Reviews of Backstreet Cultural Museum (Museum)

Kristy Rynk

LOVED the outfits and the band history! Wish we had seen more wedding bands (not funeral marches). Enjoyed reading about the funeral marches though! Wonder how much some of those outfits weigh! A little pricey for the size.

Brittany Allen Pizano

I love this museum. It has so much information and an amazing array of gorgeous clothes that you can see up close.

Harvey Louie

While only a small operation, with a very home grown feel. Interesting to see the costumes on display. We got off at the #4 Hop On Hop Off stop and walked 2 small blocks.

Jennifer Urbanek

This is an interesting museum and you will see many treasures if you take your time. The most impressive part of the collection is the hand beaded Mardi Gras Indian outfits. There are also Zulu costumes and documents. The museum is full of loving and unusual shrines. It is in a nice part of the Treme near Rampart. It is $10 and you may need to make an appointment to visit. It is worth it.

Heather Smith

Great history of the step parades and Mardi Gras parades.

festafarian

It's really cool to see those costumes up close. If you have never experienced Mardi gras indians, dont miss this.

Zoila Martinez Loeza

In the first African Neighborhood in Usa are this amazing museum, they have a lot of history, customs for the carnaval.

Julie L.

This place is as awesome, fascinating and unique as everyone has already said! Enjoy a nice walk through Louis Armstrong park on your way over.

Laura Malt Schneiderman

Before you go to this place, read up on black Mardi Gras. This is not a traditional museum. It is three rooms in a guy's house and costs $10 a head in cash. You will only understand what you are seeing if you have some background in the history of the Mardi Gras krewes and how they traditionally excluded blacks, and some idea of the traditions of the Mardi Gras Indians (who are not American Indians, but are African American).

Micki K Kirkland

My granddaughter and I were able to tour the Backstreet Cultural Museum conducted by Chief Harris. The Chief gave us the history of the 25 Indian tribes which design, make and wear the elaborate costumes for Mardi Gras every year. It was so interesting to see the costumes and other items which I saw on the tv show Treme.

Cindee Siddiq

Very nice and interesting place!

James Carney

A must see. In a time that traditions seem hard to hold onto, they plant the seeds for the future. Thank you Backstreet Cultural Museum for opening my eyes to a piece of New Orleans soul.

Ansel Augustine

A true New Orleans gem

Samantha Smith

Go to this quaint little museum to learn all about pleasure clubs, Mardi Gras Indians, jazz funerals and more. It is a converted house all located on one floor so it is easily digestible. The lady who was showing us around told us so much information and was extremely nice and answered any questions we had. This is a unique and intimate experience. In my opinion this is a can't miss landmark.

Michele Yoshikawa

Great little museum with very informative guide

Joseph McKinney

For those wanting to abandon the silliness of Bourbon St and actually learn about New Orleans culture. $10 donation asked for and gladly paid. Highly recommended!!!

Jean-François Lozano

(Translated by Google) Interesting collection of carnival costumes in two rooms of a small house. Some objects related to the history of carnival complete the collection. (Original) Intéressante collection de costumes de carnaval dans les deux pièces d'une petite maison. Quelques objets liés à l'histoire du carnaval complètent la collection.

Susan Smith

Great place to learn more about New Orleans unique history

Mara de la Rosa

Small but very interesting museum.

Kirk Chantraine

Amazing place to learn about local music and the Mardi Gras Indians. Very nice and informative host. When we went we were even offered free music!

Vicky Jackson

Very interesting

Monica Pilz Borba

Para conhecer as entranhas da história de New Orleans.

Helen Fox

Very knowledgeable, personal tour. A fascinating bit of American history and culture.

Amy Clements

This place was my trip's highlight, and we only accidentally stumbled upon it while walking away from Louis Armstrong Park. Sylvester was a knowledgeable, gracious host. He WOWED my 8 year old and me. The collection here is outstanding. The charm of the home is not to be beat. Definitely a special place with a ton of passion, creativity and history -- way off the beaten path.

NiJaal Mottley

It's a tiny little museum that is packed with history. Lots of interesting things to see here. It won't take too long to check out the place but it's well worth the visit.

Aaron Dingle

If you go to NOLA, you GOT to go here. It doesn't look like much from the front, but don't judge the book by it's cover. It is a total cultural experience, not to be missed.

Daniel Fleming

Incredible display of cultural history. The curator is both informative and kind hearted. If you want to know New Orleans, then this should be one of your sources!

jon vanhala

A must visit

Michael Johnson

Incredible costumes and cultural information

Beverly Collins

There were some very interesting artifacts presented.

Andrea

Great tour but short and too expensive ($20) should be about $10

ivan caputo

If you are in new orleans you must to visit this museum!

Qiana Bynum

It doesn't look like much but it is history filled and the family that owns it is so nice. The history is great!

Dowlaw5

Awesome Cultural Experience

Gregor J. Rothfuss

a hidden gem run by one of the mardi gras indian families, and the owner will tell you lots of stories about making costumes.

