New Orleans · Open 7 days a week, year-round
Mardi Gras World Tours in New Orleans
Step inside the working float den where Kern Studios builds the floats for New Orleans’ biggest parades. One hour, real artists at work, larger-than-life props — and a slice of authentic king cake.
Tours depart every 30 minutes • First admission 9:30 am, last admission 4:30 pm • Free downtown shuttle
1-Hour Guided Tour
A local guide walks you through a real working float studio — not a museum.
Departs Every 30 Minutes
Open 7 days a week. First admission 9:30 am, last admission 4:30 pm.
King Cake Included
Every tour begins with a slice of authentic New Orleans king cake.
Free Downtown Shuttle
Complimentary rides from 10 pick-up points around downtown New Orleans.
In short: The Mardi Gras World tour is a one-hour guided walk through Kern Studios’ working float den at 1380 Port of New Orleans Place in New Orleans, where the floats for the city’s biggest Mardi Gras parades are built. It includes a 15-minute film on Mardi Gras history, a guided walk past parade floats and props with artists working on site, and a slice of authentic king cake. Tours run every 30 minutes, seven days a week, with first admission at 9:30 am and last admission at 4:30 pm. Tickets are sold online, and a free shuttle picks guests up from 10 downtown locations.
Inside the tour
What You’ll See Inside the Float Den
Mardi Gras World isn’t a museum — it’s Kern Studios’ working warehouse on the New Orleans riverfront, where floats for Rex, Zulu and the city’s biggest super krewes are designed, sculpted and painted year-round. Your guide takes you right onto the studio floor.
Parade-Ready Floats
Walk beneath finished floats and giant figures built for some of New Orleans’ most famous parades.
Artists at Work
Sculptors, carpenters and painters build next season’s parade a few feet away from you.
Props, Foam & Robots
Meet Pixie, the robotic carving arm that shapes towering figures out of solid blocks of foam.
Costumes & Photo Ops
Try on Mardi Gras costumes and grab photos with props that dwarf everyone standing next to them.
Plan your visit
How the Mardi Gras World Tour Works
Step 01
Book your tickets online
Pick your date and time on our secure checkout. Reserving ahead guarantees your spot on a busy day.
Step 02
Get to the riverfront
We’re at 1380 Port of New Orleans Place, at the south end of the Convention Center. Call 504-361-7821 for a free shuttle.
Step 03
Watch the 15-minute film
A short film on the real history and traditions of Mardi Gras — the context that makes the studio make sense.
Step 04
Tour the den + king cake
Your guide walks you through the float den, then you finish with a slice of authentic king cake.
Ready to See Where Mardi Gras Is Made?
Tours run every 30 minutes, seven days a week. Book online for individuals, families and groups — it takes about two minutes.
Hours, tickets & directions
Everything You Need to Plan Your Tour
Hours of Operation
Open 7 days a week, 9:00 am – 5:30 pm.
First tour admission: 9:30 am
Last tour admission: 4:30 pm
Tours depart every 30 minutes.
Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and Mardi Gras Day.
Getting Here
1380 Port of New Orleans Place
New Orleans, LA 70130
We’re located at the foot of Henderson St., on the south end of the Convention Center. Free shuttle from 10 downtown pick-up points — call 504-361-7821. Parking is available in Lot G for a fee.
Groups of 20 or More
Special group rates are available for parties of 20+ with a reservation. Groups of 20–75 can book through our online checkout; larger groups work directly with our group sales team.
Please note the free shuttle is not available for group tours.
Reviews
One of the Most Loved Tours in New Orleans
★★★★★
This tour took me by surprise in a good way. To learn the history, see some of the artists and their work up close, and everything that goes into the making of the floats was amazing.
Maritza
TripAdvisor
★★★★★
As soon as we stepped inside, we were blown away, and the best was yet to come… You will not be disappointed.
Barbara J.
Google Reviews
★★★★★
Although I didn’t get to experience the carnival myself, I enjoyed this tour as it gave me a taste of it.
Aya C.
Yelp
As seen on
Bringing a crowd?
Group Tours & Team Building in New Orleans
Field trips, family reunions, conferences, tour operators and corporate offsites all work here — and you can add a hands-on workshop to any group tour.
Group Tours (20+)
Reserved group rates for parties of 20 or more, with online booking for groups up to 75 and a dedicated sales team for anything larger.
Team Building Workshops
Add a mask-making, mini float build or New Orleans mixology class to turn an hour-long tour into a half-day team experience.
Frequently asked questions
Mardi Gras World Tour FAQs
How long is the Mardi Gras World tour?
The tour lasts about one hour. It starts with a 15-minute film on the history and traditions of Mardi Gras, followed by a guided walk through the Kern Studios float den with a slice of king cake.
How much do Mardi Gras World tickets cost?
Current ticket prices for adults, seniors, students and children are shown on our online checkout, along with live availability for every tour time. Groups of 20 or more qualify for discounted group rates.
What time do tours start?
Mardi Gras World is open 7 days a week from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. The first tour admission is at 9:30 am and the last admission is at 4:30 pm, with tours departing every 30 minutes.
Do I need to book Mardi Gras World tickets in advance?
Booking online in advance is recommended, especially during Carnival season, spring break and convention weeks. Reserving ahead locks in your tour time so you are not waiting for the next available departure.
Where is Mardi Gras World located?
Mardi Gras World is at 1380 Port of New Orleans Place, New Orleans, LA 70130, in the Central Business District at the foot of Henderson Street on the south end of the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
Is there a free shuttle to Mardi Gras World?
Yes. Mardi Gras World runs a complimentary shuttle for day-tour guests with 10 central pick-up points downtown. There are no prearranged pickups — call 504-361-7821 when you reach a designated stop. Pickups run from 9:15 am to 3:45 pm, and the last shuttle leaves Mardi Gras World at 5:15 pm. The shuttle is not available for group tours.
Is parking available?
The closest lot is Convention Center Lot G at 355 Henderson St., which charges a fee of $23. Lot G is owned and operated by the convention center and can close for events without notice, so the free shuttle or a rideshare is often easier.
Is king cake included with the tour?
Yes — every tour includes a slice of authentic New Orleans king cake, a traditional Carnival dessert.
Is Mardi Gras World good for kids?
Yes. The float den is a favourite with families and school groups: the figures are enormous, there are costumes to try on and photo opportunities throughout the warehouse. The one-hour format works well for shorter attention spans.
When is Mardi Gras World closed?
Mardi Gras World is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and Mardi Gras Day. Every other day of the year we are open from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm.
Can I visit Mardi Gras World outside of Carnival season?
Absolutely — that is the point. Kern Studios builds floats all year, so a tour in July shows you next season’s parade being sculpted and painted. Mardi Gras World is open year-round, seven days a week.
Buy Mardi Gras World Tickets
Open 7 days a week, year-round. Tours every 30 minutes from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm — pick your time and check out in about two minutes.
1380 Port of New Orleans Place, New Orleans, LA 70130 • Free shuttle: 504-361-7821