Background

Mississippi Civil Rights Museum: A Journey Through History

Explore Mississippi's pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement through immersive exhibits and powerful stories of courage and sacrifice.

4.8

The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson chronicles the state's pivotal role in the American Civil Rights Movement from 1945 to 1970. Through immersive exhibits, the museum highlights the struggle for equality and the sacrifices of those who fought for it.

A brief summary to Mississippi Civil Rights Museum

Local tips

  • Admission is free every Sunday.
  • Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully experience the museum.
  • Consider visiting the Museum of Mississippi History for a broader understanding of the state's past.
  • Reservations are encouraged for large groups.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum is located in downtown Jackson at 222 North Street. From the Old Capitol Museum, walk east on Capitol Street, then turn left onto North State Street. Turn right onto North Street, and the museum will be on your right. This is approximately a 10-minute walk.

  • Public Transport

    The Greyhound bus station is located at 219 Lamar Street. From the bus station, walk north on Lamar Street, then turn right onto North Street. The museum will be on your left. Check local bus routes for other options. A single fare is approximately $1.25.

  • Driving

    From I-55, take the Pearl Street Exit. Use the right two lanes to travel to the State Street intersection. Turn right on State Street, traveling past the Old Capitol Museum. Take the first right onto Amite Street, then the first left onto North Street. The Museum will be on your right. Free parking is available in the museum parking garage accessed from Jefferson Street between Amite and Mississippi Street. Street parking is also available on North Street.

Unlock the Best of Mississippi Civil Rights Museum

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Mississippi Civil Rights Museum

The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, located in Jackson, Mississippi, stands as a powerful testament to the state's significant role in the American Civil Rights Movement. Opened in December 2017, the museum is the first state-sponsored civil rights museum in the United States. It shares a campus with the Museum of Mississippi History, creating a broader historical context for visitors. The museum's eight galleries guide visitors through the period between 1945 and 1970, a time of intense struggle and change. Exhibits explore the systematic oppression of Black Mississippians and their courageous fight for equality. Visitors will encounter stories of key figures like Medgar Evers, Fannie Lou Hamer, and Vernon Dahmer, as well as the countless ordinary citizens who risked their lives for the cause of freedom. The galleries are designed to create an immersive and emotional experience. The museum uses multimedia presentations, including archival footage, photographs, and recordings, to bring the history to life. The heart of the museum is the central gallery, "This Little Light of Mine," featuring a dramatic light sculpture that glows brighter and plays music as visitors gather. This interactive exhibit serves as a memorial to those who died during the movement. The museum also confronts the darker aspects of Mississippi's past, including the legacy of slavery, the rise of Jim Crow, and the violence perpetrated by the Ku Klux Klan. Monuments memorialize the victims of lynching, and exhibits explore the events that shaped the movement, such as the murder of Emmett Till and the Freedom Rides. The final gallery, "Where Do We Go From Here?" challenges visitors to reflect on the ongoing struggle for civil rights and consider their own role in creating a more just society. Visitors can also visit the Mississippi Museum Store, which offers a collection of folk art, local handmade crafts, and books by and about Mississippians. The Nissan Cafe, located in the lobby, provides a dining option with a menu that reflects the flavors and cultures of Mississippi.

Popular Experiences near Mississippi Civil Rights Museum

Popular Hotels near Mississippi Civil Rights Museum

Select Currency