Let the Good Times Roll at the Mobile Carnival Museum!

Apr 6th, 2005

Now Open to the Public

(Mobile, Ala.) -- Beginning April 4 in a historic Government Street mansion the mask is lifted at last on Mobile Mardi Gras. Mobile's newest attraction, the William & Emily Hearin Mobile Carnival Museum, open Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., celebrates the Port City as the birthplace of Mardi Gras in the United States.

"We have been open for special occasions since Mardi Gras and now we are ready for Mobilians and our guests to enjoy the pageantry and revelry of Mardi Gras royalty. The fun and frolic abound at the Carnival Museum," said Gordon Tatum, Carnival Museum curator.

Welcomed on the front porch by two ten-foot court jesters, visitors get a sneak peak behind the revelry inside the historic Bernstein-Bush townhouse with exhibits including rare Mardi Gras memorabilia, gowns, trains and crowns of coronation royalty dating from 1921. The latest addition to the collection is the coronation train of Marie Courtney, Mobile Carnival Association queen in 1923 donated by her family. Downstairs (the former Carriage House) is home to The Den. Here interactive displays will offer visitors the opportunity to climb aboard a float and throw beads and doubloons to a cheering crowd.

"It is a royal invitation to get rowdy with America's first thrill ride -- Mardi Gras," said Tatum. For further information visit the new website www.mobilecarnivalmuseum.com.

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Mobile Carnival Museum is open Monday, Wedneday, Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $5 adult, $2 child. Groups are welcome. For more information visit www.mobilecarnivalmuseum.com or call (251) 432-3324.