Arnaud's | New Orleans Restaurant

Mardi Gras Museum

The Germaine Cazenave Wells Mardi Gras Museum was opened at Arnaud's Restaurant in the French Quarter by proprietor Archie A. Casbarian on September 15, 1983. Open free to the public during restaurant hours, the collection of Carnival court gowns, costumes and other memorabilia made in France provides a rare glimpse of the private side of Mardi Gras.

The museum has two basic themes-what Mardi Gras is and who Mrs. Wells and her family were. It offers a unique view of Count Arnaud, founder of the restaurant in 1918, his wife "Lady Irma," Mrs. Wells and her daughter Arnaud.

"Germaine Wells reigned over twenty-two Mardi Gras balls from 1937 to 1968," said Casbarian. "We named our exhibit the 'Queen's Collection' because it is said that she was queen of more Mardi Gras courts than any individual in the history of Carnival," he added.

The museum brings together more than two dozen lavish Mardi Gras costumes, including 13 of Mrs. Wells' queen costumes, one of her mother's and one of her daughter's, as well as four king's costumes worn by Count Arnaud, (whose title was entirely local and honorary) and six children's costumes.

The original Carnival Memory Room was opened by Germaine Wells on September 15, 1952. For the reinstallation, 31 years later, Casbarian said the original mannequins were used and costumes from 1952 to 1968 were added.

The oldest costume in the exhibit, Germaine's 1939 Empress gown, was worn by Germaine's mother, Lady Irma, in 1941. As the Queen of Iris, she portrayed "Good Queen Bess." The most recent gown is Germaine's as Queen of Hera, 1968.

Casbarian, owner since 1978, said, "We believe this is New Orleans' most comprehensive Mardi Gras collection. When I first became interested in Arnaud's I was fascinated by the history of both the restaurant and its owners. Presenting the Queen's Collection as a bona fide museum is very much in keeping with the unique character of Arnaud's."

"Vintage Champagne" is the gown from the Krewe of Sparta, 1954, when the theme of the bal masque was "Royal Repast." Maids were dressed as Creole Gumbo, Sizzling Steaks and other dishes. Appropriately, Germaine, as Champagne, ruled over all.

The display is enhanced by more than 70 vintage photographs, fabulous Carnival masks and faux jewels, elaborate krewe invitations and party favors. The traditional colors of Mardi Gras--purple, green and gold, symbolizing justice, faith and power--shimmer throughout.

Viewing of the priceless collection and memorabilia is free to the public during restaurant hours seven days a week.