Imagine stepping into a world where the vibrant energy of Mardi Gras never fades. That’s exactly what awaits you at Mardi Gras World.
Mardi Gras World is more than just a tourist attraction. It’s a 300000 square foot working warehouse. Here, the magic of Mardi Gras comes to life year-round.
In 1947, Blaine Kern founded Kern Studios. Kern came from a family of float builders. A surgeon saw a mural by Kern. The surgeon was also a krewe captain. He hired Kern to create floats for the Krewe of Alla.
Kern’s business expanded. He traveled to Europe to learn float-building techniques. Kern gained an international reputation. He built floats for Las Vegas, Mobile, and Montreal. He even made floats for Universal Studios Mardi Gras parade.
Mardi Gras World opened in 1984. It offered visitors a behind-the-scenes look at float building. People wanted a sneak peek of Mardi Gras. The Kerns decided to open up the working studio to the public.
Roy Kern and his son Blaine built their first Mardi Gras float together in 1932. It was on the back of a mule-drawn wagon. Unable to pay his mother’s medical bills, Blaine offered to paint a mural in the hospital. This caught the eye of a surgeon who was also the captain of a Mardi Gras Krewe.
Blaine Kern traveled throughout Europe. He apprenticed under the world’s leading float and costume makers. He brought these ideas to New Orleans. Kern developed the monumental scale and lavish ornamentation of today’s spectacular Mardi Gras floats. Blaine Kern is still known as Mr. Mardi Gras.
You can explore a vast collection of floats from previous years. Sculptors and artists are working on future masterpieces. The air crackles with creativity.
Mardi Gras World has appeared on multiple seasons of Top Chef. The Amazing Race 32 also filmed here.
Mardi Gras World is open seven days a week. The magic never stops.
Mardi Gras World isn’t just a place. It’s an experience. It’s a celebration of art, culture, and the enduring spirit of New Orleans. Step inside. Let the good times roll.