Support black business because that is the only way they will thrive and preserve the history.

My family and I came all the way from Detroit,MI to see this place in person and it did not disappoint!! You dont want us so we made our own!! The story of Africans in America!!! I will b back Thank you!!!

One of my favorite places to visit while in New Orleans. Thankful that this place was here to teach people. I was amazed by everything and gave me pride in my race. The effort it takes to for these people to create these suits is magical. The museum is a must see in understanding the people and the culture of the treme

So much history and detail. Definitely worth the visit

I have been eyeing this place for a few years now. There is no parking lot, but you do not have to pay for street parking. A few steps up to the museum. Cash only. Amazing guide full of information and passionate about the history. Fully recommend for locals and tourists alike. Well worth more than the $10 admission.

This is an interesting museum and you will see many treasures if you take your time. The most impressive part of the collection is the hand beaded Mardi Gras Indian outfits. There are also Zulu costumes and documents. The museum is full of loving and unusual shrines. It is in a nice part of the Treme near Rampart. It is $10 and you may need to make an appointment to visit. It is worth it.

Located in the beautiful and historic Treme neighborhood, Backstreet is a critically important source of cultural information about New Orleans. The female staff guide was steeped in the culture and expressed her knowledge with passion and pride. Lots of text panels and up close items to view. Skull and Bones Gang, who start Mardi Gras day, Baby Doll tradition, and Jazz Funerals, all aspects I learned more about at Backstreet, among so much else.A bonus when I was there, was a free copy of a compilation CD, Eh La Bas, of New Orleans blues, R&B, and jazz artists done by WWOZ, the local treasure of a public radio station in New Orleans. The liner notes of which give a great history of local artists including those shown in the museum, notably Danny Barker, but many others. Even if the CDs are gone, look into the title for a great glimpse of New Orleans music.A walk through Treme and it’s beautiful architecture, time spent among these incredible Mardi Gras Indian costumes with the information here about the local social and music culture, will bring New Orleans truly to life for any visitor.

One of the gems of New Orleans try to visit this place. Only $10 admission it is a great way to learn about true New Orleans street/procession culture and performance art. Loads of history and information collected by Sylvester here over many years. Super!

Great history of the step parades and Mardi Gras parades.

I enjoyed myself here learning about the tradition of the brass bands and Mardi Gras Indians. Dominique was an awesome host, very personable and informative. I love the Treme! Thanks for this museum and thanks to the Mardi Gras Indians for keeping their tradition alive.

Fantastic info. The Francis family is wonderful and essential to this culture. You will understand much about the culture of black New Orleans........highly recommended

If you want a unique, local, non tourist trap, this is the place to go. Great collection of New Orleans history.

The owner Sylvester took time out to share the history of his business and he shared a part of culture and history that most folks dont know about. This is a must see when you visit NOLA! The photography and the pieces in his museum are priceless as well as his stories.

Great local museum with alot of history

LOVED the outfits and the band history! Wish we had seen more wedding bands (not funeral marches). Enjoyed reading about the funeral marches though! Wonder how much some of those outfits weigh! A little pricey for the size.

Fun and quirky, and important institution for preserving the neighborhood’s history. Definitely worth visiting and supporting.

A New Orleans TREASURE & GEM!

Its very unique very impressive, It tells you the Mardi Gras Indian history and displays their handmade hand beaded Indian costumes not everyone knows but everyone should visit on their trip to visit New Orleans so youll get it when you see the Indians at our parades and secret 2nd lines and Super Sunday at Bayou St John

Incredible costumes and cultural information

I wish I recorded the guide. She explained the history so well. I would definitely recommend going here.

Amazing costumes with interesting stories

One of my favorite museums — such an authentic place. A fantastic preservation of culture in New Orleans. Sylvester (the founder) is a legend!

While only a small operation, with a very home grown feel. Interesting to see the costumes on display. We got off at the #4 Hop On Hop Off stop and walked 2 small blocks.

I love this museum. It has so much information and an amazing array of gorgeous clothes that you can see up close.

Hours are listed incorrectly on Google Maps! See the photo here. This place is a gem! Local, specific, well-labeled, good-spirited. Well worth your 10 dollars and your time.

This is a must visit museum if you are even remotely interested in the history of the Mardi Gras Indians and the funeral and second line traditions of New Orleans. The museum itself is small but mighty, and packed with an excellent collection of beautiful and elaborate Mardi Gras Indian costumes. You will learn about the history of the Mardi Gras Indians tradition, the Baby Dolls, social clubs, funeral and second line traditions, and the intersection of these traditions and the music and musicians of New Orleans. Do not miss this museum.

