Since
1699, when Pierre Le Moyne, Sieur d'Iberville celebrated
his arrival at the mouth of the Mississippi on Shrove
Tuesday, Mardi Gras has been integrally linked to Louisiana's
cultural heritage. The story of this extraordinary tradition
is dynamically told in a ground-breaking new exhibition
of the State Museum. Mardi Gras, brings together rare,
historic artifacts, scores of magnificent costumes, spectacular
displays, engaging videos and hands-on activities.
Five major themes - History,
Masking, Parades, Balls
and the Courir du Mardi Gras - are explored in the show. Based
on original research, the exhibit traces Carnival from its
ancient origins, to the nineteenth-century emergence of New
Orleans' parades and balls to the present-day, statewide extravaganza
that attracts millions. The vast scope of the Museum's collection
appears in three focus galleries replete with ephemera. Favors,
souvenirs, invitations, etc., are displayed in huge cases
and "open storage" cabinets. The most dazzling focus gallery
- the Crown Jewels Vault - houses an astonishing array of
tiaras, scepters, necklaces and other baubles worn by generations
of royalty.
Still More
The more pragmatic aspects of Mardi Gras are addressed in the Making of Mardi Gras display, a section devoted to behind-the-scenes functions such as police protection and sanitation, as well as the Carnival industry, encompassing everything from formal wear suppliers, to bead manufacturers to bakeries specializing in trinket-bearing king cakes.
Interactive touches throughout the exhibition allow visitors to experience the thrill of Mardi Gras in various ways. Photo opportunities include a computerized booth wherein subjects can select festive costumes and backgrounds and "pose" in the middle of Mardi Gras Day merriment for a souvenir snapshot. And a hooded jukebox of sorts enables listeners to choose any one of fifteen selections by famous musicians for their listening pleasure.
Mardi Gras: It's Carnival Time in Louisiana is a permanent exhibition. The Presbytere is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 for senior citizens, students and active military and free to children 12 and under. The Museum is wheelchair accessible. Individuals with other special needs are asked to call in advance to make arrangements.
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