Mobile Carnival Museum facts for kids
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| Established | 2005 |
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| Location | 355 Government Street Mobile, Alabama, USA |
| Type | History museum |
| Public transit access | Yes |
The Mobile Carnival Museum is a fun place in Mobile, Alabama, where you can learn all about the history of Carnival and Mardi Gras. These celebrations have been happening in Mobile for over 300 years! The museum is located in a beautiful old building called the Bernstein-Bush mansion, right on Government Street in downtown Mobile.
Contents
Discovering Mobile's Carnival History
This museum helps you understand how Mobile's famous celebration grew from its early beginnings into the big, exciting tradition it is today. You'll see how people have celebrated Carnival and Mardi Gras through the centuries.
What You'll See at the Museum
The museum has lots of cool things on display.
Queen's Gallery and Costumes
- Queen's Gallery: This special area shows off amazing gowns, long trains, and sparkling jewels worn by the queens of Carnival.
- Historic Outfits: You can also see the fancy clothes of a "flapper" queen from the 1920s. Flappers were young women known for their lively style.
- Jester Costumes: Check out the colorful outfits worn by "jesters" from different societies. These societies are groups that organize the parades and balls.
Art and Souvenirs
- Original Art: The museum features unique Mardi Gras art and posters created by artists from the Mobile area.
- Doubloons: See collections of "doubloons," which are special coins thrown from parade floats.
- Tableau Designs: There are also designs for "tableaus," which are living pictures or scenes often performed at Mardi Gras balls.
- Invitations: You can even see old invitations to the fancy Mardi Gras balls.
Fun Interactive Exhibits
In the mansion's old carriage house, there are exciting hands-on exhibits. One of the most popular lets you pretend to "ride" on a Carnival float! You can even practice throwing "doubloons" just like they do in the real parades. It's a great way to experience the fun of Mardi Gras yourself!
See also
- Mardi Gras in Mobile
- Mystic society
