Backstreet Cultural Museum

The Backstreet Cultural Museum holds the world’s most comprehensive collection related to New Orleans’ Black community-based masking and processional traditions, including the Mardi Gras Indians, jazz funerals, social aid and pleasure clubs, Baby Dolls, and Skull and Bone gangs.

The museum’s filmed records of over 500 events constitute the most cohesive archive documenting these cultural traditions. In addition to its permanent exhibits, the Backstreet Cultural Museum hosts public performances of music and dance, provides outreach programs, and creates an annual book, Keeping Jazz Funerals Alive, that chronicles the year’s jazz funerals. 

Overall, this is a great place to learn more about the Black community in New Orleans and their celebration traditions, including the Second Line, jazz funerals and Mardi Gras organizations.