Tucked away in the historic Treme, the Backstreet Cultural Museum showcases vibrant Mardi Gras costumes and the rich tapestry of New Orleans' traditions.
1531 St Philip St, New Orleans, LA 70116 Get directions
"The Treme neighborhood is one of the oldest African American neighborhoods in the country, and inside what looks like an otherwise residential home is the new location for the Backstreet Cultural Museum, which houses one of the most comprehensive archives of the traditions and community movements that sprung from these streets. The most colorful aspect of the museum is its collection of elaborately sequined and beaded Mardi Gras masks and costumes, which have African and Native American influences. The collection also has information and artifacts relating to jazz funerals, second lines, and social aid and pleasure clubs. The exhibits are mainly permanent, although it’s a constantly growing archive of costumes, artifacts, memorabilia, photographs, and films. The museum also hosts special events (including live music performances by local musicians and parties) throughout the year." - Paul Oswell
"Holds the world’s most comprehensive collection related to New Orleans’s African American community traditions, including Mardi Gras Indians and jazz funerals."
"Tell us about this place. The Treme neighborhood is one of the oldest African American neighborhoods in the country, and inside what looks like an otherwise residential home is the new location for the Backstreet Cultural Museum, which houses one of the most comprehensive archives of the traditions and community movements that sprung from these streets. Excellent—so what's in that archive? The most colorful aspect of the museum is its collection of elaborately sequined and beaded Mardi Gras masks and costumes, which have African and Native American influences. The collection also has information and artifacts relating to jazz funerals, second lines, and social aid and pleasure clubs. Any special programming we should look out for? The exhibits are mainly permanent, although it’s a constantly growing archive of costumes, artifacts, memorabilia, photographs, and films. The museum also hosts special events (including live music performances by local musicians and parties) throughout the year. Who's here? The museum offers a deep cut into New Orleans' culture, so it's safe to assume that most visitors to the museum have been to the city a few times before and want to dig a little deeper into some of the more mysterious traditions around Mardi Gras and second lines. And how easy is it to navigate? This museum is compact and very easy to get around; Treme itself is just a couple of minutes’ walk from the French Quarter, right across Rampart Street. How long does it usually take to see the whole things? You can easily look around the museum in an hour or so, but you’ll want to spend most of your time basking in the craftsmanship and artistry of the Mardi Gras Indians costumes—this is a rare chance to see the stunning details and breathtaking creative dedication of them up close." - Paul Oswell
"The Mardi Gras American Indian culture is one of the lesser-known elements of New Orleans life, but it’s been part of the African American experience in the city for well over a century. How it began remains the subject of debate. ("Masking" as an American Indian was said to honor them both for their assistance to runaway slaves, and for their fierce resistance to European settlement.) The astounding feathered and beaded costumes are each painstakingly handmade by those who wear them only two or three times a year—usually on Mardi Gras Day and often on Super Sunday, which is the Sunday closest to St. Joseph’s Day. Ever year Indian chiefs make a new suit; some of the once-used suits end up at the Backstreet Museum in the heart of Treme. Stepping through the door is a bit like walking into a Technicolor Oz, with education."
