Mississippi Civil Rights Museum

About

The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson tells one of America's most important stories - the fight for equality in a state that was ground zero for the civil rights movement. Opened in 2017, this world-class museum spans eight galleries that trace Mississippi's journey from slavery through the modern era, with a deep focus on the movement's most intense years from the 1940s through the 1970s.

What makes this museum extraordinary is its commitment to honoring ordinary people. Throughout the galleries, you'll encounter "Points of Light" - profiles of everyday men and women who refused to stay silent while their communities were denied basic freedoms. These aren't just famous names from history books. They're teachers, farmers, students, and church members whose courage changed a nation.

The exhibits are deeply immersive. Interactive displays, oral histories, and multimedia presentations bring pivotal moments to life. You'll walk through a recreation of a Woolworth's lunch counter sit-in, hear firsthand accounts from Freedom Riders, and stand in spaces designed to make you feel the weight and the hope of the movement. A central gallery features a dramatic sculptural installation that serves as the museum's emotional core.

Practical details for planning your visit: The museum is located at 222 North Street in downtown Jackson, adjacent to the Museum of Mississippi History. Adult admission is $15, youth ages 4 to 22 pay $8, and seniors (60+) or military members pay $13. Children under 3 get in free. The museum offers Free Sundays, when admission is waived for both museums. It's closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.

Street parking is available on North Street, and the museum has its own parking garage accessed from Jefferson Street between Amite and Mississippi Street. Plan for at least two to three hours - there's a lot to absorb, and you'll want to take your time. The museum gift shop carries books, artwork, and educational materials related to the civil rights movement.

This is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in American history, social justice, or simply understanding the courage it takes to change the world.

Accessibility

The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum is fully ADA-compliant and designed to welcome visitors of all abilities. ADA accessible parking is available in the museum parking garage, which is accessed from Jefferson Street between Amite and Mississippi Street. Street parking on North Street provides an additional option.

The museum features accessible entrances, and elevators and ramps provide access to all areas and exhibit levels. This means wheelchair users and visitors with mobility challenges can experience every gallery without barriers.

For visitors with sensory needs, the museum offers audio guides and visual aids to accommodate those with hearing or vision impairments. The multimedia-rich exhibits include both visual and audio components, providing multiple ways to engage with the content.

The museum's modern construction (opened in 2017) means accessibility was built into the design from the ground up rather than retrofitted. Hallways and gallery spaces are wide enough for comfortable wheelchair passage.

For specific questions about accommodations - including service animal policies, assistive listening devices, or any particular accessibility needs - contact the museum directly before your visit. Staff can help arrange the best experience for your situation. You can reach the museum through the Two Mississippi Museums website or by calling ahead to speak with visitor services.

More accessible places in Mississippi

• Medgar and Myrlie Evers Home National Monument (Jackson)
• Mississippi Museum of Natural Science (Jackson)
• Mississippi Museum of Art (Jackson)
• Jackson Zoo (Jackson)
• Brices Cross Roads National Battlefield Site (Baldwyn)
• Gulf Islands National Seashore - Mississippi District (Ocean Springs)