The Mobile Carnival Museum highlights the history of Mardi Gras in Mobile, Alabama, the birthplace of Mardi Gras in America. It captures the origins of the festival with an absolutely fantastic collection. The museum includes quite a few very elaborate costumes and gowns, noted for their regal detail, bead and gem work. Visitors can see a float, pictures, and historical documentation across three centuries. The museum offers 14 galleries and 5 video presentations, with a short video and some background music. Guided tours are given at specific times based on docent availability. An audio tour is available but is described as lacking. The people at the museum are very nice and the collection is very well organized. Admission is very reasonable. The kind of museum that knows how to party, it is a wonderful place to see the factual history and pageantry. The store includes lots of things, including every moon pie flavor.
I could of spent hours in this place! Very informational and fun
January 2026
Good place to learn about the history of Mardi Gras. And it was first started in Mobile not New Orleans like most people think.
January 2026
I wasn't expecting to like this museum as much as I did. Mobile has a rich history of Mardi Gras celebrations and this museum includes quite a few very elaborate costumes, a float, pictures, a short video and some music in the background. The price is also very reasonable. Plan on 45 minutes.