Fascinating!! I read everything and asked questions. I loved the fact that its in a neighborhood house. Thankful to Mr. Frances, he was extremely knowledgeable and he was happy to answer questions. I would have given 5 stars but I wish they would take better care of the costumes. They were so beautiful, but they were dusty and damaged, still beautiful though. Worth more than $10.

This is a gem of a collection. I had the greatest time with my 3 mates looking through all the history that has been preserved here. Thank you for putting this collection together.

Rich history ran and operated by active artists and Mardi Gras Indians, I would deem it a must visit

Really interesting. Definitely recommend

Go to this quaint little museum to learn all about pleasure clubs, Mardi Gras Indians, jazz funerals and more. It is a converted house all located on one floor so it is easily digestible. The lady who was showing us around told us so much information and was extremely nice and answered any questions we had. This is a unique and intimate experience. In my opinion this is a cant miss landmark.

In the first African Neighborhood in Usa are this amazing museum, they have a lot of history, customs for the carnaval.

My granddaughter and I were able to tour the Backstreet Cultural Museum conducted by Chief Harris. The Chief gave us the history of the 25 Indian tribes which design, make and wear the elaborate costumes for Mardi Gras every year. It was so interesting to see the costumes and other items which I saw on the tv show Treme.

When you come to New Orleans this is a must visit to learn the true history of Mardi Gras, not the one everyone thinks of, the drunken out of control party but the one thats about black culture and family. Come here for the real history. Talk with Mr. Sylvester, a long time resident of The Treme. He is the one who is essential in making this museum happen, and his daughter is also there to keep it going. He is a human treasure trove of stories and loves sharing his knowledge and reflections. The meaning of Mardi Gras is not about being a sloppy drunken fool but to be creative, and to be what and who ever you want to be. If you want to be a man, dress as one; if you want to be a woman, be it. He says this culture started as a thank you to Native Americans for allowing escaped enslaved people safe harbor and freedom from the cruelty of chattel slavery, and the torture of white slavers and overseers. Im adding my two cents here: while he says that most of the black folk are not indians, Ive actually heard that there were plenty of black Indians in this region who are a part of this, and that many of the indigenous peoples in this area were copper colored people who were and are black, some with African ancestry, others with indigenous North American ancestry like the Washitaw and the Tuscaloosa, black indians/black indigenous. Regardless, make sure you stop by and take the tour. Its worth it and the entry fee goes to a good cause. Lets keep this history alive. And remember what Mr. Sylvester says, Mardi Gras is about being who and what you want to be.

Quaint little special museum!

Lost myself for an hour here among the Mardi Gras Indian costumes. Sylvester’s collection is a beautiful, lifelong labour of love and he is a fascinating and informative host.

Great little museum with very informative guide

Amazing place to learn about local music and the Mardi Gras Indians. Very nice and informative host. When we went we were even offered free music!

Very in-depth history of the Mardi Gras Indians and New Orleans culture. Really informative and Dominique will answer any questions you have!

Best stop in NOLA. Those suits are pretty pretty pretty.

I heard a lot about black and native American culture and how they intertwine

This museum is so interesting, and the suits in it are really amazing. Definitely worth the price to go.

If you want an up close and personal look at Mardi Gras costumes...this is the place. There are some pretty cool exhibits in a personalized atmosphere.

This is a small museum thats packed with a lot of history and culture. We had a lot of questions about the history of Mardi Gras and the staff was able to answer them all. Its definitely a must see if your visiting New Orleans.

Dont bother.Went there on Memorial Day and they said come back tomorrow.Returned next day, found Closed at 2pm with no further info. Other people arrived and disappointed too.Closing times on various media range from 3pm to 5pm.

There were some very interesting artifacts presented.

Its a tiny little museum that is packed with history. Lots of interesting things to see here. It wont take too long to check out the place but its well worth the visit.

One of the best places we visited. Mr. Robert is a wealth of knowledge. The costumes are amazing. Theres more out there than just Mardi Gras and you can learn about it here.

Great exposure to a lesser known aspect of Mardi Gras culture.

Not quite what I expected but still learned plenty about the African-American Mardi gras culture, which is nothing like what I imagined. It is a small place so not too much to see but still worth it. The lady who explained everything was very nice and passionate which was a plus.

This museum is a beautiful display of our (New Orleanians) culture. The trip down memory lane was incredible.

Incredible display of cultural history. The curator is both informative and kind hearted. If you want to know New Orleans, then this should be one of your sources!

This is a great little museum in Treme where lots of Mardi Gras Indians and other culture bearers hang out. The owner will let you take eight photos of the Indian suits and tells lots of stories about the citys culture. This is a great place to hang out on Mardi Gras as the baby dolls, Skull and Bones Gang and various Indian tribes show up.

