Mardi Gras World: A Family Winner on the West Bank of New Orleans

So what did they win? Well, Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World, right here on the West Bank of New Orleans, is a 2008 Nick Parent's Pick for one of the Best Museums for Teens.

Located in Algiers Point, just across the river from downtown New Orleans, Mardi Gras World offers a behind the scenes look at the creation of the beautiful floats that roll through the city during Carnival. Tours are offered daily for both individuals and groups (reservations are required for groups of 10 or more) and include free king cake and coffee for everyone, a movie about the history of Mardi Gras and float building along with a tour of one the most interesting, art filled warehouses in the city.

Besides being the site of float building, Mardi Gras World is also a wonderful place to hold a uniquely New Orleans birthday party, with mask making, costumes to try on and a tour before blowing out the candles on the cake. It has been the venue of choice for many Carnival Krewe Balls, local banquets and dances and the staff puts on an annual 4th of July party before the fireworks display on the river.

I recently attended the Old Algiers Annual Reunion Dance and had a chance to wander through the work area for my own little private tour even though the artists were off duty for the night.

Mardi Gras World

If you are visiting New Orleans, Mardi Gras World is a quick ferry ride from Canal Street and shuttle service is available from the ferry landing. For admission information or to book a group tour, visit the Mardi Gras World website and welcome to the West Bank!

When buying or selling a home on the West Bank of New Orleans or relocating to the New Orleans West Bank, you deserve local expertise and advice. Lisa Heindel provides full time, professional real estate services to buyers, sellers and military transferees in Algiers, Algiers Point, Belle Chasse, Gretna, Terrytown, Harvey, Marrero, Westwego and more.

Here's the disclaimer part: The opinions expressed here are strictly those of the author, but you are free to share yours in the comments. All information is deemed reliable but not guaranteed.

Posted Tuesday Jul 15

(07/15/08 09:56AM) — Audrey June-Forshey, GRI, Gaithersburg, MD

What a cool place. You know, I have never been to New Orleans and this just made me think the next time I am going to plan a trip across country, I am going to go to the Localism section of AR and find all the neat insider stuff before I go. I think there is a post in there somewhere?

What a fun place to have a birthday party , or party in general.

(07/15/08 10:38AM) — Camarillo CA Real Estate Agent/ Mana Tulberg

I need to make a trip to New Orleans one of these days. Your Localism posts really make a good tour guide.

(07/15/08 11:36PM) — Carole Provenzale Owner, Feng Shui Long Island & New York

Lisa, Mu daughter would have loved this....a true artist and works in many medias. I would have enjoyed it myself, I love all art as well! You certainly have a facinating place to live in!

(07/16/08 12:22PM) — Lisa Heindel, New Orleans West Bank Real Estate

Audrey, our Carnival Krewe has held our ball there for the last 3 years and it's a wonderful venue with the floats as a backdrop. I've also been to birthday parties there and the kids love it!

Mana, I'm ready when you are!

Carole, thank you. It would be a great place for an artist to visit to see how they take a concept and shape it with wire and paper mache into a work of art.

(07/16/08 10:21PM) — Mesa, Arizona Real Estate *** Teri Ellis, Broker, ABR,CRS,GRI,ePRO,MRE

Wow Lisa, this looks so kewl. I've never been to the Mardi Gras! My hubby has, and thought it was cool. I love your localism posts...they are so good.....;-)

(07/17/08 05:56PM) — Terrie Leighton

My daughter would think this place very cool for a bday party as well. And ditto to the above, your localism posts are the bomb!! Have a great weekend.

(07/17/08 06:10PM) — Lisa Heindel, New Orleans West Bank Real Estate

Teri, never been to Mardi Gras? We need to remedy that quickly :)

Terrie, thank you! I hope your weekend is fabulous too!!