Mardi Gras World

Mardi Gras World is a working float-making warehouse at 1380 Port of New Orleans Place, where you can see parade floats, props and sculptures up close. A tour explains how the designs are made and shares the history of Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Artists may be at work during your visit, giving you a glimpse of the building process. The visit also includes a film and a slice of king cake, with a free shuttle available from nearby hotels.

Inside the float-making warehouse

Mardi Gras World is both a visitor attraction and a working space for Mardi Gras float production. Its warehouse holds parade floats, large sculptures and props, including pieces from past celebrations. Walking among them gives you a close look at the scale of the designs and the craft behind the parade displays.

The work involves artists designing, carving and painting sculptures for floats. If construction is underway during your visit, you may see artists working on new pieces. The warehouse setting puts the finished creations and the process of making them side by side.

What happens on a visit

A visit can include a film, a slice of king cake and a tour through the float and production areas. Guides explain how the floats are made and share stories about Mardi Gras and its parade traditions. Self-guided visits are also described, giving you more freedom to move through the displays at your own pace.

The attraction is at 1380 Port of New Orleans Place. A free shuttle runs from nearby hotels, which can save you the walk to the port area. Plan for about an hour and for most of that time to be spent on foot among the displays.