Mississippi Civil Rights Museum Reviews

This was an amazing museum!!! could spend about 4 hours there. Information is great, well displayed, interesting, sad, emotional, uplifting. Displays are excellent. Very modern. can't really say enough good things about it. SO worth the stop. Only a few block off highway 55 . ample parking, inexpensive , amazing!!!!
great job

Many many sad scenes as one might expect. This ends without acknowledging the racial progress made - a huge disappointment and missed opportunity. It ends with the question "Where do we go from here?" as if no progress has been made at all.

This museum has far more than you can see over the course of a couple of hours, but it's easy to navigate and focus on what interests you most. Some sections are simply heart-wrenching as you are confronted with man's inhumanity to man. Others are inspiring as you see the bravery and vision of those who dedicated their lives to freedom and equality for all. Usually I find school groups to be an annoying distraction, but in this museum it was awesome to watch and listen as the children came to grips with our past and were challenged to build a better future. The museum volunteers are well informed and sensitive to the emotional impact of the experience on both white and black guests.

Highly recommend visiting - some quite shocking details but an immersive experience to tell the story of this historical journey. Staff we encountered were all amazing.

On a cold, rainy visit to the USofA this was a hugely sobering and educational tour. You think as outsiders that you know the troubles, the strife, the appaling treatment of people who were ripped out of Africa and put to work in the States. Not really until this trip. Well set up, doesn't lecture, just illuminates. Well worth the money.

I was so completely blown away by this phenomenal place I can't properly describe it. I'll simply rate it 6 stars and encourage you to go as soon as possible.

Spent over 2 hours here and found it informative and sobering. It is organized in 8 sections starting with pre Civil War history. The sheer number of lynchings in Mississippi was devastating to learn about. In the center of the exhibits is a large sculpture that lights up when the song “This Little Light of Mine”. Beautiful and inspiring.

Great history of the civil rights struggles in Mississippi. Provided a lot of information, with great exhibits and short films. A bit overwhelming, but well worth it.

We were given a quick tour of both the Mississippi History Museum and the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, but even that took over an hour. A self-guided tour of just one of these museums could take 2 hours each.

There is so much information at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum you will need to spend hours to fully drink in everything. A few unexpected audio moments where you are suddenly threatened by an ominous voice might be a fright risk for small children.

A couple of people in the group began to cry at various moments. This museum does not shy away from the terror which necessitated the Civil Rights Movement.

Highly recommended.

This museum is very well-done. It is interesting and accurate. It is small enough not to be overwhelming. It should be a field trip for all middle or high schools in Mississippi. The staff was very helpful and kind.

This museum is very nicely done. You can see a large number of items related to the civil rights movement. There are also multimedia effects that highlight how African Americans have historically been treated. It was a meaningful place to visit.

Regardless of one’s knowledge of the history of America, the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum will provide an “eye-opener” to the academic; and surely a “wake-up call” to anyone else. We experienced a range of emotions as we walked through the circular designed passageway through our civil rights history. Personally, I feel strongly that parents who can afford to make the journey with their children will be more than grateful as the experience will teach a life lesson that will influence their children’s lives forever. Put this visit high on your bucket list!

I never get to experience the history of Mississippi when I visit, so I made sure to visit the museum this time. It gives a rich history of Mississippi's involvement throughout history. I enjoyed learning about some influential leaders from Mississippi. The museum also featured the Transatlantic Slave Trade Passage during my visit. Please take yourself or your teens.

I had the wonderful experience of visiting the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in downtown Jackson MS. It was an overwhelming, moving, and educational experience. The museum staff members were professional, cordial, and so friendly and helpful. The exhibits are artistically presented with sound and other effects. I really felt a real sense of actually living the historical moments that were visited. This is far, one of the best civil rights museums I have ever visited. Great job City of Jackson and the state of Mississippi.

An incredibly well done museum that features real documents, authentic articles, audio, and video media. We were very impressed. Everyone should go and visit.

We spent over 2 hours and didn’t finish seeing it all. Really well put together with witness testimony and film footage. Knew some of the stories but not all of them. And Mississippi didn’t ratify Amendment 13 abolishing slavery until 2013!!! Plenty of lessons we need to learn from today - on both sides of the pond!

My wife and I went here for the day as it was situated right behind our hotel. We started upstairs with a short history of Jackson etc and then worked our way downstairs to look at the history of the civil rights movement in the US. When we reached the ground floor we had a short lecture from a member of staff there about the exhibits location and the history of the movement. colour coded and easy to follow. It's all se out chronologically and in each section there are exhibits and short videos about the history of civil rights, equality, education, voting, freedom, etc. There's interesting topics like Emmett Till, Medgar Evans, the Mississippi Three and how the sit in movement caught hold across America.

This is one of the best museums we have ever visited and there are some exhibits that bring tears to your eyes about how human beings were treated by others just because the colour of their skin was different. There is an interesting bookshop at the end too and I dipped in my pocket for some materials on the Civil Rights movement.

This was a neat place to visit in Jackson. You get to learn a lot about the Civil Rights Era in Mississippi. I always enjoy learning history and I'm glad that I visited here.

Absolutely brilliant. An incredible amount of thought and planning has went into this museum on both sides. This has to be one of the best museums I have ever visited and I recommend you visit it. It is full of important information that should be known to everybody.

It's wonderful that Mississippi finally has a civil rights museum, but the design and organization is chaotic and difficult to follow. It has very few artifacts and mostly consists of reading material. Too bad, since many of the museum's visitors will be schoolchildren, and it is quite unlikely they will take the time to read. What a missed opportunity.

I've been to numerous civil rights museums and African American museums. This is one of the very best!!! The exhibits, displays and layout were all excellent. I learned a lot. I highly recommend this museum to anyone visiting Mississippi.

This is a museum about the African American struggle in Mississippi. Even as someone pretty well-read on African American History, this was eye opening. Every gut wrenching story or activity of the civil rights involed Mississippi, from Emmett Till, Freedom Riders, the missing civil rights activists, Medgar Evers, Fannie Lou Hamer, Stokely Carmichael and so forth is here.The Museum features mini theaters which are the most powerful. I want to re-read the entire civil right movement after visiting the museum . Many of attendees were children from school trips , it was interesting to watch their reactions.Its worth a trip to Mississippi

We visited from the UK. This museum is huge and we spent a good few hours there. I found the civil rights museum incredibly difficult To go around lots of hard hitting information and artefacts. However, this shows how impactful and effective it was. If you do not find it difficult I’d be shocked because it is an upsetting history of what African Americans had to face. As a history teacher, I yeah about the main people and events, but this museum gave me a microscopic feel of what was going on in Mississippi specifically and highlighted individuals I didn’t know about, that I am keen to include in lessons in the future. The videos were really powerful and told stories well. I found one of them really upsetting, as it really draws on empathy. The museum has stuck with me a week after our visit and I keep thinking about it. I can’t get my head around the level of hate and the extremes. This is everyone’s history and everyone should go and learn about this. Overall an excellent,hard hitting and powerful museum. I don’t think t could be improved

This new museum shares the building with the Mississippi History Museum. It traces chronologically the state’s civil rights history from the Indians to the slavery period to Reconstruction to the civil rights struggles of the 1950s to the present. It pulls no punches on a difficult subject. There are old signs from the segregationist time, slavery chains, and exhibits detailing the murders and the sit ins of the past. I found it to be strictly factual and fascinating. This is a must-stop when you visit Jackson.

Please go to this museum. It is a wealth of information. You need at least 4 hours to take it all in but it is well worth it. The staff were very friendly and did not mind sharing their knowlege and experience.

