Mobile Carnival Museum
Mobile Carnival Museum
4.5
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
About
This museum documents Mobile's long affair with the winter carnival.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingAdmission tickets
from
£6.56
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Mobile Carnival Museum and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
134 within 3 miles
Attractions
90 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- critter2000298 contributionsGreat learning experienceUpon entering, the staff was very friendly and welcoming. We watched a mall film to start our tour and then a gentleman guided us around the museum with loads of information about the history of the museum but mostly Madi Gras. He seemed to be an expert on the subject, which was good for us because we knew very little about it. There were loads of items for people to see. I would totally recommend this attraction if in the area.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 November 2023
- cflumBonita Springs, Florida340 contributionsNot to be missed!Unbelievably fantastic! This small museum dedicated to Mardi Gras in Mobile blew us away. We didn’t even know Mobile has a huge Mardi Gras. They have many of the costumes worn, particularly the kings and queens which take your breath away with their intricate design and beauty. You have the choice of doing a self-guided tour or a docent tour. We had a docent give the two of us our own private tour which added greatly to our experience. I would make this a must visit, even if you are in Mobile for half a dayVisited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 December 2023
- dpandlisaTennessee100 contributionsIt’s What’s Inside that CountsThe tour begins with an eight-minute film showing in the history of Carnaval in Mobile Alabama. it literally made me want to come back at that time next year. Then you are off a self-guided tour up and down three floors with many rooms of some of the most spectacular costumes you have ever seen. We didn’t have a lot of time unfortunately, but it was well worth it. We had a AAA discount that meant the tickets only cost $24 for four adults.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 4 March 2024
- DevineonePort Stanley, Canada68 contributionsBetter than expectedWe did not book a tour. We drove to the site and had a guided tour by a docent. The lady did a wonderful job. She had personal experience as she had been an attendant in an earlier Mardi Gras. The number of displays mostly costumes, was overwhelming. The prices in the gift shop were reasonable, and the price of admission was also reasonable.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 March 2024
- Kirsten SGouverneur, New York35 contributionsHidden gemWe visit this museum every time we are in Mobile. We really enjoy looking at all of the Mardi Gras costumes especially the elaborate outfits created for the Mardi Gras royalty. There is a short film that tells you about the history of Mardi Gras in Mobile then you procede on a self guided tour. We have always visited during the week so it has never been crowded.Thank you for making the museum a stop on your visits. Please try a guided tour on your next visit for a more immersion into our Mardi Gras celebration.Written 19 August 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 4 August 2024
- teo t1 contributionBrilliant museumMe and two friends visited from England - Theo, Max, and Blumpo (Tom really, but we call him Blumpo for fun). This is a very interesting and educational museum and we were given a guided tour by Cille who was absolutely lovely and a joy to be around. Thank you Cille and all the staff at the Mobile Carnival Museum. Theo, Max, and BlumpoSo glad your trio could visit. Thank you for your review and kind words for our docent, Cille.Written 19 August 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited August 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 12 August 2024
- AlexJ262Mossbank, United Kingdom1,447 contributionsAn Interesting FindA very interesting small museum that's well worth visiting when in Mobile. No line to enter and the staff member was very pleasant and helpful. The film at the start is particularly good. I learn a lot about Mardi Gras from my short visit.Visited August 2024Travelled soloWritten 28 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
595 reviews
Excellent
431
Very good
130
Average
31
Poor
1
Terrible
2
SpringHillMary
Spring Hill, TN110 contributions
Jan 2021
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 27 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kfelgran
Boston, MA39 contributions
Dec 2019 • Solo
Everyone told me I shouldn’t miss this and I’m so glad I took their advice. Located in a historic mansion, I was astounded by the gorgeous display of Mardi Gras costumes, sumptuous and elegant. Our tour was led by an expert on the history of this carnival which predated the New Orleans extravaganza by 15 years. He was a hoot, high energy and very, very funny while sharing his immense knowledge. I had expected this museum to be a bit tacky, but it was charming and elegant in every way.
