The Bay St. Louis Mardi Gras Museum is located on the first floor of the historic Bay St. Louis Train Depot (L & N Railroad Depot), built in 1928. The Museum features over a dozen elaborate Mardi Gras costumes used by the Krewe of Nereid’s, an all female Krewe in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The beautiful costumes are designed by Carter Church. Each year the Ball has a new theme. Once Carter is told the theme, he provides the next year’s Krewe about 20 designs to choose from. It takes him a full year to design and create the wardrobe. The King’s tunic and Queen’s dress are sewn by hand. The Duke and Maids costumes are made with glued on appliqués. Carter works by himself until about 10 weeks before the Mardi Gras season when about 10 workers come to help. The Mardi Gras Ball is held at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum early in the year. Each year the Mardi Gras Museum display changes about three weeks after the yearly Mardi Gras season to host the wardrobe of the King, Queen, and Court for that year.
Fun Facts:
There is so much glue purchased to make the costumes it is purchased in 5 gallon containers. The ostrich feathers are from Africa.
Address: 1928 Depot Way (In the Bay St. Louis Train Depot building).
City: Bay St. Louis
County: Hancock
Website: www.gulfcoast.org/listings/bay-st-louis-mardi-gras-museum/4882/
Hours of operation: Open Monday-Friday 9am-4pm, Saturday 9am-5pm
Accessibility: wheelchair accessible ramps; accessible bathroom; elevator to access upstairs
