden District, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of National World War II Museum, Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, and Julia Street Cruise Terminal. Harrah's New Orleans Casino and Canal Street are also within 15 minutes. New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is 13 minutes by foot.

Prytania Oaks Hotel

1612 Prytania Street

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Lower Garden District, this historic hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Magazine Street and National World War II Museum. Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and Mardi Gras World are also within 1 mi (2 km). New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is 18 minutes by foot.

St Charles Coach House, Ascend Hotel Collection

2001 Saint Charles Ave

Rated 4.3 / 5 by Guests

Located in Central City, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of National World War II Museum and Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Caesars Superdome and Smoothie King Center are also within 2 mi (3 km). New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is 18 minutes by foot.

Magnolia Mansion

2127 Prytania St

Rated 4.0 / 5 by Guests

Located in Lower Garden District, this historic inn is within 2 mi (3 km) of Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, Mardi Gras World, and Port of New Orleans. Canal Street and Caesars Superdome are also within 2 mi (3 km). New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is 23 minutes by foot.

The Queen Anne Hotel

1625 Prytania St

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

The Green House Inn

1212 Magazine St

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Lower Garden District, this romantic bed & breakfast is within a 10-minute walk of Magazine Street, National World War II Museum, and Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Mardi Gras World and Port of New Orleans are also within 1 mi (2 km). New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is 16 minutes by foot.

Fleur De Lis Mansion

1216 Annunciation Street

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Lower Garden District, this historic bed & breakfast is within a 10-minute walk of Annunciation Square, Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, and Margaret Statue. Coliseum Square and National World War II Museum are also within 10 minutes. New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is 20 minutes by foot.

Fairchild House Bed & Breakfast

1518 Prytania Street

Rated 4.2 / 5 by Guests

Located in Lower Garden District, this bed & breakfast is within a 15-minute walk of Magazine Street, National World War II Museum, and Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Mardi Gras World and Port of New Orleans are also within 1 mi (2 km). New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is 17 minutes by foot.

Jelly Roll Executive Suites

320 Andrew Higgins Drive

Rated 4.4 / 5 by Guests

Located in Lower Garden District, this aparthotel is within a 10-minute walk of Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, National World War II Museum, and Magazine Street. Mardi Gras World and Canal Street are also within 15 minutes. New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is 17 minutes by foot.

Creole Gardens Guesthouse and Inn

1415 Prytania Street, Garden District

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Lower Garden District, this bed & breakfast is within a 10-minute walk of Magazine Street and National World War II Museum. Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and Mardi Gras World are also within 1 mi (2 km). New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is 15 minutes by foot.

Parisian Courtyard Inn

1726 Prytania St.

Rated 4.5 / 5 by Guests

Located in Lower Garden District, this historic bed & breakfast is within a 15-minute walk of Coliseum Square and National World War II Museum. Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and Caesars Superdome are also within 2 mi (3 km). New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is 19 minutes by foot.

The Pontchartrain Hotel

2031 St. Charles Avenue

Rated 4.7 / 5 by Guests

Located in Lower Garden District, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Magazine Street, National World War II Museum, and Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Port of New Orleans and Caesars Superdome are also within 2 mi (3 km). New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal is 20 minutes by foot.