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Alabama (AL)
Mobile
Things to Do in Mobile
Mobile Carnival Museum

Mobile Carnival Museum: Hours, Address, Mobile Carnival Museum Reviews: 4.5/5

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Mobile Carnival Museum

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Mobile Carnival Museum
4.5
578
#6 of 68 things to do in Mobile
Speciality Museums
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9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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About
This museum documents Mobile's long affair with the winter carnival.
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Admission tickets
from $8.21
All you need to step foot in the door.
Full view

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
578 reviews
Excellent
415
Very good
129
Average
31
Poor
1
Terrible
2
SpringHillMary
Spring Hill TN110 contributions
Great intro to Mobile
What a fun introduction to Mobile Mardi Gras, the city where it all began! We had a wonderful guide who was very knowledgeable about the celebration and planning that goes with it. We started in an area with floats and moved through an incredible collection of costumes. Jaw dropping beautiful gowns and trains. It was so fun to learn about everything that goes into this huge city celebration. Based on this single experience, we want to spend a week in Mobile. The architecture of the museum home is most interesting as are those in the other 6 historic districts!! My only regret...I didn't buy enough memorabilia, especially since Mardi Gras is two weeks away.
Written January 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Ken7821
Nashville, TN65 contributions
Wonderful Experience
Amazing tour, we had no idea of all that surrounds Mobile Mardi Gras. This museum showcases the history and pomp of Mobile Mardi Gras from the beginning to the present day. If you go on a Saturday and Craig Roberts is there offering free guided tours-definitely do it! He did an amazing job explaining all the exhibits along with stories and trivia. He did such a great job, the next time we're in Mobile we want to sign up for one of his guided historical tours of Mobile.
Written November 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Forrest H
Memphis, TN277 contributions
Mardi Gras mecca
In Mobile for a long weekend and was looking for local things to do. I always knew that Mardi Gras started in Mobile but like everyone else associated it mainly with New Orleans. In my mind I figured it would be a small, maybe interesting place that would take up an hour or so of our time. Well, let me tell you. It was amazing! First, it is housed in a beautiful old home built over 100 years ago. Just the house itself and architecture is beautiful. On top of it all (and we were lucky) when we purchased tickets the lady told us that if we wanted to wait a few minutes one of the docents was finishing up a tour and "he was pretty good at it".. .. His name is L Craig Roberts and I would say he is a darn good historian on the history of the city itself and of Mardi Gras. Mr Roberts is a total asset to the museum and was a delight (and took extra time with our group since we were small) and gave us an over the top tour. He also has a book (which we purchased) in the gift shop that goes over the full history of Mardi Gras from the beginning. The displays, costumes (if you call them that) the crowns, jewels, etc were amazing. Go go GO! to the museum if you are in the area. Find out why green is not part of the Mardi Gras colors in Mobile like it is in New Orleans and find out what small round treats they throw from the floats by the thousands each year!
Written December 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
NanjoII
Edgerton, WI42 contributions
A Gem of a Museum!
Couples
Exhibits though out this museum are very well done. There’s lithographs of early parades when floats were pulled by horses, an extensive fabric collection of trains, a room dedicated to Mardi Gras artists and designers, photos of past kings and queens, and much more.
We used the self guided tour option using our cell phone and curator Mr. Blackwell answered several of our questions. The gift shop has a good selection of reasonably priced items. Free parking on site.
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
David D
2 contributions
A Must See!
Couples
Absolutely wonderful time at this museum. Craig is a phenomenal guide and one of the best I’ve ever had because of his sincere affection for Mobile. This museum does a terrific job of explaining the history of Carnival in Mobile and explaining how the yearly event is a whole town affair. Really a must see for anyone visiting the city.
Written August 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JRM
24 contributions
What a Fascinating Museum
Stopped here in April 2022 for a fascinating (but also very long and overly detailed tour). The amount of memorabilia is amazing, and the docent definitely knew her stuff. There was probably too much detail, and some of the rooms in the collection became repetitive during the tour. But, overall, we learned a lot about the history of Carnival in Mobile, and we would recommend this to any first-time visitor to Mobile.
Written July 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Meowy
Montgomery, AL469 contributions
Excellent bit of history
Interesting bit of history here. I knew that Mobile was the first carnival in the USA but the tidbits and information that is shared goes beyond that. I showed up when the museum opened and they showed me a movie before the optional tour. I took the tour with the guide and it is worth it. The guides they have are very knowledgeable and you would likely miss a whole lot of info just doing the museum yourself. The staff is super friendly and the place is easy to find with free parking.
Written August 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Marybeth S
McDonough, GA47 contributions
Very interesting
Couples
After coming from New Orleans this museum was very interesting. I learned a lot and loved the different rooms. Workers there was very friendly and knowledgeable and even let us stay parked there to walk around city
Written September 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CharlieV2011
Chicago, IL1,543 contributions
So Much to See!
Solo
Mobile takes Mardi Gras seriously and the time and commitment is obvious in the costumes that are on display! The visit begins with an 8 minute video that explains the beginnings of Mardi Gras. Most exhibits have a number, which you use your mobile phone to access additional information on that particular exhibit. Visitors will see and learn about costumes from times past. The creativity and time devoted to this occasion is amazing. From now on, when I hear anything about Mardi Gras, I will think of Mobile and New Orleans, not just New Orleans! The museum has a small gift shop and friendly staff! I enjoyed my visit!
Written March 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chloe T
Mobile, AL114 contributions
Mobile Must See
Top of my list for places to see for all my Mobile visitors. Lovely, small museum with a great video overview of Mardi Gras, how it began, how it ties into Mobile history and what the fun is all about. Whether you are here for the festivities, or just want to see something unique and interesting, visit this museum. The incredible textile art of the opulent Mardi Gras gowns and trains alone is worth the admission. Knowledgeable docents provide regular tours which are worth your time as well.
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Mobile Carnival Museum
Mobile Carnival Museum is open:
  • Mon - Mon 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Wed - Wed 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Fri - Sat 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
Mobile Carnival Museum can be crowded, so we recommend booking e-tickets ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. See all 2 Mobile Carnival Museum tickets and tours on Tripadvisor
Restaurants near Mobile Carnival Museum: View all restaurants near Mobile Carnival Museum on Tripadvisor