There are several interactive and audiovisual installations throughout the exhibit. Best experienced when you have 4 to 6 hours to fully explore and engage in all of the exhibits.

I have been in Civil Rights Museums before but this one is top notch. It is modern, and fresh. It has lots of video clips and footage, and everything is displayed in a nice coherent narrative that was very affective and at times too overwhelming (a good thing).

We spent about 2 hours here

If you come here, remember that the building shares space with the Mississippi History Museum which is slightly larger and equally interesting and worth a visit.

The museum is a walk through dark times with moving and informative films and displays on Emmitt Till, Medgar Evers, the Freedom Riders, and others. There are some that would be scary for small children... appropriate but disturbing for middle school age and above. The very sad information is very important to teach and not ignore stopping history from repeating such horrible actions. A lot of information to read and absorb....memorials to be observed with respect for those who sacrificed and stood up for what is right. Also a chance to teach young people the seriousness and respect that should be demonstrated when viewing the museum. Allow a minimum of two hours to go through, but preferably three or four hours.

The brand new and outstanding Mississippi Civil Rights museum, documenting the history of the State long considered ground zero for civil rights issues. My husband and I both thought it one of the best museums we’ve ever been to, period - definitely up there with the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis TN. Often harrowing, but bravely unflinching, this is truth and reconciliation at its best - a superbly designed and curated collection in a setting that reflects the gravitas of this topic.

On a side note, I would agree with other reviewers that this is not a suitable place for young children. The Imperial War Museum in London admits children of only 14 and up to its galleries on the subject of the Holocaust, so parents would do well to reflect whether their children are old enough to cope with the subject matter. Perhaps the museum should consider a similar suggested age limit, but at the end of the day, it’s also up to us parents to exercise good judgment in these matters.

The Good
—————
1) Very focused Mississippi history
2) Non-biased history (no political agendas)
3) Excellent interactive exhibits
4) Diverse aspects of history told from different parts of the state
5) Helpful employees
6) Mini-theaters

The Bad
————
1) Not enough time to see everything in two hours
2) One of the tour guides editorialized and put Trayvon Martin in the same category with Emmitt Till while lecturing us on the definition of lynching
3) Layout of museum makes it easy to miss certain displays

We visited this museum while in Jackson and I'm glad we didn't pass it up on our journey. We met a Freedom Fighter, Hezekiah Watkins, and he personally toured us through a portion of the Museum. An honor that I know the two of us will never forget. From the time we walked into the museum till we left, everyone was friendly and helpful.

Two great museums side by side with only 1 admission price. (Mississippi History and Civil Rights Museums.) Excellent portrayal of the civil rights era as well as great exhibits and narratives of Mississippi civil rights situations. Plan to spend 2-3 hours to tour the exhibits in both museums. Well worth your time to understand the civil rights movement and the difficulties associated with it. Overall, 2 EXCELLENT museums

I wish every state had a museum like this one. It is not just a museum—-it’s a memorial. It’s a work of art, and accessible on many levels to different age groups and life experiences.

It was very educational and informative. I wish I would have had more time to visit but willl go again!!

Great museum! need to plan to spend a day here. It connects to the MS history museum. Free parking and free on Sundays!!!!

The tour may not interest youngsters . There is much to read and see in the detailed exhibits. It may prove exhausting for some. This is a good place to learn and spend a rainy day. May find it easier to have several visits to enjoy all of the museaum. The exhibits are in divided into eras of the U.S. history. Reconstruction era is my favorite .

This is a relatively new Museum that focuses on civil rights history of the region and reflective of the times. The exhibits are very well done and there are many stories being told. A range of learning methods are utilized and are very effective. Many images and artifacts all add to the experience. Worth going to their web page before you visit and pick out a couple of items you may want to focus on. Watching others and you could sense the emotions that were being conveyed. Well worth the visit and a return visit. Next door is another Museum that covers MS state history. Plenty of parking available and close to the State Capitol Building.

This place is definitely a must-see in Jackson! It’s a double museum; one half is Civil Rights and the other is the History Museum. I only had two hours to explore both museums, usually I think it would take about 1.5-2 hours for each museum, but I managed to see everything in 2 hours total. They are both fantastic museums filled with information! The Civil Rights Museum started with the slave trade and then worked its way up to the 1960s movement. The History Museum was also very interesting and is organised in chronological order. It starts with the Native American tribes and then covers European and American history from the 1500s to present day. It includes a lot of interesting artefacts and has three full areas with about 4-5 exhibits in each. Both museums also have a lot of interactive activities and films but unfortunately I didn’t have time to do all of that!

I have toured such museums in both Memphis, Tenn. and Washington, DC over the years. Since much of the civil rights movement effected Mississippi it is only fitting that this timely subject matter be addressed in this state. When you start your self-guided tour you start by looking at the roots of slavery than it is a time line leading up to day's ongoing news regarding "race relations". The researches and presenters at this museum have done their research as all aspects of the civil rights movement are both explored plus explained. You will gain insights and put into a position to address the wrongs of the past. You walk in a circle and explore different rooms during your tour. From a personal perspective, I talked to two black mature ladies that worked here and they explained to me that personally both lived such events dating back to the 1960's. They personally felt that this civil rights museum dealt with this subject matter in both a sensitive plus honest manner. This only issue I had today was regarding the admission process. One pays a dual admission to tour two museums on the property. There is no really huge savings in doing both and management may want to explore this option for future visitors. I was told that this the type of feedback they have heard from other museum attendees in the past. Over all an experience that will both move you and reflect on the past wrong doings in Americas past and puts them into perspective of the recent church burnings in the south. As a Canadian it makes me think of how Canada played in this part of history by being part of the underground railway. Job well done by the State of Mississippi!

This museum is absolutely amazing we loved the exhibitions. The staff were very helpful we were travelling from the Uk.

I was in town for the marathon event and had some time to explore. The Civil Rights Museum was well worth the time. The exhibits are excellent and interactive. 3 hours was not nearly enough time and I would like to visit Jackson again to spend more time here.

The museum exhibits bravely tell the stories of Mississippi's civil rights history and don't try to hide the truth of what took place. Admission price for the museum is very reasonable. Even gift shop items were affordable and of good quality.

I wasn't expecting to have to go through a metal detector to enter but upon reflection I can understand the need for it.

The museum was very educational and NOT boring. The exhibits were well done and light show/music from the central area made the entire museum feel alive.

There are two museums on campus. One is about Civil Rights and the other about Mississippi. Due to time constraints we only visited the Civil Rights museum. As with the civil rights museums in Birmingham and Montgomery, Alabama there is plenty of proof of how poorly Americans treat other Americans due to their differences.

Wonderful museum- great information on the Civil Rights Era from a MS perspective. Building is very well kept and admission is very affordable.

This new museum was opened in December of 2017 and shares a common entrance with the Museum of Mississippi History in Jackson.
We visited this very poignant and unique museum in late February and appreciated our time there. The museum is the first museum about the American civil rights movement to be sponsored by a U.S. state and features several rooms illustrating the civil rights movement in the State of Mississippi from 1945 through 1970.
Parking is on the site and currently there is no charge. There is a lobby with a gift shop and eight galleries with artifacts, tableaus, storyboards, and videos. The layout is circular, with darkened galleries surrounding a central lighted rotunda which has a wonderful 40 foot illuminated interactive sculpture called “This Little Light of Mine”.
We were here for about an hour and a half. This museum is a must see for all people.

Lots to read. One (a little bit scary) surprise is in the Jim Crow section. There are motion detectors which trigger the sound of a gun cocking, then the voice of a redneck saying something threatening.