Joey Ort

This museum is so interesting, and the suits in it are really amazing. Definitely worth the price to go.

Maureen Sullivan

One of the best places we visited. Mr. Robert is a wealth of knowledge. The costumes are amazing. There's more out there than just Mardi Gras and you can learn about it here.

Christal Poling

Awesome ppl there

Justin Metzger

We loved seeing the Mardi Gras Indian Costumes and having a tour from one of the men who creates the spectacular costumes every year. There were so many stories to hear and the second line history was equally as interesting. Well worth the trip and small entrance fee.

Nikolaos Poniros

Heard very nice things about the history behind the costumes and Indian traditions. Found it a bit pricey at start, but was worth every penny. One the just see attractions in NOLA

Charles Marks

It's a must visit

Norbert Greenwood-White

This should not be missed by anyone wanting to see the true culture and heart of New Orleans.

Carlos David

Good history

J Sovrn

Great and interesting history and cultural exhibits.

Lei-Lani Terrell

This place is a must for anyone interested in New Orleans culture. I learned so much about the Big Chiefs and their Queens. I also learned about the burial traditions. Absolutely enlightening. The place is small but its affect is huge. Eight dollars is a small price to pay for such access to history,

S M Kelly

Located in the beautiful and historic Treme neighborhood, Backstreet is a critically important source of cultural information about New Orleans. The female staff guide was steeped in the culture and expressed her knowledge with passion and pride. Lots of text panels and up close items to view. Skull and Bones Gang, who start Mardi Gras day, Baby Doll tradition, and Jazz Funerals, all aspects I learned more about at Backstreet, among so much else. A bonus when I was there, was a free copy of a compilation CD, Eh La Bas, of New Orleans blues, R&B, and jazz artists done by WWOZ, the local treasure of a public radio station in New Orleans. The liner notes of which give a great history of local artists including those shown in the museum, notably Danny Barker, but many others. Even if the CDs are gone, look into the title for a great glimpse of New Orleans music. A walk through Treme and it’s beautiful architecture, time spent among these incredible Mardi Gras Indian costumes with the information here about the local social and music culture, will bring New Orleans truly to life for any visitor.

Marion Bezou

Très authentique et poussiéreux. Beaucoup d'items exposés dans ce petit espace. Intéressant mais peu informatif.

Theresa Cantafio

One of my favorite museums — such an authentic place. A fantastic preservation of culture in New Orleans. Sylvester (the founder) is a legend!

Christina

Unique, hidden gem

Jay Glanville

Don't bother. Went there on Memorial Day and they said "come back tomorrow". Returned next day, found Closed at 2pm with no further info. Other people arrived and disappointed too. Closing times on various media range from 3pm to 5pm.

Iñaki

Muy interesante. Cuidadora antipatica

Travis Thompson

Another great new orleans museum, skews more adult.

Vaughan Dunn

One of the gems of New Orleans try to visit this place. Only $10 admission it is a great way to learn about true New Orleans street/procession culture and performance art. Loads of history and information collected by Sylvester here over many years. Super!

Kolbe Folch

If you want a unique, local, non tourist trap, this is the place to go. Great collection of New Orlean's history.

Brennan Ortiz

Perhaps the only cultural institution in New Orleans (or even the country) that is solely dedicated to the cultural vibrancy of New Orleans's jazz history, as conceived in the historic Tremé neighborhood, as well as that of the Mardi Gras Indian Krewes. The nonprofit, modest and small in its space, packs an extensive display of costumes, paraphernalia and historical documents evident of the culture that characterizes thus movement. This is a must visit for history buffs visiting New Orleans!

Will Caverly

This museum showcases the Krew costumes famous in jazz funerals, Mardi Gras celebrations and various second lines. Sylvester Francis, the owner, gave us a personal tour and invited us back for the second line for the Satchmo festival. A true NO cultural experience.

Jonathan K

If you want to learn about the Big Chiefs and Marti Gras Indians, there is no better place. Warm and welcoming

Tiffany Oliver

Very in-depth history of the Mardi Gras Indians and New Orleans culture. Really informative and Dominique will answer any questions you have!

Johanna Swanson

Random residential location. We pulled up to find an Australian couple who'd been waiting for the proprietor for an hour, when he'd claimed he'd be back in 10 minutes. It looked shady, and at 8 bucks, our time is frankly worth more than wandering around someone's house, or worse, sitting and waiting for them to bother to return. We gave the couple a lift to Louis Armstrong Park - much better choice for that day for them, and for us.

Natalie Simpson

If you want an up close and personal look at Mardi Gras costumes...this is the place. There are some pretty cool exhibits in a personalized atmosphere.

paul fogarty

A neat little museum! Well worth the $10. Have a walk around Treme after.

Volker Mende

interesting historical cultural information

Glenn Rice

Fascinating and truly one-of-a-kind. The proprietor is slightly eccentric but knows his subject: black "Indian" carnival krewes and the second line. Walk around the church across the street & see the tomb of the unknown slave.

