Flashy colors! Life-like imagery! Larger than life! If you ever wondered how the beautiful creations known as a Mardi Gras float comes to life, then Mardi Gras World in New Orleans is the place to go! This massive warehouse is one of the many places where art imitates life, and the biggest and best ideas are created for the multiple Mardi Gras parades around New Orleans. Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World gives you an up close and personal tour explaining from start to finish how Mardi Gras floats start out as an idea on paper and developed into what we see gliding down the streets of New Orleans.
When my sister and I first arrived at the location, I wasn’t for sure the $22 adult admission for the tour was going to be worth it. Being as it was a large warehouse located near the port where tourist cruises set sail, I really was not impressed…at first! As we walked into the door, we were met with a long corridor (it seemed long anyway) with black curtains on each side making us feel as if we were about to enter into a large arena for a concert or show. The long corridor ended with us being met with glass doors to a gift shop and a large display sign up above reading “Mardi Gras World”. Inside the gift shop were your typical trinkets, t-shirts, etc., but also various props from the floats. Perfect photo opportunities while you wait for the tour to start.
The tour starts in a theater room. A short video, about 20-25 minutes, gives information on the history of Mardi Gras, the various parade krewes and Mardi Gras World. One of my favorite parts is after the video you get to taste test King Cake! I thought it was just the right of sweet and pretty colorful. I likened it to a really good birthday cake. I quickly ate it and forgot to take a picture. (Don’t judge me! Lol)
The tour moves over to a huge warehouse where the tour guide gives information on how the parade floats are made from start to finish. You are able to see new floats in the making, old floats being refurbished, and some just waiting to be reused. It all starts with an idea and the artists, sculptors and creatives bring it to life! I think it is a great place to take your kids for career inspiration. Go check it out and tell me about your experience!
Disclaimer: I, Artilya Key, also known as A. Key (A Key To Adventure), am not affiliated with any of the links, places or sites mentioned in this blog nor did I receive any compensation for this post. Should you need more information, please refer to the linked information or contact the company or entities. Any copywritten information belongs to that entity and is not associated with A Key To Adventure.
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