Visiting the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum was an extremely moving experience. The exhibits take you from the early days of slavery in the US to modern day. The displays are detailed, interactive and thought-provoking. The different time periods are shown in "wedges" laid out around a central atrium. On your first visit you would normally follow the exhibits chronologically. On subsequent visits you might wish to focus on particular periods or events. Whatever you decide, there are enthusiastic guides who are there to help.

There are 2 museums in the complex - the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the Mississippi History Museum. When I visited I bought the combo ticket to see both museums and didn't have enough time to do justice to both. I would suggest 3 to 4 hours to visit just the Civil Rights Museum.

Spent 90 minutes at this incredible and moving exhibition. Quality of exhibits and the stories told were excellent. Don’t miss a visit to this facility.

This is a new museum that details the history of civil rights (and wrongs) as seen in Mississippi from the beginning of importation of enslaved people ( the words used by the presentations) into Mississippi all the way to present day Mississippi. There is no sugar coating of the facts and being such, many of the situations portrayed are difficult to see and hear. The presentations of photos, writings, words and films are well done, this museum is well worth your money, time and effort. There are some very disturbing depictions and photos that may not be suitable for young people to view, so discretion is advised.

Connected to the Museum of Mississippi History and on the same ticket, this astonishing museum includes great multi-media explaining everything about the fight for Civil Rights in Mississippi.
Whilst we can understand why, there was far too much detail for us, it was overwhelming.
The astonishing number of lynchings were all listed so that was something we learned. Real contrast in visitor numbers to the History Museum next door, with dozens of Afro-American visitors.
At the end we listened to a fascinating storyteller, a surviving Freedom Rider.

If you are traveling in Mississippi, this is a must-stop!!!! This museum offers an emotional portrayal of Mississippi's place in the civil rights history. It takes you from emancipation up to today. There are tremendous artifacts and documents which bring the history to life. The images and exhibits are remarkable as they highlight the negative reaction of those who opposed African-Americans being treated as equals. Nevertheless, it shows the endurance by those (white and black) who were determined to shed the legacy of hatred, fear and violence which the state was known.

You could spend the whole day at the museum but give yourself time and maybe do spurts because it is very emotional. Also, built into the museum are plenty of areas to sit, rest and reflect.

The museum of also part of a complex which offers another museum as well as refreshments. A very nice souvenir shop is present, however it is a work in progress.

There are two museums side by side: Mississippi history and civil rights. They are both arranged in some sort of wagon wheel layout in topic sections which is confusing. The history museum is laid out in 18 sections by dates and the civil rights in 8 sections by topic. It did not flow well and seemed to be like a scrapbook. Upon leaving my impression was that it was somewhat interesting but failed to convey an overall story line. There is much more to Mississippi than was conveyed in these two museums.

The showcases are listed in our school books. We need to see people that made and continue to make contributions and sacrifices like the Honorable Constance Slaughter-Harvey and other hometown hero’s that are forgotten from the good ole boy network. We have to reflect relevant and encouraging history and her story. We have to evolve into better.

Civil rights in the southern states has always been difficult for them to embrace, this is an interesting testemony of change for them

I really enjoyed this museum with my 12yo and 8yo. I got dropped off so I’m not sure of the parking situation. We stayed about an hour but easily could have tripled that. It was a very well oriented museum and I like following history in a chronological manner. My 8yo thought some parts were “scary” but that’s just because of the heaviness and truthfulness of the subject matter.

It wasn’t too crowded and the staff was friendly. I’d definitely go again.

We recently completed a self-designed tour of the Deep South and Mississippi Delta, visiting many Civil Rights sites and a few sites connected to/memorializing Slavery. This was one of the two reasons we made this journey.* What a superbly designed museum. The focus is Mississippi, only mentioning outside events as a point of context. And what a smart thing to do. The information is dense, presented in different forms, different media, different heights! (for kids) Sometimes repeated. Which gives one such a thorough and well documented experience and education. You can dive in deep or skim...you can walk in knowing little history, or know a lot due to ones own past experiences and reading: And all will walk away better people. We spent more than 3 hours there on day one, and had to go back for a couple more hours to finish. Thank you Mississippi!

*The other was the Whitney Plantation in Wallace, LA. Also a must see!!!

The Museum is only a couple of years old, and so well thought out. The displays, interactive exhibits, and short movies throughout the museum are top notch. You could be done here in as little time as you want, but I spent several hours, as there is a lot to read. Time well spent, and at $10 with free garage parking, you really don't want to miss this.

Well worth the visit very educational , I got emotional but throughly enjoyed the experience. Would recommend

We underestimated the amount of time that we would need to give this museum proper due. That’s on us. However, if you are planning to go, we highly recommend you give yourselves at least another hour to what you generously think you may need. There is a wealth of information, and it’s helpful to go through at a slow clip. Besides that suggestion, we highly recommend the museum.

Extremely informative. Some areas very graphic but marked. Not for your kids. Parents be aware. Everyone needs to see at some time in their lifetime. Truly horrific things done to a specific race of Americans.

The displays varied with personal accounts, photos, interactive learning, videos, overhead audio in resting areas with uplifting art installation. A must see museum! I learned there were not just a bus load of freedom riders, but HUNDREDS who traveled to Jackson to be arrested and imprisoned for civils rights.

The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum is more than a collection of artifacts and displays. This museum presents the plain truth about the events that led up to the Civil Rights movement and the struggle for equality in Mississippi during the 1950s through 1970s. The stories are emotional and truly disturbing, and ultimately inspiring as we see their determination and fortitude. I learned so much from this museum and realized how much I did not know, even though I am a native Mississippian who grew up in the 1960s. As a white person, I have a much better appreciation for the Civil Rights struggle and the lasting effects of discrimination and segregation today. The stories of the Freedom Riders, Fannie Lou Hamer, Medgar and Myrlie Evers, James Meredith, and so many more are inspirational to me to confront racist and discriminatory attitudes. This museum will challenge you, but also bring inspiration and hope in a better future for all of us.

On the practical side, this museum is very popular and busy most of the time. Allow 3-4 hours minimum for the museum. There is much to see and read, theaters to see, and allow some time to sit and reflect in the circular gallery with the beautiful light sculpture. If you want to also visit the adjoining Museum of Mississippi History on the same day, you will need a full day because it is even larger than the MS Civil Rights Museum. There is free parking in the parking garage behind the buildings (off Jefferson St) or you can park on the nearby streets. There is also a museum cafe and very large gift shop. Upstairs are temporary exhibits.... There is a beautiful quilt exhibit going until October 2018.

This museum is absolutely amazing! It's divided into two parts. One part is Mississippi history and the other part is civil rights history in Mississippi. You need at minimum of 3 hours just to soak in all the exhibits. We learned so much from this experience! I highly recommend during your time in Jackson, Mississippi.

We were amazed at how interesting this museum is, you need at least 5 hours with a lunch break, as they have a cafe on site. Well worth a visit

I lived through the 60s and 70s in Mississippi . Dr King marched here during that time and my synagogue and rabbis house was bombed then.
I can still hear the explosion.
The museum takes us back to those turbulent times and portrays well the struggles taking place.
Anyone interested in freedom and progression should make it a priority to visit this museum.
The Mississippi Natural History museum is in the same building and impressive.
I am proud to be a benefactor of these museums.

Was blown away with all that was in this Museum about the Civil Rights Movement. My only issue was i didn't have enough time to see all they had to offer. I was a super great time. Wife and i are planning another trip.

