Mobile Carnival Museum

08/26/2026

An amazing songwriter, a talented singer, a generous philanthropist, and an all-around marvelous human being, Dolly Parton (1946-2026), positively impacted the lives, hearts, and souls of countless individuals. Did you know that Dolly played a prominent role in American Carnival? In Mobile alone, the great lady inspired numerous leading lady costumes and an even larger number of ball playlists. There is even a group - the Mystic Dollys of Folly - founded in honor of Parton and all that represents. This popular marching society channels the missions and magic of the one-and-only Dolly Parton. While the Mobile Carnival Museum does currently showcase this Mardi Gras organization, you can bet your bottom that we are going to work harder than any "Nine To Five" to have them (and the inspiration behind them) celebrated in our galleries! Rest in peace Dolly! Your legacy and example will always resonate! Visit Mobile: CVB Member and Business Page Visit Mobile

08/24/2026

Have you ever wondered about the history of the grand old house that is the home of the Mobile Carnival Museum? Respected Mobile historian Tom McGehee provides an engaging account of the residence and its owners in his highly popular "Ask McGehee" column in "Mobile Bay Magazine." Click here to read McGehee's article. Thanks to the author and "Mobile Bay Magazine!"

://mobilebaymag.com/ask-mcgehee-mobile-carnival-museum-building/

Historian Tom McGehee explores the history of the Mobile Carnival Museum building, formerly known as the Bernstein-Bush House.

08/21/2026

"Mythological Daughters of the Sea and Ladies of Carnival: The Nereides" continues to wow visitors to the Mobile Carnival Museum. The sixteenth installment in the Carnival Museum's Mystique of the Mystic Series, the exhibit packs a lot of wow factor! Song, dance, film, periods, places, historical figures, games, and much more figure in themes behind some truly fantastic leading lady costumes. A flapper, "Girls Just Want To Have Fun, Sandy from "Grease," Maleficent, James Bond, Cleopatra, and Mrs. Peacock from "Clue" are just a few of the guises who define this highly popular exhibit. As the exhibit is only up for a few more weeks, there is still time to experience the spectacle in person! Visit Mobile: CVB Member and Business Page Visit Mobile

08/11/2026

The Mobile Carnival Museum has an amazing team of docents. Many docents provide guests of the Carnival Museum with their first introduction to Mardi Gras in the Port City. Other docents prefer to work their magic behind the scenes. Paula Macpherson Watkins (1941-2026) was one such representative of the Mobile Carnival Museum. While visitors might not have seen "Miss Paula," they were unconsciously wowed by this lovely Southern lady. For years, Miss Paula polished the Carnival Museum's displays of silver. Featuring pieces from our permanent collections and loans from private collections, we are not talking a piece or two. Miss Paula kept hundreds of pieces in mint condition. Like the lady herself, the Museum's silver represents the graciousness hospitality of the Gulf Coast at its best. We will miss you, Miss Paula! Visit Mobile: CVB Member and Business Page Visit Mobile

08/07/2026

With schools reopening across the region, the vacation side of the summer season is coming to a close. Schools play a special part in Mobile's favorite season of Carnival. Starting with coronations of juvenile monarchs at local private, parochial, and public schools in the early 1900s to the school parades of present-day, Mobilians youngest residents have long played a prominent role in Carnival. The Mobile Carnival Museum has numerous displays that highlight how Mobile area youth celebrate Carnival, including two galleries are dedicated to the subject. The mini floats from St. Ignatius Catholic School and St. Mary's Catholic School are favorites expressions of how the Carnival Museum shows how children in Mobile engage with Mardi Gras. Stauter-Built Boasts, Moon-Pies, and the Jungle Book, what else do you need in life?! Visit Mobile: CVB Member and Business Page Visit Mobile

08/03/2026

Monday has been made... Made all the more meaningful and memorable for the Mobile Carnival Museum that is! Darwin Singleton, NBC 15's beloved reporter, stopped by the Museum this afternoon. A longtime supporter of the Carnival Museum, Darwin never failed to boost the Museum's attendance without and without the Carnival Season over the course of his years serving the Mobile area. Even in retirement, he is here for us. Today, Darwin donated twenty of his signature Mardi Gras hats to the Museum. Made by Teresa Tarlton, these festive headdresses have delighted Mobilians for years. The selection donated to Carnival Museum will enchant locals and visitors in the very near future! Hats off to and thank you, Darwin! Visit Mobile: CVB Member and Business Page Visit Mobile

08/03/2026

Among the textiles currently on loan to the Mobile Carnival Museum, few rival the ensemble of Bernard "BJ" Jenkins, Jr. Elexis I (2026) of the Mobile Area Mardi Gras Association (MAMGA), Jenkins donned royal robes created by Patricia Ann Richardson. A resplendent family train, one first worn by the king's brother and fellow Elexis I in 2019, was restored and partially redesigned for a young man who is the latest member of multigenerational Carnival household. This set of royal robes features has not one but two costumes! A parasol and regalia complete regal attire. Visit Mobile Visit Mobile: CVB Member and Business Page

07/29/2026

Family is the backbone and essence of Carnival in Mobile. The royal robes of the 2026 Queen of the Mobile Carnival Association are layered imbued with family and tradition. For starters, she wore the same train that her mother donned thirty years before in 1996. A masterpiece of the late Karen Thornton, one of Mobile's independent women train designers, this regal textile was restored and embellished by Homer McClure. The 2026 also carried her mother's scepter and wore her mantle or collar. The former is one of Dynasty Collection most lavish custom creations. Thornton created the latter to coordinate with the train. Some looks never go out of style! When the associations are as meaningful as these examples, Carnival couture realizes a whole other type of beautiful! Visit Mobile: CVB Member and Business Page Visit Mobile

07/27/2026

With lettuce being sketchy of late, how about an extra serving of carbs? The Mobile Carnival Museum comes to your aid in that regard. Matters culinary are sub-theme of the Carnival Museum's celebration of Mobile's greatest living tradition. For example, the train of the Mobile Carnival Association's 2026 king references one of the most famous bakeries in Mobile History - Smith's Bakery. Felix III 2026 is a descendant of that baking dynasty. Generations of Mobilians devoured Smith's Bakery's delicious creations. The 2026 king of the Mobile Carnival Association references this familial, yet collective, Mobile presence from the past through the wheatsheaf stitched into his train. Another masterpiece of designer Homer McClure, this remarkable textile is just delicious! Did you know that the Mobile Carnival Museum holds one of the world's largest collection of trains. Currently, over two dozen of these beautiful textiles are on display. Each train has its story. Visit Mobile: CVB Member and Business Page Visit Mobile

07/24/2026

A big thank you, Mobile and Lagniappe Daily! The Mobile Carnival Museum is delighted to have received this year's Nappie Award for Best Museum!! You cannot get more Mobile and more Mardi Gras than the Mobile Carnival Museum. Not only are our rhinestones shining, but our furs, feathers, and fabrics shining on account of this recognition. We love showcasing the best of Mobile and Carnival! Visit Mobile: CVB Member and Business Page Visit Mobile