A stroll through the museum is a visual feast, with each exhibit unveiling a chapter of the region’s Mardi Gras history. Intricately designed costumes, ranging from the traditional to the avant-garde, offer a glimpse into the creativity and craftsmanship that goes into the Carnival attire. Beads and trinkets, symbols of joyous revelry, are displayed in all their glory, each strand carrying stories of laughter, camaraderie, and the joyous spirit of the season.
Photographs found in the museum serve as windows into the past, capturing moments of unbridled merriment, vibrant parades, and the communal spirit that defines Mardi Gras. The juxtaposition of historical artifacts with contemporary costumes creates a seamless narrative, illustrating how Mardi Gras has remained a timeless celebration while adapting to the changing times.
“We have a really neat collection of beads going back to the glass beads of the 1930s up to the really fun crazy new custom beads that everyone’s doing today.” Continues Harris. “The museum has a great variety of costumes from different krewes and different carnival organizations and they all have their own personality, it’s very fun to see that all come out in their costumes.”
Beyond its role as a guardian of tradition, the Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum actively engages with the community. Open Tuesday through Friday from 10 am to 4 pm, and available by appointment on off days, the museum invites both locals and tourists to partake in the vibrant legacy of Mardi Gras. It serves as a cultural hub, fostering a sense of pride and connection among residents while offering visitors an immersive experience into the unique festivities that unfold along the Gulf Coast.
