There's nothing that describes Louisiana as much as the phrase "Mardi Gras" - words that conjure up the sights and sounds of Carnival as unique as centuries-old traditions. The Mardi Gras Museum is a unique treasure in the Lake Area as it is the central place where traditions, history and artifacts are on display preserving the cultural heritage of the second largest Mardi Gras celebration in Louisiana. The museum, located in the Central School Arts & Humanities Center at 809 Kirby Street, houses the largest collection of costumes in the South. In preserving the history of Mardi Gras in Southwest Louisiana, the Mardi Gras museum officially opened its doors on 12th Night in 1998. The museum encompasses six rooms. The first room explains how Mardi Gras came about. The second room is the Captain's Den, with the third room dedicated to costume design. The fourth room gives the history of king cakes and the marvel of 12th Night. Ballroom costumes are on display in the fifth room, with the sixth room dedicated to Mardi Gras parades and all their wonder, including the sounds and excitement of a parade float that everyone can climb aboard.

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