If you want to learn about the Big Chiefs and Marti Gras Indians, there is no better place. Warm and welcoming

A neat little museum! Well worth the $10. Have a walk around Treme after.

Heard very nice things about the history behind the costumes and Indian traditions. Found it a bit pricey at start, but was worth every penny. One the just see attractions in NOLA

Small but very interesting museum.

Its really cool to see those costumes up close. If you have never experienced Mardi gras indians, dont miss this.

A must see. In a time that traditions seem hard to hold onto, they plant the seeds for the future. Thank you Backstreet Cultural Museum for opening my eyes to a piece of New Orleans soul.

Wow! This place is a must for anyone who really wants to see why New Orleans culture is the way it is. Saw this in the doc by Spike Lee about Katrina and after seeing what the 2nd line history was all about, I knew I had to come pay my respects.

This place is as awesome, fascinating and unique as everyone has already said! Enjoy a nice walk through Louis Armstrong park on your way over.

Fascinating and truly one-of-a-kind. The proprietor is slightly eccentric but knows his subject: black Indian carnival krewes and the second line. Walk around the church across the street & see the tomb of the unknown slave.

Random residential location. We pulled up to find an Australian couple whod been waiting for the proprietor for an hour, when hed claimed hed be back in 10 minutes. It looked shady, and at 8 bucks, our time is frankly worth more than wandering around someones house, or worse, sitting and waiting for them to bother to return. We gave the couple a lift to Louis Armstrong Park - much better choice for that day for them, and for us.

Breathtaking beautiful costumes !!!

If you go to NOLA, you GOT to go here. It doesnt look like much from the front, but dont judge the book by its cover. It is a total cultural experience, not to be missed.

This place is a must for anyone interested in New Orleans culture. I learned so much about the Big Chiefs and their Queens. I also learned about the burial traditions. Absolutely enlightening. The place is small but its affect is huge.Eight dollars is a small price to pay for such access to history,

For those wanting to abandon the silliness of Bourbon St and actually learn about New Orleans culture. $10 donation asked for and gladly paid. Highly recommended!!!

Awesome ppl there

This should not be missed by anyone wanting to see the true culture and heart of New Orleans.

We loved seeing the Mardi Gras Indian Costumes and having a tour from one of the men who creates the spectacular costumes every year. There were so many stories to hear and the second line history was equally as interesting. Well worth the trip and small entrance fee.

A beautiful collection of Mardi Gras Indian costumes.

Very knowledgeable, personal tour. A fascinating bit of American history and culture.

This place is amazing! You must see it if you mind about new orleans Culture Of 2nd Line and black indians Mardi gras!

Before you go to this place, read up on black Mardi Gras. This is not a traditional museum. It is three rooms in a guys house and costs $10 a head in cash. You will only understand what you are seeing if you have some background in the history of the Mardi Gras krewes and how they traditionally excluded blacks, and some idea of the traditions of the Mardi Gras Indians (who are not American Indians, but are African American).

It doesnt look like much but it is history filled and the family that owns it is so nice. The history is great!

Fantastic place to learn about the Mardi Gras Indians and jazz funerals. Sylvester, the curator is a wonderful character.

Another great new orleans museum, skews more adult.

Their collection of Mardi Gras Indian costumes is outstanding. Go on Mardi Gras day and therell always be something to see.

Perhaps the only cultural institution in New Orleans (or even the country) that is solely dedicated to the cultural vibrancy of New Orleanss jazz history, as conceived in the historic Tremé neighborhood, as well as that of the Mardi Gras Indian Krewes. The nonprofit, modest and small in its space, packs an extensive display of costumes, paraphernalia and historical documents evident of the culture that characterizes thus movement. This is a must visit for history buffs visiting New Orleans!

Weird cool place

Dont miss the chance to learn about the Mardi Gras Indians and other New Orleans traditions from Mr. Francis museum!

This museum showcases the Krew costumes famous in jazz funerals, Mardi Gras celebrations and various second lines. Sylvester Francis, the owner, gave us a personal tour and invited us back for the second line for the Satchmo festival. A true NO cultural experience.

Nice small unique place with a lot of mardigras Indiens suites

A hidden gem run by one of the mardi gras indian families, and the owner will tell you lots of stories about making costumes.

This place is very interesting and Sylvester is great

Great place to learn more about New Orleans unique history

Great and interesting history and cultural exhibits.

Unique, hidden gem

Very interesting

Good history.

Must see in NOLA

Awesome Cultural Experience

Its a must visit

Small museum

A true New Orleans gem

Nothing like it ANYWHERE GO !!!

Very nice and interesting place!

A must visit

Awesome!! A part of New Orleans history that should not be missed!

Interesting historical cultural information