The Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum
The Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum stands as a vibrant testament to the rich cultural tapestry woven by the Carnival season along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Nestled on Howard Avenue in Biloxi, this captivating exhibit offers a comprehensive journey through over 50 years of Mardi Gras extravagance, capturing the essence of a celebration that has become an integral part of the local identity.
“We started in the 1980s, just a small display of carinval costumes and that has evolved in to a museum that really celebrates Mardi Gras throughout the whole gulf coast and across Mississippi.” Says Anna Harris, Executive Director. “We have well over 20 different krewes represented in our collection now.”
At the heart of the museum’s allure is its expansive collection of artifacts that encapsulate the spirit and grandeur of Mardi Gras. The exhibits showcase a mesmerizing array of costumes, beads, jewelry, and photographs, each piece serving as a visual ode to the dynamic traditions and evolving fashions that have graced the festivities over the decades. Visitors are treated to a sensory feast, immersing themselves in the vivid colors, intricate designs, and the sheer exuberance that defines Mardi Gras on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
“We have costumes going back well over 50 years,” Says Harris happily. “Right now we have King D’iberville John Blossman’s costume from 1974 on display to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his reign, which is really exciting.”