Facing the prospect of a very rainy day in Vicksburg, I decided to drive to Jackson to check out this museum. Am I glad I did - it turned out to be the highlight of my entire visit to Mississippi! This is a modern, engaging museum (it opened in 2017). It held my attention for over three hours, and I still had to leave without seeing everything. The museum lays out the history of African Americans, from their arrival in slave ships in 1619 to the present, with special attention to events in Mississippi. The many exhibits are excellently curated and designed to engage you and hold your interest. They remind you just how many historic (and not very pleasant) events took place here - including Reconstruction, Jim Crow, the lynching of Emmett Till, the forced desegregation of schools, Freedom Riders, the assassination of Medgar Evers, and the Freedom Summer of 1964 (when three civil rights workers, both black and white, were killed in Philadelphia, MS). The exhibits bring all these events to life with videos, sound and artifacts (like sitting in a model church where a civil-rights meeting is taking place). I thought I was well-informed about many of these events, but I learned (and felt) so much more while visiting this museum. Its impact for me was on a par with the 9/11 museum in NYC.

Having visited numerous very good civil rights museums this one is outstanding. At a later meeting we talked with a white professor who was one of the 6-9 people who worked on planning the museum - what to include, how to display everything. He said that at no time were they pressured to exclude or rewrite any of the horrific history of civil rights. It is all there - in pictures, videos, written explanations. The presentation is wonderful. It may be one huge room but it is made into various wanderings from a central area which has seating to rest.
Allow several hours to do a good job of visiting. But if you only have a short time you can still gain a lot. This is a don't miss venue if you are any where near Jackson.

You could stay for days in this museum. It is home to all the tragic civil rights activities in Mississippi. You do feel grieved, sad, and shamed at what has happened in Mississippi. Unbelievable the way people treat each other, but hopefully, the future will be better as we all recognize the spark of love/God is in each and every person.

Best $10 I ever spent at a museum. Thoughtfully curated and takes the visitor through a timeline of civil rights from slavery to the present day. Highly recommended.

I just want to start out by saying that this museum is one of a kind! There is so much history and facts to learn about Mississippi that many would want to keep secret. I wasn't born here, but I relocated here about 15 years. I was torn with emotions while reading all the events that occurred here. One minute I was crying another I was saying I am so glad we never gave up. If you really think about it wasn't that long ago. I have so much to be proud of as an African American woman, but there are many things that we as a nation still have to improve on. I am very blessed to have the right to choice my education, have the right to vote, and the decision to marry another race today, just to name a few. Thank you to all the people ( White and Black) who paved it forward for me.
Now there is much to read, and I wasn't able to finish it all in one day, but if you reside in the state or have time to spare the museum is willing to allow you to come back within a 48 hour period to finish the exhibit.

I write reviews when they are worthy of them, and this one is definitely deserving of that.

I would recommend visiting this museum to everyone.

An awesome place to visit. A Lot of history. An eye opening experience. I left having more respect for what our four fathers had to endure in order for us to have freedom and an education today.

I've visit all the civil rights museums throughout the south, and this one is the best. It is incredibly comprehensive, focusing not just on Mississippi. Spotlight is on Evers Medgar, but many others as well. Lots of video footage and interactive exhibits. Every single American should be so lucky to visit this museum and absorb the extraordinary stories it has to tell.

The desperate conditions of Black Americans in Mississippi is on full, unvarnished display in this remarkable and courageous chronicle of their history. Parents should be prepared to provide context since this is "in your face" stuff.

The six foot black glass displays of just the names of the people lynched over the centuries is randomly located around the exhibit. So, parents have to explain what lynching was...be ready for the questions.

The detail as well as the breadth of the museum was astounding. The quality of each room/pod was exceptional. From lighting to displays to curation was wonderful. Be prepared for half-a-day. This is not a one hour stroll thru or you do yourself a disservice.

Remember, this is not the African American experience in Mississippi...it is the Civil Rights Museum. So, that is the canvas. You get some 18th and 19th century set-up for what came into the 20th century.

One striking display was that of Vernon Dahmer, a Laurel grocer. Be sure to read it all.

Another was the Citizen's Council a naked front of the MS. Sovereignty Commission, a state agency that promoted segregation and violence. Shades of Nazi Germany. This is a direct link to the nativist that Trump is aligned with today. Watch out America...we have seen this movie.

The facilities are first rank. Nothing is second rate. Materials, finishes, space, volume, lighting, all are to be commended.

Easy access from I-55 to State Street in downtown Jackson. Afford yourself an opportunity to experience the truth of the civil rights era.

What is there makes you sad. But what resulted makes us better Americans. Tell the kids that story.

If you are in or near Jackson, Mississippi, do not miss this museum! It is a very moving tribute to the history of the Civil Rights movement in this country, The museum is quite new, is beautifully organized with wonderful exhibits and presents an accurate and forthright perspective on the civil rights movement from the founding of the country until the present day. It is an absolute must see!

We flew 1,000 miles to visit and study this museum and it was worth it. Built with state support after decades of negotiation, new the civil rights half was carefully designed and curated by local civic leaders who lived through and participated in the marches, sit-ins and community organizing of the 1950s-1970s. It is compactly organized but has more than 20 distinct alcoves covering slave history, abolitionists, and the civil war from multiple points of view. Postwar reconstruction lead to the Civil Rights Era, documenting the many incidents of physical violence and deaths. It concludes with examples of progress in African-American elected officials and not-yet resolved inequalities. It is well documented with signs, quotes, graphics, videos, photos and artifacts. It is a highly educational and sobering experience, which may sadden or shame some attendees. It is the best such state based museum we have seen in the US, and comparable, but different, from the must-see African-American Smithsonian museum in DC.

This part of the two museums complex. One covers the civil rights movement with a strong focus on the events in Mississippi in the turbulent 1960s while the second museum covers the history and development of Mississippi from territory to state through to modern times. The civil rights museum is compelling and uses multiple story telling techniques. There is video from the time – used for example to tell the story of Medgar Evers a civil rights leader who was assassinated. Also lots of audio clips from people in the past and display after display with photos, storyboards, and newspaper clippings and other memorabilia and artifacts from the time. This is a violent story, not least being the Klan’s killing of three activists in 1964 and the subsequent national focus on local events. Fascinating, interesting, compelling and relevant still.

Having been born in the early 1950’s, many of the events presented in this exhibit happened in my life time. It was very sobering and yet a story that must be told again and again. As a teacher, the pictures of the segregated schools really brought back memories....in the same county a picture of the local white school/contrasted with the school for black students. Don’t miss this museum. Parking garage on the back side or, if you visit on Sunday, there should be plenty of street parking. Plus, admission is free on Sunday’s.

Every American of every age needs to visit this museum. Whether its to learn about the harsh realities of the history, or to be reminded of them, this remarkable "living" museum will leave a lasting impression for all. It is wonderfully curated with testimonials, artifacts, pictures, recordings and so much more. Allow yourself at least 3 hours to properly experience it. It is a beautiful facility throughout and truly an incredible display and testament of redemption. I cannot wait to return.

It made me proud to be an American. Belonging to a nation that owned all its history; its glorious and its shameful! That takes courage and confidence that there is a national determination not to repeat mistakes. I hope that we learn from them as well.

As a 70+ year old white male i lived thru much of the turmoil during the 1960's. This display/explanation is excellent. I think it's similar to the WWII museum in New Orleans, but considerable smaller. Even if you have no interest in civil rights, I believe you would find a lot of interesting info in the exhibit.

If you are traveling interstate 55 please add this trip to view the museum. . It has a lot of black history. Wear some comfortable shoes very educational for your children as well as yourself. There’s so much to read and sit and listen and watch short videos. This was a day trip for me.

Hopefully, this museum will challenge us all to be kinder, more compassionate people than we have been in our past. Very inspiring, challenging and moving. All staff were extremely friendly and very helpful. Recommend getting a wheelchair if you can't handle walking the exhibits for two to three hours.

