Museums of Mississippi History and Culture

Mississippi’s rich creative legacy and deep historical roots are on display in museums around the state celebrating the artistic achievements, from music to art to literature, of some of the world’s greatest talent. Take a tour of the galleries below and start planning your visit to Mississippi’s museums today.

Delta Blues Museum | Clarksdale

Since 1979, the Delta Blues Museum has been working to conserve Mississippi’s blues legacy. As the state’s oldest music museum, this Clarksdale arts center has interpreted and cultivated an understanding of this native Mississippi art form for decades. Exhibits include collections of artifacts, memorabilia, instruments and more from some of the state’s most prolific blues musicians, like B.B. King and Muddy Waters.

Mississippi Museum of Art | Jackson

Mississippi’s largest art museum, the Mississippi Museum of Art, is located in the capital city of Jackson and features a collection of nearly 6,000 art objects from some of the nation’s most well-known artists. The permanent collection is joined by a rotating series of special exhibitions and narrative themes. Take a stroll through the outdoor art garden, grab a bite at the Palette Café and enjoy performances by classical and traditional Mississippi artists.

Lauren Rogers Museum of Art | Laurel

The Lauren Rogers Museum of Art is located in a turn-of-the-century Georgian Revival structure built in 1923. The building was to be the home of Lauren Eastman Rogers, the only son of one of Laurel’s founding families. After Rogers’ early death, the building was converted into a museum, gallery and educational institution. Exhibits showcase American art, European paintings, Native American baskets, Japanese Ukiyo-e prints and British Georgian silver.

Gumtree Museum Of Arts | Tupelo

The GumTree Museum of Art employs year-round events, exhibits and educational workshops to help visitors develop an appreciation for the arts in the Tupelo community. Events include educational art programs for young artists, opportunities to interact with exhibitions and community outreach, like the museum’s lunch-and-learn lecture series.

Jimmie Rodgers Museum | Meridian

The Jimmie Rodgers Museum is a showcase of the life and legacy of the Mississippi native who is widely known as the “Father of Country Music.” Cited as an inspiration for musicians across the full spectrum of American music, “The Singing Brakeman” also worked on trains in the era of steam-engine travel. The museum features instruments and memorabilia pivotal to Rodgers’ music career, along with railroad equipment from the period of his career spent working on locomotives. Following your visit to the Jimmie Rodgers Museum, head to the Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Experience, also known as The MAX, to learn more about Rodgers and other Mississippi legends that influenced American arts and culture.

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