Catch it if you can: Iris and the Goddesses of Carnival

Now On Exhibit at The Presbytère

Mardi Gras 2018 may have rolled into the history books but, until December 2018, you can celebrate Iris and the Goddesses of Carnival at The Presbytère, 751 Chartres Street on Jackson Square.

The exhibit, the result of a partnership between the krewes of Iris, Muses and Nyx, commemorates the centennial of Iris, the first women’s parade. It invites you to explore the evolution of all-female krewes in New Orleans from the 1890s to the present.

Iris and the Goddesses of Carnival features rare and fascinating artifacts from the Louisiana State Museum’s collection along with gems on loan from various sources. Highlights include the oldest known Iris queen’s dress (circa 1941). It was worn by Irma Cazenave, wife of Count Arnaud Cazenave, and is on loan from Arnaud’s restaurant. You can also see five additional costumes, two dozen original costume sketches, rare photographs, ball favors, invitations and dance cards. You can even see the very first Muses shoe from the inaugural 2001 parade. We promise you’ll get a kick out of it.

Photos of modern day Iris float and throws courtesy of Rebecca Hollis, who also designed the Iris glasses.

Also read:

Brave Women with Beads

No More Bro Show: The History of Female Krewes