You cannot visit this place without being touched especially the story if M L King. The Museum covers just about everything and us a must see

While having an overwhelmingly amount of options as there is so much to do in Jackson; my wife and I read the reviews of the civil
Rights museum and they were all very positive.
If you want a true representation of how things were in the south from the early 1800’s to post-civil rights movement this is the place for you.
I should not fail to mention that everywhere we went in Jackson the people were the friendliest and in particular the folks we met on staff at the Civil Rights Museum.

Upon entering the complex, attendees go through a metal detector and then have the opportunity to purchase tickets. There are two museums so you can view both or just one, but the cost is reasonable either way. We only had time to tour the Civil Rights Museum. It's laid out in a circle that tells the history of civil rights (and lack thereof) in chronological order. The entrance is a bit confusing, but they have docents to direct you to the entrance and explain how to navigate counterclockwise through the exhibit. If you read everything, it could easily take 3 hours. Our group of 4 (two adults, two teens) stayed for 2 and only made it about 2/3 of the way. Interesting exhibits - loved that it was laid out chronologically, but an overwhelming amount of information. Almost too much to digest with all of the colors and fonts. I wish they had laid out a general timeline that one could easily follow and then fleshed out the topics with side exhibits. The history of the civil rights movement and the continued importance of allowing all citizens to have a voice is a relevant topic for people of all ages.

The museum does a great job of making the African-Americas struggle for basic right accessible for all. I can't imagine how anyone could not vote after going through this museum.

Went to the museum on free Saturday, Although it is a great museum-it was very hard to see anything because the amount of people in there made it impossible to enjoy. We did not plan going on the free day - it just worked out that way and I wouldn't recommend it.But it is a very informative museum.

This museum is fantastic for someone who doesn't know much about the struggle for civil rights in the USA or in Mississippi specifically. It has so much information, with seemingly every bit of every wall covered with words and pictures. It doesn't shy away from any of the brutality involved with the struggle, and that's appreciated. I didn't find it very emotionally moving, but I think that's because it was closer to reading a textbook than anything else. I felt drained after 2 and a half hours, but that I had learned more.

best time spent on my birthday weekend

parking available in garage
in the downtown area of Jackson

It was truly an eye opener for my teenagers. Very valuable lessons were learned.
Was greeted with smiles after going through security
How to go through the exhibit was explained to us . Some parts will startle you so be aware if you have little ones. Some areas were interactive

It is a must do if you visit jackson as you will see that it focuses on the civil rights movement in MS. From Lynching, to freedom riders it was great. From being inside of a true jail cell and the back of a paddy wagon that was used to transport the freedom riders to jail. it is all there.

Very well done, powerful museum. Engaging exhibits make the story of the Civil Rights movement come alive.

I was very impressed with the Museum. I will take my grandchildren it was well thought out and executed.

Honest portrayal of the Civil Rights struggle in Mississippi. It takes visitors through the years of oppression to freedom and progress for the future. One of the trio of new museums which includes the Museum of Mississippi History and the U.S. Grant Presidential Library in Starkville.

My husband and I were on a road trip and this museum was a planned stop. This interesting museum is a must see if you are in the area. Very informative, the museum's focus is on the events in the state of Mississippi from the slave trade to the civil rights era. It's well laid out with a "rotunda" in the middle with alot of seating. There are several rooms each with a topic. Some of the rooms had videos of a topic of the room. Excellent museum. Must see.

We had a wonderful visit at the civil rights museum. There were several volunteers throughout the museum to help you find your way through the exhibits. There is a really large amount of informational exhorts and the history explained in a very fair manner. I was particularly interested in the segregation issues and there was plenty of information on that subject. We will have to go again because there is so much to see.

I visited this museum with family and was pleasantly surprised. The museum just opened in December and is well done. I love museums, especially this particular type of museum and have visited them across the country. The layout was good and it highlighted some information that I wasn’t as familiar with. As an added bonus, evidently the museum has some days with free admission, and the day of my visit happened to be one! I’d definitely go back again!

The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum is one of four fabulous museums we visited over the past two weeks—-Birmingham, Montgomery, Memphis, and Jackson. All are fabulous and all are unique one to the other. The museum makes a valuable contribution to understanding a sad part of America’s past. Put it on your must do list.

This was my second time through the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson. Once again, I walked away totally blown away at the impact it had on me. I was moved emotionally...learned things intellectually...touched deeply....motivated to go out into the world and make a difference in response. Brilliantly conceived and created to give visitors an experience that they will never forget. I know I won't. Two tips...1) Allow a few hours+ to experience all there is there. Don't rush through! 2) Be sure and spend some time in the center of the museum. There you will find a beautiful space full of sound and lights and art and photographs and quotes where you'll be able to process and think through all you've seen and felt.

Wow! What an amazing experience!!!! I am a big lover for history! Especially Black History! And this location taught me things i NEVER knew even existed in the state of Mississippi and Tennessee!!! Definitely would go back

So much more than I expected. This is one of those, “I didn’t know what I didn’t know” Of course I know some history of slavery but wow. More than once I was in tears. Amazed by the spirit of some people to overcome seemingly impossible situations and sickened and appalled by the evil of other people. I can see why some prefer to bury their head in the sand but we just can’t. I think one of the most shocking things is how recently some of these events have taken place...and unfortunately still do.

Museum should be a mandatory instruction for all of us. Must see. Allow all day.

Special exhibit on history of slave trade also an excellent education.

We spent 5 hours in the civil rights museum alone. Beautifully laid out and thought provoking, occasionally gospel songs ring out though the museum which moved everyone in different ways. Magnificent! We don’t have time for the Mississippi museum, if the civil rights museum is anything to go by it will be fabulous.

While in Jackson we couldn’t miss seeing the Civil Rights Museum, I’m glad we did. The museum is thought provoking and brings you to tears. We saw older Black seniors tearful because they lived it. It brought back bad memories. The museum showed how for we’ve come and how far we still have to go.

Absolutely spellbinding and breathtaking. Really takes you to the time, place and people of the Civil Rights Movement early days and transitions you into present day. Will really challange your personal beliefs and make you want to know more. I would say this is a madatory stop for anyone over the age of 8. All school children should do this as a field trip. Outstanding displays and accurate history portrayed in such a moving setting.

I lived through the civil rights era but the people I was with did not. For them and for me, this provided so much learning of this important and difficult period of US history. The displays and videos are well worth as much time as one can give to it. I wished I was able to stay longer.
Try to meet Mr. Hezekaiah Watson who is in the museum daily and willing to share stories from is youth when he was arrested and imprisoned at Parchment Prison. He graciously answered every question my husband and I had.
This is a DON'T MISS opportunity.

A must see. We can't go forward unless we look back. A great education for all ages. Thank you for such an educational experience.

This museum is extremely well done. We spent over three hours there and could have spent three more if time had permitted! It sharpened our memory of events that shaped our nation from the inception of slavery on. Any progress in race relations has root in the era of Emmett Till and Medgar Evers and Fannie Lou Hamer and more! A very worthwhile stop!

This is one of the best museums I have been to. Fantastic, emotionally draining and I only wish we had more time, days in fact to return.

There are easier ways to spend a few hours, but this museum is so worth the time and attention. It's very densely-packed; you need to pay attention and look around, including up. It's daunting to see so much in one place, in a short period of time.
The museum is adjacent to the Mississippi History Museum; you can pay 1 fee for both. The MHM is very interesting and touches on a lot of what's in the MCRM. Am so grateful to have spent a morning there, The staff is very welcoming and helpful. There's a nice gift shop onsite.

