ABOUT US
Owner and Curator Carl Mack
Welcome to The Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture!
The Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture features the private collection of Carl Mack, an accomplished performer known as The Xylophone Man, an entertainment provider, costumer and the Owner of Carl Mack Presents.
The collection, accumulated by Carl Mack over many years, shows his love and dedication to the fanfare and whimsy that makes Mardi Gras such a special event.
The Mardi Gras Museum is a Contemporary celebration with it’s finger on the pulse of the vast array of grassroots traditions of Mardi Gras revelers, Walking Clubs, Mardi Gras Indians, Cajun Mardi Gras, Buskers and Street Performers, Kings and Queens,and pageant masquerade balls, as well as the creativity and craftsmanship that goes into the creation of these fantastic costumes!
MARDI GRAS MUSEUM
Curated by Director Helen del Guidice, the Mardi Gras Museum of Costumes and Culture features an amazing array of Carnival costumes from New Orleans entertainment producer and costume impresario Carl Mack’s private collection, showcasing the rich history of costuming in New Orleans and the variety of ways in which revelers participate in the celebration of Mardi Gras and the Carnival season.
On exhibit are the regalia of Mardi Gras Kings and Queens, elaborately feathered and beaded Mardi Gras Indian suits and Social Aid and Pleasure Club attire, as well as costumes from Carnival Krewe Tableau balls, Cajun Mardi Gras riders, neighborhood walking parades and more.
Walk through the museum for a taste of the amazing and serendipitous creativity that make up the fantastic celebration that is Mardi Gras. Dress up in authentic Mardi Gras costumes and take pictures in our interactive Costume Closet!
The Mardi Gras Museum is also home to a gallery featuring four exhibits throughout the year, currently on exhibit are the works of local photographer Carlos Gonzalez.
The museum also hosts various special events throughout the year.
