The Mobile Carnival Museum has stepped into Mardi Gras season with a fresh glow.
A $1.5 million renovation project is breathing new life into the historic Bernstein-Bush House on Government Street, the longtime home of the museum.
The building dates back to 1872, and recent work has focused on preserving that history while improving the visitor experience from floor to ceiling.
Parade season brings color to the streets, and inside the museum, that same energy now meets updated galleries, improved lighting, and refreshed spaces that let the details of Carnival artistry stand out.
Inside the $1.5 Million Transformation
The multi-phase project totals about $1.48 million and has unfolded over several years. Interior refurbishments formed a major part of the recent push.
Crews removed old carpeting, installed hard flooring in select galleries, refurbished historic floors, and upgraded the lighting system throughout the building. A new audio system now supports tours and presentations.
These updates help protect delicate costumes, textiles, and artifacts while giving each display room a cleaner, more polished feel.
Historic features remain a focal point. Marble mantels, ornate plasterwork, and original gasoliers still anchor the building’s character, now paired with modern systems that support long-term preservation.
A New Way to Tell the Story
Curator Cartledge Blackwell III said the renovation period offered a chance to rethink how the story of Carnival is presented.
New text panels now guide visitors through every gallery, framing Carnival as art, industry, celebration, and tradition.
The layout flows with a clearer sequence, making it easier to move from royal regalia to street celebrations, from craftsmanship to culture.
The goal centers on showing the many layers of Carnival life, all under one roof.
Work Continues Behind the Scenes
While interior upgrades wrapped up, restoration on the building’s wood structure has moved into its final stage.
The museum has stayed open during this phase, allowing guests to explore while improvements continue.
Future additions include an enhanced theater space for programs and presentations. The full project timeline stretches into next year.
Location: 355 Government St., Mobile
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
Admission: $8 general, $6 for military and select groups, $3 for children and student tours
Exhibits Keep the Celebration Going
The museum features work from about 80 artists, with rotating exhibits adding new perspectives.
Current highlights include paintings by Mobile artist Colleen Turrell Comer, inspired by Carnival photography and traditions. Her pieces explore royalty, street scenes, fashion, music, and food tied to the season.
Later exhibits will dive into Carnival’s roots across Alabama, spotlight influential designers, honor a former curator, and explore the architecture that supports parade life. Each show adds another layer to the story, giving visitors plenty of reasons to return.
With its refreshed galleries and full lineup of exhibits, the museum offers a deeper look at the artistry and history that fill the season with sparkle.
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