This is housed in an enormous facility in downtown Jackson with the Civil Rights Museum on one side and the Mississippi History Museum on the other. (One ticket gets you in both)
There is no sugarcoating here! The whole history of the movement is told from slavery days through about 1980 in compelling detail. The exhibits range from a listing of all the lynching victims, to klu klux klan robes, to pictures of the freedom riders who came through Jackson, and many more. Throughout there are small theaters on specific topics (such as a Medgar Evans assassination) where you can sit down and watch short movies. You really come away with a better understanding of the brutal nature of the era and how it must have felt to live through it.

An excellent museum. Everything is presented beautifully, clearly and in great detail. Don't miss it !!! One of the best museums I have seen ever.

Absolutely spectacular collection of historical relics. I learned a lot about racial hatred that Mississippi endured in the 60s. Very educational for anyone who wants to learn about civil rights history.

I attend lectures at the two museums weekly: they are always very interesting and well done. The series is entitled "HIstory is Lunch: ( abbreviated HIL).

This place is well worth a visit. We had about two hours until closing time, and saw a lot and learned a lot. Wish we had a little more time. They guy at the counter when we checked in and paid said it's best to have about 4 hours to really see the exhibits, watch the films, etc. It shocks and saddens me to see how violent, ignorant and rude many people of the south were to other humans because of the color of their skin. Like many have said: one way to avoid repeating history is to learn about it and learn from it.

I was moved to tears when I visited this museum. (I am not a crier, but here I was bawling my eyes out at social injustice.) This is raw, unfiltered and unapologetic. The museum has several branches that represent the different eras of slavery, segregation, and social struggles that African Americans have faced. The light display in the center of the building lights up more as more people enter the circle. If you are in Jackson, you must go see this!

The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum is amazing. The museum itself is state of the art. I spent about 3 hours there trying to read just about everything I could. I made it through a little over half the museum in that time frame. We all need to know this history. I'm looking forward to going back.

The location is easy to find off a major interstate. The parking is free on the streets. The entrance is close to the street. It doesn't cost must to enter, but I suggest 2-3 days to absorb half of the information. Lots of information, some too high up the ceiling. There are lots of exhibits, books, videos and displays. The good thing about it is there are plenty of places to sit. They give you a map in the beginning, but you will get confuse in which room to go to next or have you already been through this part. I followed the dates in the center in the ceiling. The gift show needs more merchandise. There is a very small selection food selection in the cafe. It is just there if you want a snack. No food, drink and weapons allowed. If you want to add a couple of more hours to your visit, pay a few more dollars and see the attached other museum on the history of Mississippi.

We came originally for the Houston of Mississippi History and intended to drop by the CR Museum as well, since they are housed in the same building. We ended up spending about 3 hours that passed quickly, with frequent conversations with a docent who made sure we watched specific videos. We learnt an awful lot about the role of the Mississippi in the Civil Rights Movement and how they were the last to desegregate, 15 years after Congress passed it. Even is you have less time, it is well worth the visit. Also they is a free covered parking garage!

This was a very well designed museum that walks through the history from Slavery to present times, with a focus on Mississippi. We had been to the Legacy Museum in Montgomery Alabama, but this gave us the perspective on what was going on in Mississippi.

You need a minimum of 2 hours. 3 hours is better, or you could spend 4 hours if you really wanted to see everything. They also have special, limited time exhibits for an extra fee.

Almost felt like I was there but glad I was'nt, like how they kept the original room of the shooter intact.

The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum communicates the story of the struggle for civil rights in a unique and powerful manner. I learned a lot during my visit about the individuals involved in the fight as well as the horrors that people lived through. We still have a long way to go. The museum is an excellent education tool.

The MS Civil Rights Museum is big in myriad ways. Remarkable attention has been given to detail, and every available space tells a piece of the story. A full day is recommended with breaks to let the experience sink in.

We were here for over 3 hours and needed another two. The artifacts, personal narratives, footage were very powerful. And to think this is all about one state!

Do not miss and leave plenty of time.

Lots of information....Would love to return. Too much info for the amount of time we had. Facility is very clean and was decorated for the Christmas season

Opened in late 2017, this museum is moving and very good. It's layed out in a way that makes it a bit difficult to figure out where to go first. But once you do that, the exhibits are thought provoking and interesting. There is another new museum in the same building, but it looked to me that 95% of visitors were touring the Civil Rights Museum. There is some video, and oral histories as well. Very well done. The only negative is the extremely small restaurant. Orders are taken and made by the same person, and there are only 4 or 5 tables, which is just ridiculous for a museum that is as popular as this ine.

Excellent museum. Very engaging and hands on. Kept my 6 year olds attention with exhibits to listen, touch, and watch. Graphic videos have warning and were tucked away which I appreciated with a young child. I also have teens and I am glad they could learn more about the civil rights movement.

We were blown away by this museum. Everyone should see this place. So impressive, sad and educational. Give yourself time, you will need it. I have been to bug city museums and this beats all

Very informative and rich. Lot of exhibits, screening, collections. Easy way to understand and appreciate the history. Thoroughly enjoyed. Staff were courteous and nice. Facility was clean and well maintained

This museum is done with a historical perspective that can be emotionally overwhelming. Although we have heard and read and seen these things --- it was tearful at times and so impossible to imagine such racism and hate. It is done very well. Hats off to all that were involved in this historical civil rights museum.

The Civil Rights Museum in Jackson has a lot to offer with 2 sides to the museum. One side address the general history of the state from early north America territorial to modern times. The civil rights side is rich with history that covers the 50s and 60s major events such as Medgar Evers and Emmet Till's deaths. There are six different galleries to walk thru and peruse along with great videos as well.

Amazing museum! Really engaging for the whole family, set out beautifully, teaching history that NEEDS to be taught. Set aside a good amount of time to take it all in I would recommend this to anyone and everyone

This was an amazing museum.. I was floored by the historical artifacts and the creativity of the way the museum tells the story of civil rights. It's very detailed and intense.... you got to be prepared to feel various emotions and come out like really needing to get yourself together.

This is an extremely well done museum. It flowed very well and gave a ton of information. The museum took us almost 3 hours to get through - and we spent another hour on the prohibition and Mississippi state history sections.

One extra that made it extra awesome was H. Walters was an employee who was speaking to students while we were there. He was a Freedom Riders and has been arrested 109 times in his life. It really drives home how recent of an issue this was was a living person is telling their story of Freedom Riders. Super powerful for students to hear his message!

I’m not quite sure how to describe this museum. This museum follows the civil rights movement from slavery through the present day. There are a few short films about education in Mississippi, Emmett Till, the Mississippi Freedom Summer as well as numerous displays and some interactive displays. We spent about 1-1/2 hours, but you could easily spend 2 hours or more. The staff was friendly and helpful. There are restrooms and a nice gift shop. Free parking is available in the multilevel parking garage.

Compelling must visit for every American!
This museum is more impactful than the National African American Museum in DC. Well laid out, terrific movies, audios and graphic displays about slavery and the fight for civil rights over centuries. With the possible exception of the Holocaust museum in DC, this is the most inspiring and compelling museum I have ever visited. If you are anywhere near Jackson you MUST Visit.

This is a nice new building and the exhibits are well and thoughtfully laid out. It covers the time periods of slavery in the South, the Civil war and the struggle for Civil liberties in the mid twentieth century.
For us, in our seventies and living in England, we can remember what went on in America through what we saw in the newspapers and tv news broadcasts. Nothing prepared us for what is shown here, the ignorance and brutality of the white supremacists, and how they denied a whole people their rights to live as human beings.
This exhibition should be made compulsory to all those who believe that racial intolerance and segregation can ever be justified, it may open a few eyes.
What comes shining though here, is the quiet dignity of those protesters who forced the South to change, and how their non-violent actions showed the bigots in authority for what they were.
Well done Jackson for building this place of learning and for facing up to the events of the past.
The sad fact is that some people cannot accept that the world has changed for the better, so there has to be airport kind of security at the Museum entrance.
The building has a small restaurant which is reasonably priced. We never got to see the Mississippi museum( on the same sight ) because the civil rights museum had us completely engrossed, and we ran out of time.

