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Mobile Carnival Museum: A Glimpse into Mardi Gras History

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Experience the magic of Mardi Gras at the Mobile Carnival Museum, celebrating centuries of Mobile's vibrant Carnival history and traditions.

The Mobile Carnival Museum chronicles over 300 years of Carnival and Mardi Gras history in Mobile, Alabama, the festival's birthplace in the United States. Housed in the historic Bernstein-Bush mansion, the museum showcases elaborate costumes, crowns, scepters, and the evolution of Mobile's Mardi Gras traditions.

A brief summary to Mobile Carnival Museum

  • Monday 9 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 9 am-4 pm
  • Friday 9 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 9 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Check the museum's website for updated hours and possible closures due to renovations or special events.
  • Take advantage of the free on-site parking, as parking in downtown Mobile can be limited.
  • Consider booking tickets in advance to skip the line, especially during peak season.
  • Join one of the guided tours offered daily to gain deeper insights into the history and traditions of Mobile's Mardi Gras.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Mobile Carnival Museum is located in downtown Mobile at 355 Government Street. It is six blocks from the Mobile Convention Center and two blocks from the Mobile Civic Center. It is within easy walking distance of downtown hotels and restaurants. From the Fort of Colonial Mobile, the museum is about a 15-minute walk. Head west on Church Street toward N Royal Street, then turn right onto N Royal Street. Turn left onto Government Street, and the museum will be on your left.

  • Public Transport

    The Wave Transit System provides public transportation in Mobile. Several bus routes serve the downtown area. Check The Wave Transit System website for the most up-to-date routes and schedules. From the Mobile Transit Center, the museum is about a 10-minute walk. Head east on Government Street, and the museum will be on your right. A single ride fare is $1.25.

  • Ride Share

    Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Mobile. A ride from the Mobile Regional Airport to the museum is approximately 20 minutes and costs around $20-$30. MOB City Rides, a golf cart ride-share service, is also available for $5 per ride.

Discover more about Mobile Carnival Museum

Step into the vibrant world of Mardi Gras at the Mobile Carnival Museum, located in the heart of downtown Mobile. This unique museum, opened in 2005, is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich history of Carnival in Mobile, Alabama, where the first Mardi Gras celebration in the New World took place in 1703. The museum is located in the historic Bernstein-Bush mansion, a building as captivating as the exhibits it holds. Inside, you'll find 14 gallery rooms displaying a dazzling collection of Carnival regalia. Admire the intricate designs of royal robes, crowns, and scepters worn by Carnival monarchs throughout the years. Explore the craftsmanship of float construction and view historical photos dating back to 1886. Exhibits tell the story of how Mobile's Mardi Gras celebration evolved from its early days to the modern tradition it is today. The Queen's Gallery houses elaborate gowns, trains, and jewels worn by Carnival queens. You'll also find original Mardi Gras art and posters, doubloons, tableau designs, and ball invitations. An interactive float exhibit allows visitors to experience what it's like to ride on a Mardi Gras float and throw doubloons. The museum also features a theater and a gift shop. The Mobile Carnival Museum offers guided tours at 9:30 am, 11:00 am, and 1:30 pm. Self-guided tours are also available via a smartphone app.

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