While in New Orleans for SIGGRAPH last week, the organizers threw a welcome party at Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World. This place is a massive warehouse and prop shop that houses tons of floats used in New Orleans’ annual Mardi Gras parade. Here’s my full set of photos.

Since 1947, this is where most of the floats and props have been designed, built and stored.

Walking through the space is like taking a tour through Disneyland. Many props and floats come from mythology, history, movies and pop culture.

My favorite are the Halloween and evil monsters section, of which there are many.

If you find yourself in New Orleans, you really should stop in and take a tour of Blaine Kern’s Mardi Gras World.