At a glance
Mardi Gras World is a tourist attraction at 1380 Port of New Orleans Pl, New Orleans, LA 70130, USA. Google reviewers rate it 4.4 out of 5 across 5,451 reviews. It's open every day, 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM. To book or check ahead, call +1 504-361-7821 or see mardigrasworld.com.
About Mardi Gras World
Mardi Gras World is the working float den of Kern Studios on the New Orleans riverfront, where floats for big parades are designed, sculpted and painted year-round. It is a workshop, not a traditional museum, so you walk among finished floats, giant props and works in progress.
The tour lasts about an hour. It opens with a 15-minute film on the history of Mardi Gras and a slice of king cake, then a guide leads you through the studio. Sculptors, carpenters and painters work nearby, and a robotic carving arm called Pixie shapes tall figures out of foam. You can also try on costumes and take photos with oversized props.
Kern Studios dates to 1932, when Blaine Kern and his father, Roy, built their first float on a garbage wagon. Mardi Gras World has opened the studio to the public since 1984. On a Mardi Gras 2027 trip, it makes a good midday stop between parades. If you are bringing children, see our guide to Mardi Gras with kids.
Tips
- Book tickets online for your date and time. Reserving ahead guarantees your spot on a busy day.
- Mardi Gras Day (Feb. 9, 2027) is a closure day, so plan your visit for another day, such as Feb. 6 to 8.
- Check the official site for parade-weekend hours and shuttle status before you go.
- Arrive before the last admission at 4:30 pm, since the studio closes at 5:30 pm.
- Wear comfortable shoes for the walk across the studio floor.
Good to know
- Open 7 days a week, 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. First admission is 9:30 am and last is 4:30 pm.
- Tours leave every 30 minutes and last about one hour, including the film and king cake.
- Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and Mardi Gras Day.
- Current ticket prices are listed at online checkout. Groups of 20 or more get special rates.
- Parking is available in Lot G for a fee.
Getting there
The address is 1380 Port of New Orleans Pl., at the foot of Henderson St. on the south end of the Convention Center. Parking is in Lot G for a fee. A free downtown shuttle exists, but the site currently says it is unavailable, so check first.
Best time to go
Go in the morning or early afternoon on Feb. 6 to 8, 2027, before the parades. Tours depart every 30 minutes from 9:30 am, and booking ahead helps on busy days..
Plan about 1.5 hours here, and check the hours before you go.
