History: Mobile Carnival Museum

Every year in Mobile, Ala. we have our very own holiday. This holiday is known as Mardi Gras.

Mobile is the birthplace of Mardi Gras, with origins in Mobile as early as 1702. Each year the streets of Mobile are filled with people and the sounds of Mardi Gras, and of course the parade floats. Every year the spirit of Mardi Gras is in full swing in downtown Mobile. However, the Mobile Carnival Museum carries the spirit of Mardi Gras all year round.

Mobilians always knew there should be a museum dedicated to Mardi Gras, but it was often viewed as only serving a few people. But, through the efforts of those dedicated to the Mardi Gras industry the museum finally opened in 2005.

The Mobile Carnival Museum not only celebrates Mobile parades, but also its royalty. Featured in the museum is the train worn by Queen Jeanette Goodyear Smith. Many of the items featured in the museum are: robes, crowns and scepters. The robes featured in the museum are the actual robes of the kings and queens of various Mardi Gras organizations. But, Judi Gulledge, Executive Director of the Mobile Carnival Museum said these items have a deeper meaning for Mobile. “Most people don’t realize that anything you see in the museum is nothing that can be bought in a store. Everything is custom designed, custom made and most of it created right here in Mobile by locally talented people,” said Gulledge.

Many Mobilians, take pride in Mardi Gras and the museum, including Gulledge. “It makes me proud as a Mobilian to have something that highlights Mobile in such a positive way,” said Gulledge.

With visitors from all 50 states and 19 countries across the world, the Mobile Carnival Museum makes many Mobilians proud of being from the Port City.

Mobile Carnival Museum

355 Government St.

Mobile, Ala. 36602

Open: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday

9 a.m. - 4 p.m.