Abbi

Great exposure to a lesser known aspect of Mardi Gras culture.

Andrea Terrero

Museum closes on Monday and cross $10, not $8.

Linsey Rose

Don't miss the chance to learn about the Mardi Gras Indians and other New Orleans traditions from Mr. Francis' museum!

Joanne Drummond

This is a great little museum in Treme where lots of Mardi Gras Indians and other culture bearers hang out. The owner will let you take eight photos of the Indian suits and tells lots of stories about the city's culture. This is a great place to hang out on Mardi Gras as the baby dolls, Skull and Bones Gang and various Indian tribes show up.

Dave J

Their collection of Mardi Gras Indian costumes is outstanding. Go on Mardi Gras day and there'll always be something to see.

Keewi Haller

Quaint little special museum!

Cheryl Henderson

Good history.

gunit12210

Nothing like it ANYWHERE GO !!!

Kent Shull

Awesome!! A part of New Orleans history that should not be missed!

Malcolm Cumberbatch

Fantastic place to learn about the Mardi Gras Indians and jazz funerals. Sylvester, the curator is a wonderful character.

Paul Cruz

Must see in NOLA

Patrick Lenain

Excellent collection of authentic Mardi Gras costumes, books, photos - with a focus on Mardi Gras Indians.

John Arredondo

This place is very interesting and Sylvester is great

Lorna Green

When you come to New Orleans this is a must visit to learn the true history of Mardi Gras, not the one everyone thinks of, the drunken out of control party but the one that's about black culture and family. Come here for the real history. Talk with Mr. Sylvester, a long time resident of The Treme. He is the one who is essential in making this museum happen, and his daughter is also there to keep it going. He is a human treasure trove of stories and loves sharing his knowledge and reflections. The meaning of Mardi Gras is not about being a sloppy drunken fool but to be creative, and to be what and who ever you want to be. If you want to be a man, dress as one; if you want to be a woman, be it. He says this culture started as a thank you to Native Americans for allowing escaped enslaved people safe harbor and freedom from the cruelty of chattel slavery, and the torture of white slavers and overseers. I'm adding my two cents here: while he says that most of the black folk are not indians, I've actually heard that there were plenty of black Indians in this region who are a part of this, and that many of the indigenous peoples in this area were copper colored people who were and are black, some with African ancestry, others with indigenous North American ancestry like the Washitaw and the Tuscaloosa, black indians/black indigenous. Regardless, make sure you stop by and take the tour. It's worth it and the entry fee goes to a good cause. Let's keep this history alive. And remember what Mr. Sylvester says, Mardi Gras is about being who and what you want to be.

Allora Studios

This is a gem of a collection. I had the greatest time with my 3 mates looking through all the history that has been preserved here. Thank you for putting this collection together.

Chante' G.

The owner Sylvester took time out to share the history of his business and he shared a part of culture and history that most folks don't know about. This is a must see when you visit NOLA! The photography and the pieces in his museum are priceless as well as his stories.

Nadir Nance

This museum is a beautiful display of our (New Orleanians) culture. The trip down memory lane was incredible.

Juan Castillo

Weird cool place

Jérôme Bossard

This place is amazing! You must see it if you mind about new orleans Culture Of 2nd Line and black indians Mardi gras!

Sherry Carter

Great local museum with alot of history

James Brute

Lost myself for an hour here among the Mardi Gras Indian costumes. Sylvester’s collection is a beautiful, lifelong labour of love and he is a fascinating and informative host.

Tina Banee

Fascinating!! I read everything and asked questions. I loved the fact that it's in a neighborhood house. Thankful to Mr. Frances, he was extremely knowledgeable and he was happy to answer questions. I would have given 5 stars but I wish they would take better care of the costumes. They were so beautiful, but they were dusty and damaged, still beautiful though. Worth more than $10.

N Ridley

This is a small museum that's packed with a lot of history and culture. We had a lot of questions about the history of Mardi Gras and the staff was able to answer them all. It's definitely a must see if your visiting New Orleans.

Kaye Blum

A beautiful collection of Mardi Gras Indian costumes.

Arafat Aboubakari

Not quite what I expected but still learned plenty about the African-American Mardi gras culture, which is nothing like what I imagined. It is a small place so not too much to see but still worth it. The lady who explained everything was very nice and passionate which was a plus.

Clemens Wetzel

Nice small unique place with a lot of mardigras Indiens suites

Lisa Dennis

Small museum

Aarti Patel

Wow! This place is a must for anyone who really wants to see why New Orleans culture is the way it is. Saw this in the doc by Spike Lee about Katrina and after seeing what the 2nd line history was all about, I knew I had to come pay my respects.

Alexandra Cuervo

Hours are listed incorrectly on Google Maps! See the photo here. This place is a gem! Local, specific, well-labeled, good-spirited. Well worth your 10 dollars and your time.

Laura Hermanns

Fun and quirky, and important institution for preserving the neighborhood’s history. Definitely worth visiting and supporting.