Hotels near Mardi Gras World

Mardi Gras World is the working warehouse of Kern Studios, the family firm that has been building carnival floats since 1947 and produces most of the figures that roll in the major parades. The tour takes you across the sculpting and painting floor while artists are mid-project, past 30-foot papier-mache heads in various states of completion and racks of moulds going back generations.

It is the only dependable way to see Mardi Gras up close outside the two weeks of the season itself. Tours run roughly every half hour, last about an hour, include a slice of king cake and a look at the costume racks, and cost around USD 22 for adults. A free shuttle collects from several points in the French Quarter and the Central Business District.

Pro Tip: Book the first tour of the day at 9:30am. The artists are on the floor then and you see actual work happening. By mid-afternoon most of the studio has clocked off and you are walking through a quiet warehouse.