Mardi Gras World
New Orleans, LA
From collectors
Mardi Gras World is the largest float designing and building facility in the world. Here more than 80 percent of the floats that journey down New Orleans' streets during the Carnival season are designed and built. Begun in 1947 by float designer and builder Blaine Kern, Mardi Gras World provides visitors with the opportunity to don authentic Mardi Gras costumes and tour enormous warehouses filled with floats. During the tour, visitors learn about the many traditions surrounding Mardi Gras parades, balls and music, as well as the intricacies of float designing and building.
Hours of operation: Monday through Sunday 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. The first admission begins at 9:00 am and the last admission at 4:30 pm. Closed on Christmas and Christmas Eve, Thanksgiving, Easter and Mardi Gras Day. You do not have to pay for a tour to access the machine. $20 parking in Lot J (Corner of Henderson street and Port of New Orleans Place) across the train tracks from the front door.
The penny machine is in the new east bank location of Mardi Gras World off of Convention Center Boulevard.
Machine 2 is to the left of the entrance doors of the gift shop. Cost to press: 51¢ each design. Designs all have a beaded border with 'New Orleans':
1. (H) Mardi Gras World logo (clown face), two musical notes and two stars with 'Mardi Gras World'.
2. (V) Musical instruments and stars.
3. (V) Four leaf clover, horseshoe and various designs with 'My Lucky Penny'.
4. (H) Ribbons, stars, Melpomene (Tragedy) mask and Thalia (Comedy) mask with 'Mardi Gras'.
Retired 1: 1) (V) Mardi Gras World logo (clown face) with 'Mardi Gras World New Orleans'.
Melpomene represents the tragedy mask or Muse of Tragedy and the name Thalia represents the comedy mask or Muse of Comedy.
G.P.S. coordinates: Latitude: 29° 56' 6.4428' Longitude: -90° 3' 41.832'
Google Maps coordinates: WWPQ+2C New Orleans, Louisiana
01Apr2024 - RAH - Successful mail off! Super friendly staff. Got the coins back in 39 calendar days.
3/17/25: The machine is in the same location and pressing great!
Staff was helpful with breaking a bill for quarters
8/11/26: In gift shop. Not functional.
10/9/26: Rolled fine on copper. (ELO)_
Machines and designs
| Machine | Designs | Coin type |
|---|---|---|
| Machine 2 - Inside to the left of the entrance doors | 4 | Penny |
| Retired 1 | ? | Penny |
2 photos from collectors
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