Are you looking for something fun and exciting for your next Special Event? Then look no further than the Mobile Carnival Museum. From interactive exhibits to exquisite displays to visual presentations to our rental “Den”, the Mobile Carnival Museum is the perfect setting to make your next event a true celebration. This one-of-a kind museum highlights the history of Mardi Gras from its first parade in 1830 to current traditions celebrated yearly in the Port City.
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Accommodations/Rental Space
The Den can accommodate 150 people for a reception and 100 people for a seated dinner. This interactive space has a rear door for easy load-in and load-out for vendors. A chandelier setting mounted on a retractable open awning can be lowered to accent your decorating scheme.
In addition to the interior den, the open air, grassy area outside the building can accommodate tents up to 40' x 80' to increase the party capacity.
Alcoholic Beverage Service
Events desiring alcoholic beverages must adhere to policies set forth by the Alabama Beverage Control Board. A special event liquor license is required for all cash bars. Alcoholic beverages provided complimentary do not require a special event license. Alcohol distribution and consumption must be in compliance with all laws of the State of Alabama.
Catering
Groups may select a caterer of their choice for food service at the Mobile Carnival Museum. The museum can provide a list of local caterers upon request. When negotiating with a caterer, please consider the following:
- Access to the building prior to the start of the event for timely set-up.
- Access to the building at the conclusion of the event for clean-up.
- Removal of all food and trash at the conclusion of the function. Bagged and tied trash may be left curbside for trash pick-up by the City of Mobile. Any loose trash must be removed from the premises.
- Food service and consumption are welcome in the Den and exterior areas of the museum. Food stations/tables should be coordinated within the approved areas.
- The museum offers a small prep area at the rear of the theater. Caterers who use this space will be responsible for cleaning it before leaving.
- Cooking on-site is permitted on the exterior of the building. Areas selected should be discussed with the Executive Director. Use of open flame must adhere to Life Safety Code guidelines to include an accessible fire extinguisher.
- All electrical cords should be in good condition.
Changing Room/Bridal Room
Upon request, the museum can offer a private boardroom to use as a bridal and/or changing room. This room has access to bathroom facilities.
Decorations
The museum provides an atmosphere of fun and creates a carnival ambience. Additional decorations are welcome if desired. We request your cooperation with the following:
- Freestanding decorations are recommended. Tape, tacks, staples or putty may not be used to affix decorations.
- Candles may be used for decorative purposes only and cannot be lit.
- Confetti and serpentine are welcome in the Den. Please refrain from use of glitter or decals.
- We suggest pin-on name tags rather than sticker or adhesive badges.
- Decorations should be removed and/or discarded at the conclusion of the event. If outside vendors supply decorations, please inform the museum staff of scheduled delivery and pick-up times. Deliveries should be made at the rear of the museum, via Franklin Street.
- Floral arrangements and greenery should not contain loose dirt or soil.
Directions
The Mobile Carnival Museum is located in downtown Mobile at 355 Government Street. It is ideally located six blocks from the Mobile Convention Center, two blocks from the Mobile Civic Center, and is within easy walking distance of all downtown hotels and most downtown restaurants.
- From I-10 E – Exit at Water Street and turn left onto Government Street. Museum is 1/4 mile on the left.
- From I-110 Connector - Exit at Downtown Mobile onto Water Street. Go 3/4 mile and turn right onto Government Street. Museum is 1/4 mile on the left.
- From Hwy 90 – Continue on Hwy 90 east to Downtown Mobile (Hwy 90 is also known as Government Street). Museum is in the 300 block on the left.
Docents
Docents provide guided tours of the museum. For all private functions, at least four docents are scheduled to enhance you visit. If you prefer specialized services, please discuss this with the museum personnel.
Gift Shop
Toomey’s operates the 1200 sq. ft Gift Shop adjacent to the museum. Inventory ranges from novelty items to clothing to upscale gift selections, all associated with the Mardi Gras theme. Custom gift wrap is included in all purchases. Toomey’s can coordinate party favors, convention welcoming attire and guest gift selection. Contact Toomey’s directly at 431-7666.
Inventory
The Mobile Carnival Museum has limited on-site inventory to service special events. We can coordinate with local rental companies for supplementary items. Groups may also contract their own rentals independently.
Janitorial/Cleaning
Rental of the facility includes normal janitorial services before, during and after the event. Outside vendors are responsible for clean-up associated with their specific service.
Parking
Parking is accommodated in the museum parking lot in 30 paved spaces off Government Street and in a grass lot behind the museum. In addition, there is ample street parking within a two block radius, to include the lot at the Mobile Civic Center.
Photography
Photographs are an integral part of commemorating special events. We request on site photography be conducted in the Den or on the exterior grounds. For bridal functions, a complimentary photography session can be arranged.
Rental Rates
Rental of the Mobile Carnival Museum for special events and private functions includes use of the theater, guided museum tours, manned gift shop and use of the Den for food and beverage service or meetings. Rental also includes one management staff, four docents, gift shop attendant, one security guard from the Mobile Police Department and facility clean-up. The rental period generally covers a four hour event time with two hours for set-up and two hours for break-down (total of eight hours). Additional coverage can be arranged on a per event basis. All of the above is included for a donation of $1,250.00
Reservations/Booking Information
Judi Gulledge, Executive Director, handles all arrangements for special events. She can be reached at 431-9334. Reservations are accepted up to 18 months prior to the event date. A Facility Use Agreement and deposit is required to confirm reservations.
Security
The museum is monitored on a 24 hour basis by an independent security company. A security guard from the Mobile Police Department is scheduled for all special events, and is included in the rental rate.
Tours
The museum is open to the general public Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Requests for tours outside of normal operating hours should be directed to Judi Gulledge at 431-9334.
Vendors
The City of Mobile has a variety of vendors to service special events in the area. Groups can contract their own caterer, florist, photographer, rental company, lighting, bands and other entertainment. The museum can provide a listing of local suppliers who are familiar with the Mobile Carnival Museum.