This Museum is more chronologically anecdotal instead of moving and touching. Most of the events depicted are well known and do not do anything to enhance the emotions or understanding. Nonetheless, it is a good effort at the State level.

The place is incredibly accurate and realistic in its presentation of African American culture in Mississippi, including displays of modern culture.

The lectures are well thought out and presented with all ages in mind.

So many artifacts and so much information!! Had no idea it was so thorough. Took 4 hours to go through. I love how it is broken up into cities and describes how the civil rights struggle was handled in that particular city. That makes it special for MS residents to see a more local side to it all. It is very poignant and raw--use caution when bringing small children.
I loved it and would recommend to everyone!

The museum has free parking outside
Plenty of photos recordings and videos of the civil rights struggle in the USA
Well worth a visit

Overall the museum was an awesome experience. However, overwhelming!!!

It takes a couple hours to get through the museum but suggest that you need to digest and return at a later date...which I plan to do!!!

I grew up in Mississippi and I am proud that this museum was built. My hope is that everyone in the State and beyond have the opportunity.

Thank You

A highlight of our trip to the Mississippi Delta, this museum has world-class level displays, engaging information in multi-media formats that draw in visitors. We spent five hours and still didn't see it all. Sunday admission is free! Kudos to the state for their investment in presenting the important civil rights events of Mississippi.

An added unexpected treat was the high quality offerings from the museum's cafe, the Nissan Cafe by Nick Wallace, from the Food Network. Outdoor seating is available right near the cafe.

So much of Mississippi civil rights history is America's history. This museum is worth a trip to Jackson in and of itself. Highly recommend visiting for at least a day. Then with extra time, you can see the Museum of Mississippi History (which had displays on musician Marty Stuart as well as the Green Book) and go to Eudora Welty's home.

I’m embarrased to admit that I’ve lived in the Jackson area and this was our first visit, but the exhibits are so many and thorough that we shall return many more times. There has been a tremendous amount of thought and effort expended in the planning and execution of the fine exhibits. I was particularly interested in my first visit to Mississippi, in 1971, when we were just passing through and had some car trouble that necessitated spending the night in Grenada. The cops stopped us, thinking we were “outside agitators” - of course we weren’t, so I was particularly interested in seeing exactly what was going on in that era. I was not disappointed.
Some exhibits audio and visual information, while others have interactive elements that enhance the visitor’s understanding of what was going on. It’s a valuable asset to not only Jackson and the state, but to the USA, as Mississippi was the centrum of the civil rights movement.

Very well presented museum of the 50's 60's and forward on the Civil Rights of Southern Black Americans. Was not aware that the 13 amendment to the constitution was not ratified by the state of Mississippi until 1995, almost a hundred years later. Very interesting finding.

The museum is out-standing for its displays about the history of civil rights in Mississippi. Very well-done and informative about the history of slavery and racial relations in this state. We spent about 3 hours there and saw just about everything.

One of the most informative, and honest presentations of the history of civil Rights in the south. I spent hours reading diaries, listening to first hand accounts, and watching videos/ primary documentation that brought the history of Civil Rights to life. Nothing is sugar-coated, and many details that I was, until then, unaware of were brought to light. I highly recommend taking the time to visit this museum if/when you come to Jackson, MS.

This lovely museum certainly has potential however it is obvious not as much work was put into this museum in comparison to the history museum next door

I have visited the museum of human right in Winnipeg Canada. Both are excellent both have incredible stories to tell. Both are heart breaking.

BEAutifully laid out and most informative, even for one who lived through the era. Really make an impact. Beautiful place with a most important message

The museums are so informative and well laid out. To see the history of African Americans from slavery to segregation to now was so powerful. This is something you must see and bring your children because this is our history.

This museum is new and has taken advantage of all the new technology available to present this very important information. No matter how well read one is seeing so much in one place can be overwhelming. I spent most of a Sunday afternoon reading, watching and absorbing information about people, places and events. For those that are uninformed well their heads will spin. For those who lived during these years it reminds of a shameful past. Our country has come a long way but wrongs still need correcting. Museums like this remind us and keeps us aware that we must guard carefully our constitutional rights for every citizen not just some.

My association held a reception and dinner in 2018 at the Museum. The food was perfect and the facilities are most impressive. Our out of state speaker was thoroughly impressed with the museum. It is something we can and should be proud of.

Mississippi Civil Rights Museum is very powerful and I’m glad we took the time to visit. Growing up in the 1950s and ‘60s, I thought I understood what the civil rights battle was about, but I didn’t. It is located in the same building as the Museum of Mississippi History which was probably our favorite in Jackson. You can also get a nice lunch inside the building between the two museums. If you see them both, wear comfortable shoes.

Wow. This is an amazing museum experience. The layout is unique and flows very well and contains some elements that help you to better understand the times and the experience. It was fiercely uncomfortable material, presented in an effective and hopeful way. The staff are great.

I'm old enough to recall the names and places of the civil rights struggle, but not old enough to have understood their context. These exhibits portray the events in context with understanding. Go!

Truly outstanding. We spent 4 hours here and couldn't take in all of it. So much information and so well presented. Little is easy to take in but that's our history. We have to be better.

I drove to Vicksburg for Park Day 2019 but it was cancelled. That was my sole purpose for my road trip therefore with no plan I drove to Jackson and went to this museum. What an incredible experience! What a fantastic curated museum. The layout made the timeline of this important part of American History flow nicely. Do take the guide because the layout is different but it worked for me. The little movie theaters scatter throughout showed short but educational and thought provoking documentaries. I spend the entire day here and it wasn't enough. There is LOTS to soak in. A true gem in the city. I thought I new about the Civil Rights movements but this museum humbled me. And the staff were the friendliest You won't be disappointed no matter where your from or what your background is.

The museum is very well done. It showed the history of the African-Americans in the South from enslavement to present day. The history was presented without too much bias. As we can't rewrite history it is a good reminder where we have been and where we need to be. Well worth the time, very meaningful.

This is a moving tribute to our history in Mississippi. every family should take their children to visit the museum

This is a brand new museum that is paired with the new Mississippi History museum. They are both very well done. Having grown up as a white middle class individual in the civil rights era I can identify with the the events that are depicted in the museum. Mississippi is probably the most integrated states in the US. It has more elected African American elected officials than any other state. Our poverty still exists throughout the state. This museum will give you insight into the factors that led up to the civil rights struggle.

My husband and I were warmly greeted and thanked for coming. There is a plethora of information, pictures, recitations, art work, clothing in a spectacular setting. It’s not an easy read, we plan to go again and see what we may have missed. I did inform people who worked there that Long Beach, MS was the first school to integrate in MS in September of 1965.

This was an amazing, educational museum with some of the nicest employees I've ever met. We spent a couple hours here, but wish we had more time to explore it! We felt it was completely worth our time, even though we visited the National Civil Rights Museum on the same trip.

I’ve traveled the world. I’ve visited a few civil rights museums including the one in Washington DC. The Ms government did not hold anything back in the creation of this museum. It gives an authentic history of the civil rights area both good and bad. It has artifacts never seen before like the Sovereignty commission papers. This place is amazing. I would advise that you go early and on a low traffic day. You will want to take everything in and it could easily take 6 hours to view everything.

