Is it just me, or are mannequins a little scary?

Before there were those weird Old Navy ads with the creepy mannequins, there was the Germaine Wells Mardi Gras Museum with even creepier mannequins. This museum is upstairs from Arnaud’s restaurant, a New Orleans tradition. And it may be the best reason for eating at the restaurant.

The museum was opened in 1983 by the proprietor of Arnaud’s, Archie A. Casbarian. It celebrates Germaine Wells who reigned over 22 Mardi Gras balls from 1937 to 1968. Germaine was the wife of Count Arnaud, who founded the original restaurant in 1918.

From the old, dusty costumes to the cracked and flaking faces, this place delivers a true New Orleans scare. I say skip the touristy voodoo shops and head to the Germaine Wells Mardi Gras Museum. Here’s a video stroll through the museum.