Processed F3C80982 C13A 4512 A19A 1Ef16Abe5A72 Edited Alabama, Mardi Gras, Mobile, Mobile Carnival, Mobile History, Mobile Museum, Original Mardi Gras — The front of Mobile Carnival Museum faces Government Street downtown. (Ella Walton / The Bama Buzz)

While it’s a common misconception that Mardi Gras originated in New Orleans, Alabamians take pride in the fact that its true birthplace is Mobile’s first settlement.

What French pioneers began in 1703 has become a vital part of Mobile’s history—one that is celebrated at The Mobile Carnival Museum.

Keep reading to learn more about this museum rich with Mobile’s Mardi Gras culture!

The history

Processed Cbbc1F34 Cd44 4E59 9E69 1C0D6C92Eec4 Alabama, Mardi Gras, Mobile, Mobile Carnival, Mobile History, Mobile Museum, Original Mardi Gras — The “More Than Time” exhibit showcases a 1948 Father Time costume. (Ella Walton / The Bama Buzz)

In 2005, the Mobile Carnival Association opened the Mobile Carnival Museum within the historic Bernstein-Bush mansion.

It was made possible by local historians, artists, lawyers, businessmen, architects, contractors and seamstresses who volunteered to bring the museum to life.

The museum features:

14 gallery rooms
A pictorial hallway
A theatre space
A social gathering den + a venue available for rent
A boutique gift shop run by Toomey’s

Processed D72C7B6B 6C51 4036 B412 E9Afcfbab374 Edited Alabama, Mardi Gras, Mobile, Mobile Carnival, Mobile History, Mobile Museum, Original Mardi Gras — The original float and costume designs from the fiftieth anniversary of “The Mystics of Time” is featured on a gallery wall. (Ella Walton / The Bama Buzz)

The museum honors mystic societies and how they represent a large part of Mobile’s culture.

Within the museum, guests will find interesting artifacts, Carnival regalia, original copies of float + costume designs, artwork, lithographs and much more.

“The museum’s interpretation is four-fold: Carnival as an art form, an economic engine, a good time, a family affair.”

Cart Blackwell, curator of the Mobile Carnival Museum

Current exhibit: Carnival + War

Processed 8E90Cb50 76C4 415C 939F 80Aeae5F784D Alabama, Mardi Gras, Mobile, Mobile Carnival, Mobile History, Mobile Museum, Original Mardi Gras — The museum’s newest exhibit showcases artifacts from the Civil War. (Ella Walton / The Bama Buzz)

The exhibits change frequently, allowing visitors to return for new viewing experiences.

This season, the focus is centered around Mardi Gras during times of armed conflict, from the Mexican-American War to the Vietnam War.

“We change our exhibits throughout the year—nothing stays the same. We celebrate Carnival in all manner of ways.”

Cart Blackwell, curator of the Mobile Carnival Museum

The Carnival + War exhibit features:

Documents
Paintings
Photographs
Uniforms
Publications

Carnival Regalia

Processed 305151C4 F18B 4C73 925B 514Da0862Fbd Alabama, Mardi Gras, Mobile, Mobile Carnival, Mobile History, Mobile Museum, Original Mardi Gras — A gallery room holds Carnival Regalia from past Carnivals. (Ella Walton / The Bama Buzz)

The museum’s main components are the Carnival monarch trains.

With medieval and Renaissance tapestries, they each parade one or multiple narratives.

“The bulk of Carnival regalia across the world is made here, in Mobile, at Dynasty Collections — every single one of the trains. We have the world’s largest collection; it is locally designed and made.”

Cart Blackwell, curator of the Mobile Carnival Museum

Processed 2F1A98C7 D1A0 4B5B 8D39 233C63A09F82 Alabama, Mardi Gras, Mobile, Mobile Carnival, Mobile History, Mobile Museum, Original Mardi Gras — Jewelry, crowns + scepters are showcased at the museum. (Ella Walton / The Bama Buzz)

Location: 355 Government St., Mobile, AL 36602
Hours: Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, 9AM–4PM
Admission:
- General: $8
- Student tours + children (12 & under), $3
- Military, students with ID, AAA, AARP, $6
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