Algiers, Louisiana - Mardi Gras World
- Address:
- 233 Newton St., Algiers, LA [Show Map]
- Directions:
- Take I-10 to downtown New Orleans. Exit onto US 90 (Ponchartrain Expressway). Go over the bridge, then exit onto Hwy 428 (Burmaster St.). After a couple of blocks turn right on Franklin Ave; take it north to Newton St. Left on Newton to waterfront; corner of Brooklyn Ave. and Newton St.
- Hours:
- 9:30 am - 4:30 pm (Call to verify)
- Phone:
- 800-362-8213
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Visitor Tips and News About Mardi Gras World
Following are Mardi Gras World reports and tips that were sent in by RoadsideAmerica.com visitors like you, as well as news stories about the attraction. Submit your own tip or update. Some tips may not be verified -- please contact attraction for current hours and admission prices.
Algiers, Louisiana - Mermaid Gate - Mardi Gras World Here is an image of the mermaids in situ at the World's Fair. They are now in the huge, surrealistic warehouses of Mardi Gras World in Algiers across the river from downtown New Orleans. You can take the ferry and walk on the levee towards the river bridge until you hit it. It is a bit expensive, but worth it if you are not visiting in Carnival season; also it is the only way to see the Mermaids now. Essential if you are a mermaid nut; especially essential if you want mermaids to counter Disney's Ariel (who we all liked until that crappy straight-to-video sequel). [Flatus Maximus, 06/02/2002]
The neatest thing the Kerns ever did was the Mermaid Gate for the 1984 World's Fair, a pair of lovelies whose scales began a lot lower than expected and who had no scallop shell bikini tops to conceal their rather outre' nipples. [RA: Tipster David Carpenter corrects: "The gates were actually created by another floatbuilder, Barth Bros. Kern built the 'Bridge Gate' at the opposite end of the fair which featured a giant River God and maiden."] Their buttocks were bare as well, and the expressions of their huge faces was salacious in the extreme.
This did not bother the locals, but when the big water women were put on national television there was lots of puritanical complaining. This was quieted somewhat when the artists, with tears in their eyes, painted over the rosy areoles to impart the white of classical sculpture. This was only over part of the front of the ladies, face, chest, and arms; the rears remained in living color. The Mermaid Gate is still on display in the huge warehouses of Blaine Kern at Mardi Gras World. [Flatus Maximus, 03/04/2000]
Nearby Offbeat Places
- Museum of the American Cocktail, New Orleans, LA - < 1 mi.
- National World War II Museum, New Orleans, LA - < 1 mi.
- Insectarium: Largest Bug Museum in U.S., New Orleans, LA - < 1 mi.
- Voodoo Museum, New Orleans, LA - 1 mi.
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