Jackson, Mississippi Attractions

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Old Capitol Museum © Mississippi Development Authority/Division of Tourism

Old Capitol Museum

Originally called State House, the Old Capitol building has filled three purposes in its long history. From 1839 to 1903 it served as the state capitol, between 1917 and 1959 it housed government offices, and from 1961 to the present it has become an award-winning museum enshrining Mississippi's history. The exhibits are arranged in several categories, the highlight being 'Mississippi 1500 to 1800' which depicts the era when Americans, Europeans and Africans first encountered each other in the state, drastically altering the lives and society of the Native Americans who lived here. Full-scale dioramas illustrate the importance of cotton in the state's development, and interactive audio-visual experiences explain the profound effects of the Civil War on Mississippi. *Note: due to the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina the Old Capitol Museum has been closed until further notice.*

Address: 100 S. State Street; Telephone: (601) 576 6920; E-mail: ocmuseum@mdah.state.ms.us; Website: www.mdah.state.ms.us/museum; Opening time: Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm; Saturday 9.30am to 4.30pm; Sunday 12.30pm to 4.30pm; Admission: Free

Governor’s Mansion © Mississippi Development Authority/Division of Tourism

The Governor’s Mansion

The Mississippi Governor's Mansion in downtown Jackson is the second oldest continuously occupied governor's residence in the United States. It was first occupied in 1842 by Governor Tilghman Tucker and his family, having just been built in the Greek revival style, the most popular style of the period. Today architectural historians consider the mansion one of the best surviving examples of this style in the country, and in 1975 the building was designated a National Historic Landmark. The historic section of the mansion, furnished in period Empire style, is open to the public.

Address: 300 East Capitol Street; Telephone: (601) 359 6421; Website: www.mdah.state.ms.us/museum/mansion.html; Opening time: Guided tours every half-hour between 9.30am and 11am, Tuesday to Friday. The mansion may be closed on occasion for official state functions and is closed during the last two weeks of December. The mansion grounds are closed to the public; Admission: Free

Manship House © Mississippi Development Authority/Division of Tourism

Manship House Museum

The home of Charles Henry Manship, Civil War mayor of Jackson, and his large family has been restored as a museum depicting life in Mississippi in the mid-19th century. The house was built in Gothic Revival cottage style in 1857, and was unpretentious compared to the mansions for which the south is so famous. Today the house still stands in its original setting of trees and shrubs, painted in its original olive and cream colour with an authentic shingled roof. Manship was a decorative painter and craftsman and much of the interior features his handiwork, all restored or reproduced. The rooms have been furnished with some original objects.

Address: 420 East Fortification Street; Telephone: (601) 961 4724; E-mail: manship@mdah.state.ms.us; Website: www.mdah.state.ms.us/museum/manship.html; Opening time: Tuesday to Friday 9am to 4pm; Saturday 10am to 4pm

Russell C. Davis Planetarium © Mississippi Development Authority/Division of Tourism

Russell C. Davis Planetarium

Jackson's impressive planetarium is one of the largest in the world, with a huge hemispheric wrap-around screen that presents regular Sky Shows on astronomy, astronauts and space exploration. The planetarium, situated in the downtown cultural district, also presents laser light concerts featuring the music of contemporary and classic rock and roll artists combined with the imagery of a powerful indoor laser system, and astronomy hobby courses.

Address: 201 East Pascagoula Street; Telephone: (601) 960 1552; E-mail: info@thedavisplanetarium.com; Website: www.thedavisplanetarium.com; Opening time: Tuesday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm, Friday 8.30am to 9.30pm, Saturday 12.30pm to 9.30pm, Sunday 1.30pm to 5pm. Show and film schedule varies; Admission: Sky show: $5.50 (adults), $3 (children). Laser concert and Large-format films: $6.50 (adults), $4 (children)

Mississippi Museum of Art

The State's largest art museum, the Mississippi Museum of Art in Jackson houses more than 4,000 works, including the world's largest collection by Mississippi artists. With 75% of the permanent collection comprising of American artists, visitors will be able to view some of Georgia O'Keeffe's striking flowers and landscapes and Walker Evans' carefully photographed Depression images. The rest of the permanent exhibition consists of European, Asian and Ethnographic art where contemporary masters such as Miro, Picasso, Degas and Cézanne are viewable as well as gorgeous Japanese prints and South American ceramics.

Address: 380 South Lamar Street; Telephone: (601) 960 1515; E-mail: mmart@netdoor.com; Website: www.msmuseumart.org; Opening time: Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm; Sunday 12pm to 5pm; Admission: $5 (adults); $3 (children)

Farish Street Historical District

The 125-acre neighbourhood bounded by Mill Street, Amite Street, Fortification Street and Jackson Street near downtown, known as Farish District, is one of the few historically black districts, built by former slaves, listed on the national register. It takes its name from Walter Farish, a freed slave who settled on the northeast corner of Davis and Farish Streets. The district was once the centre of political, religious, economic, educational and entertainment activities for the black professionals and craftsmen who lived in the area's 700-odd buildings, most dating from between 1890 and 1930. Among the more notable buildings are 229 East Church Street, former home of Dr Sidney Redmond, wealthy and successful businessman, and the Farish Street Baptist Church. Renovation in the district is ongoing and private home ownership is being encouraged in an effort at urban renewal.

Telephone: (601) 949 4000; Website: www.farishstreet.com