today, as one of the showcase units of the louisiana state museum, the presbytere houses an elaborate and exquisite collection of mardi gras artifacts and memorabilia. the story of new orleans? extraordinary mardi gras tradition is dynamically told in a high-tech, interactive, permanent exhibition titled "mardi gras: it's carnival time in louisiana." the exhibit traces the celebration from its ancient origins to the 19th century emergence of new orleans? parades and balls to the present-day celebration that attracts millions of visitors each year. interactive exhibits allow visitors to experience the excitement of watching a parade or riding on a float designed and created by blaine kern studios, new orleans' largest and most famous float-building facility.
