A Mardi Gras Fashion Museum Of A Queen Who Reigned Over 22 Balls - Arnaud’s Restaurant

I always love discovering a lesser-known hidden gem, and that's exactly what I found when dining at one of New Orleans’ beloved restaurants, Arnaud’s in the French Quarter. We stumbled upon it quite by accident when a friend suggested we go there for dinner. Our waiter mentioned the museum, and we decided to take him up on the offer for a tour of the museum, as well as the other rooms in the historic building.

Arnaud’s Restaurant was founded in 1918 by French wine salesman Arnaud Cazenave. It is one of the oldest and most famous restaurants in the city. Cazenave immigrated to New Orleans in 1902 from France, having traveled through New York City in the early 20th century. He came to New Orleans with the intention of offering fine food and wine to the local people. Cazenave acquired multiple adjacent properties on Bienville Street in the French Quarter, establishing a large restaurant. Arnaud passed away in 1948, and his daughter, Germaine Wells, took over the management of the restaurant, continuing the practices established by her father.

In 1978, the restaurant was sold to Archie and Jane Casbarian, and it has been owned and operated by the Casbarian family ever since.

During a renovation, Wells' Mardi Gras costume collection was discovered in a storage space within the restaurant. This storage area, which held all of these Mardi Gras treasures, was renovated in 1983, and the Casbarians paid tribute to Germaine Wells by creating a Mardi Gras museum in her honor on the second floor. The museum was named the "Queen’s Collection." There is also a permanent exhibit at the Louisiana State Museum, click here to see that.

This is what caught my eye; I hope you enjoy!

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Wells was a huge fan of Mardi Gras, and herself reigned as queen of over 22 Mardi Gras balls from 1937 to 1968, more than any other woman in the history of Carnival.

One of the many venue rooms in the historic building.

Every year, she would celebrate sixth night by wearing one of her many Mardi Gras gowns to dinner.

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The Wells collection is enhanced by more than 70 vintage photographs, fabulous Carnival masks and faux jewels, elaborate krewe invitations and party favors.

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Throughout the years, Wells maintained her own Mardi Gras ball costumes.

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Many of the gowns were made in Europe and the amount of intricate detail was quite astonishing.

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Germaine’s love of theatre also found expression in the celebration of Mardi Gras.

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It is considered bad luck to wear a Queen’s gown twice, so Germaine had a duplicates of some gowns made to be worn for other occasions.

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The traditional colors of Mardi Gras–purple, green and gold, symbolizing justice, faith and power.

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When the Casbarian family bought Arnaud’s, most of the dining rooms were closed for a complete renovation. They were determined to restore it to its former glory keeping the original chandeliers, ceiling fans, iron columns and cypress paneling.

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Just three months after the museum opening, Germaine Cazenave Wells died in her father’s mansion on Esplanade Avenue. At her request, she was buried in a golden gown, and the funeral cortege passed by the restaurant one last time.

What you should know:

• Dinner reservations are required.

• The museum is free for diners.

• Business casual dress theme. Avoid overly casual dress, no shorts, athletic wear, t-shirts, flip-flops. Men, jackets are preferred.

Location: 813 Bienville St, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA

For more information: Arnaud’s Restaurant

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