Backstreet Cultural Museum, Cultural museum in Treme district, New Orleans, United States.
The Backstreet Cultural Museum is a museum in the Treme neighborhood that focuses on Mardi Gras Indians and local parade traditions. The collection displays intricately crafted costumes, photographs, and objects documenting African American celebration practices passed down through generations.
The museum was founded in 1999 when its creator started filming street celebrations with personal cameras to preserve local traditions. This personal project grew into an institution that documents African American communities and their festive practices.
The museum displays handmade costumes and photographs that show how Mardi Gras Indians, social aid groups, and second line parade participants remain active in the community today. Visitors see the customs and dress codes that define these local celebrations and traditions.
The museum occupies a modest building with compact gallery spaces in an active neighborhood setting. Plan to spend time exploring the exhibits at a leisurely pace and consider visiting nearby attractions in the same area.
The museum's origin story traces back to a personal moment when its founder decided to document street celebrations himself instead of paying photographers for images. This self-made collection became one of the most extensive records of African American processional customs in the city.
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