Written 9 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nylady21
Philadelphia, PA678 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
The collection of robes and gowns for the Mardi Gras royalty showcases the incredible workmanship and dedication to design of the people of Mobile. I was just amazed at the intricate designs and extensive work. I learned so much about the history of the mystic societies, the balls and the parades. Definitely worth a visit in downtown Mobile!
Written 20 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marybeth S
Williamsport, MD54 contributions
Sept 2020 • 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 10 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shamrockarse
Greenville, OH530 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
The lady who explained the self tour and did admission as well as the gift shop, was awesome and so helpful. You use your smart phone to hear the explanation of the various displays if you wished. We didn’t, but enjoyed them immensely. Beautiful is an understatement. The museum has free parking and they told us to leave our motorcycle parked there and visit other recommendations and eat lunch while parked there. This museum was one of the best. I highly recommend. My granddaughter would also love all the sparkle and glitter. The gift shop had reasonable priced things too.
Written 2 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ken7821
Nashville, TN69 contributions
Nov 2021
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 14 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David D
2 contributions
Aug 2021 • 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 27 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Meowy
Montgomery, AL520 contributions
Jul 2021
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 9 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CharlieV2011
Chicago, IL2,318 contributions
Mar 2021 • 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 24 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julia M
1 contribution
Dec 2020
When my husband, two girls (16 and 13), and I went to the Mardi Gras Museum while visiting Mobile for the day while vacationing in Alabama, we learned so much about the history of Mardi Gras (which I always only associated with New Orleans). Seeing the attire the kings and queens wear for this special event, seeing some of the floats, and viewing the beautiful house in which the museum resides were all quite memorable experiences. When we completed the tour, we asked Toni in the gift shop for some recommendations of things to do nearby. She quickly returned with a local map and started highlighting points of interest activities. While she was assisting me, Craig Roberts was providing my husband with a bit of Mobile history as well as the history of Mardi Gras. When he found out that Toni had suggested we see the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, he quickly offered to walk us there. As we were walking, he continued enlightening us with tidbits of information of this amazing city. When we arrived at the Cathedral, he provided us a tour of this beautiful and breathtaking Basilica. After some time in this stunning and historical building of Mobile, he suggested several others places within walking distance. He also suggested viewing the Christmas lights at Bellingrath Gardens and Home which we did that evening. Overall, it was a pleasure visiting the Mardi Gras Museum, just not to see the artifacts, but to learn so much about the town from Craig Roberts. He went above and beyond!! Thank you for making our day trip to Mobile so enjoyable!! Unfortunately, we were unable to visit the seafood restaurant that he suggested. Next time! Great tour guide!!
Written 6 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How long does a self-guided tour usually take?
Written 17 June 2020
Can I bring my small emotional support dog?
Written 21 March 2018
I have no idea, but I'm assuming so. I'd call them directly.
Written 22 March 2018
I used to come to this place years ago when I was a kid..was it the same or another kind of museum with old cars and old weapons..does it still have those things?
Written 22 January 2017
The location of the Mobile Carnival Museum used to be the Mobile History Museum and it housed the displays you describe. In 2005 that museum moved to a larger space on Royal Street and it is now known as the History Museum of Mobile. Their exhibits are rotated so you should call them to find out what is currently being featured. The Mobile Carnival Museum highlights the history of Mardi Gras in Mobile.
Written 23 January 2017
is it wheel chair accessible ?
Written 12 October 2016
How much does it cost for adults, children, seniors, etc.?
Written 19 September 2015
Hi! We went on saturday, July 25th and it was $5.00 for
me and my daughter and only $2.00 for my granddaughter.
This is very reasonable and worth the price. I think they
said they just had the one price for adults.
Written 21 September 2015
Showing results 1-6 of 6
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing