The Backstreet Cultural Museum is a prominent museum that showcases the quintessential New Orleans experience with cultural memorabilia and exhibits. You'll find a wide array of fascinating items with all the sparkle and glam you'd expect from a museum with a Mardi Gras section.
Everyone can enjoy this museum, as it has plenty to delight adults and kids alike. Anyone interested in learning about this iconic city will find plenty of fun here. Most people spend about 2 or 3 hours here, as it takes about that long to explore everything this museum has to offer.
Backstreet Cultural Museum - one of the highlights of 10 Best Museums in New Orleans and 10 Things to Do Off the Beaten Track in New Orleans (Read all about New Orleans here)
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Backstreet Cultural Museum highlights
Amongst the expansive collection at the Backstreet Cultural Museum, you'll find particularly impressive Mardis Gras costumes on display. These elaborately designed creations are the works of local New Orleans artisans and include thousands of individual rhinestones, sequins, and even feathers implemented into the designs. Most have been valued at about $10,000 apiece.
During your visit, you may also want to check out the impressive film collection. You'll find films dating back to the 1970s documenting numerous Mardis Gras events and jazz funerals. All of these videos are available for viewing by visitors and are also occasionally shown in nearby venues.
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Good to know when visiting the Backstreet Cultural Museum
Before you head to the Backstreet Cultural Museum, there are a few things to keep in mind. You'll find several kinds of experiences available including group tours and self-guided tours. If you want a guided tour, you'll have to schedule it in advance.
Visiting this museum will put you close to several other iconic attractions you won't want to miss out on. St. Augustine Catholic Church is just a short walk away if you want to see historical architecture, while Louis Armstrong Park is just to the southwest near the Mahalia Jackson Theatre for the Performing Arts.
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Backstreet Cultural Museum
Osoite: 1116 Henriette Delille St, New Orleans, LA 70116, USA
Avoinna: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm (closed on Sundays)
Puhelin: +1 504-657-6700