Being a northerner I had no idea the depth of cruelty against Black people in Mississippi over the course of history. Bravo to Mississippi for not holding back the history in this museum. There are number of rooms to catalog the different periods of time in MS history. They were expertly planned and gave the information in many formats. We were there for about 2 hours before we kicked out at closing time. We could have spent and least another hour.

This is the kind of place that makes you re-think many parts of your like. It is a wonderful museum that is well laid out with expertly curated exhibits. I am a white male born in 1952 so I lived through much of the history that is presented here. I remember "colored" water fountains and we have a deed to a slave purchased in Kentucky in 1866 in our family. Even still there was so much here that I just didn't recall. When viewing the Freedom Rider's exhibit I had to ask myself if I would have had the courage to do the right thing if I had been old enough. I sat and listened to "This Little Light of Mine" several times with tears in my eyes. We've come a long way - but we still have a long way to go. Don't hesitate - go to this place!

So much to see and learn in both museums! If possible do one per day to fully experience each museum. If you're like me and enjoy seeing and reading everything make sure to stretch it out over two days. Well orchestrated exhibits!

After visiting the National Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, Tennessee, it was a no-brainer for my wife and I to visit the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in Jackson, Mississippi, on our way home from our trip to Vicksburg, Port Gibson and Oxford. Located at 222 North Street and adjacent to the Museum of Mississippi History, it opened in 2007 and is the first museum dedicated to the telling of the U.S. civil rights movement to be sponsored by a state. Governor Haley Barbour spearheaded the construction of the museum and pushed to have it built next to the planned Museum of Mississippi History. Its mission is to document, exhibit the history of, and educate the public about the American Civil Rights Movement in the state of Mississippi from the end of the Civil War through the 1970s. The museum includes eight galleries, each dedicated to a single theme, a large theater, a small theater shaped like a jail cell, a documentary film about the death of Emmett Till and a film about the Freedom Riders. It focuses on civil rights activists during the turbulent 1960s. There are stories about Medgar Evers, Fannie Lou Hamer, Vernon Dahmer and others who were involved in the Mississippi movement that changed the nation. The museum founders started with 100,000 feet of 16 mm film footage, records of the defunct Mississippi State Sovereignty Commission, a state agency whose mission was to strategize ways to oppose racial integration. They also gathered manuscript collections of civil rights activists from the 1940s and 1950s and a large collection of newspapers to use as the core of a museum collection. Gallery 1, the Mississippi Freedom Struggle, documents the history, culture and lives of black people in the state from the first arrival of African-Americans through the end of the Civil War. Gallery 2, Mississippi Black and White, documents the time between the end of the Civil War and 1941 with a focus on lynching, the Ku Klux Klan and Jim Crow. Gallery 3, at the center of the museum, beneath the rotunda, contains the 40-foot suspended This Little Light of Mine interactive sculpture with lighted panels depicting the faces of activists killed during the civil rights movement. Gallery 4, A Closed Society, depicts the rise of the civil rights movement in Mississippi from 1941 to 1960, including film on Emmett Till and the importance of the U.S. Supreme Court's monumental 1954 decision in Brown vs. Board of Education. Gallery 5, A Tremor in the Iceberg, a reference to the way early civil rights struggles between 1960 and 1962 foretold greater upheaval with film on the life of Medgar Evers and an exhibit on the Freedom Riders. Gallery 6, "I question America," documents the critical years of 1963 and 1964 with film about the Freedom Summer. Gallery 7, "Black Empowerment," documents successes and setbacks of the Mississippi civil rights movement from 1965 to 1975, featuring the bullet-riddled pickup truck owned by Vernon Dahmer, a civil rights leader who died in 1966 after his home was attacked and burned to the ground by the Ku Klux Klan. Gallery 8, "Where do we go from here?" is about contemplating the future of minority citizens in Mississippi. The two museums share a common entrance and lobby. A common rotunda serves as the heart of the complex. In the Civil Rights Museum, visitors first move through an exhibit on the slave trade, then a section on how the Emancipation Proclamation and Reconstruction created African-American communities that began to thrive, then a large room that is dominated by a tree that represents lynching with images of lynchings on the leaves and the types of discrimination permitted and encouraged by Jim Crow laws. The names of more than 600 African-Americans lynched in Mississippi are etched onto five large memorial stones. The remaining section of the museum focuses on a 30-year period during which Mississippi was in the forefront of the civil rights struggle, including a sobering and compelling and riveting exhibit on individuals murdered for their civil rights activism. As a native Chicagoan who didn't become acquainted with race relations until he went to college in the late 1950s, this is a powerful and revealing telling of an important aspect of American history that isn't in the history books.

Honestly I expected a sugar coated Disney version of the brutal civil rights movement in Mississippi. This was an educational and inspiration look at Civil Rights from the prospective of those who lived through and those still in the struggle today. Interactive and moving displays reflect the raw truth honoring those who who took steps towards change. I left know my history and deciding my future.

Very nice museum. A lot of Native American artifacts. Guess services did not mention the audio tour, but they were still very helpful. The video presentations were the best.

My wife and I came to Jackson, MS to visit this museum and we found many others too. The new Civil Rights Museum is part of a new building that also houses the Museum of Mississippi History and it's worthwhile to buy the combo ticket. Both museums are fantastic and as a man who grew up in the north east in the 60's it was a reminder of how awful the Blacks were treated at that time, but more than that we saw school children (high school) that had the opportunity to see what their families had to deal with to achieve the equality that they may take for granted today. It was also an awakening for me to see what our country is becoming today. There should be no place for hatred in our country and we all need to realize how fortunate we are to live in a free country. My wife and I enjoyed this museum very much and even though we're not happy about how blacks and others were treated then we should never forget that is not what we want to see happen again ever.

I grew up in Mississippi, but have lived away for most of my aduldt life. My husband and I had the opportunity of visiting the Civil Rights Museum and the Mississippi Museum recently and enjoyed both. After reading Trip Advisor Reviews, we knew we'd need to allow at least 4-5 hr to see both. First of all, both museums are wonderful. We found the exhibits to be honest and truthful. They didn't sugar coat the facts, which I appreciated. The staff was friendly, knowledgable and helpful. We want to visit again, and again,

The civil rights museum is incredibly detailed with several exhibits and touches on every subject impacted by racial divide. The exhibits are well crafted and provide accurate depictions of Mississippi’s past. Even the lighting and overall presentation was high class. In my opinion, It’s one of the best civil rights museums in the country. The civil rights museum is also shared with the Museum of Mississippi History. If you like history, plan on at least two hours.

I highly recommend a visit to both museums.

The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum is incredible in so many ways. As a recently developed museum, it has many interactive elements that just enhance the powerful and sometimes chilling stories of the history of civil rights in Mississippi. Our children were very moved by the voices warning them to follow social norms in the Jim Crow section. My wife and I were stunned by the Emmett Till section, including the actual doors from the grocery store where his made up crime supposedly occurred.

I also particularly enjoyed the giant interactive cloth, light, and music sculpture in the common area. It is worth sitting and enjoying it for a while as a catalyst for reflection. The museum does include some graphic and challenging content. I suggest talking to children before and after a visit so they know what to expect, and how to process feelings that may come up from a visit.

This is a fantastic civil rights museum and absolutely worth your time! I think this museum and the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture in D.C. are the two best Black history/civil rights history museums I've been to. A few things that stand out:

(1) The content was excellent, very critical and thorough. I thought it was wonderful that this museum pays tribute to local movement participants in Mississippi. It's also really cool that they cover Reconstruction and the decades after, since many museums don't!
(2) The museum has a lot of different types of media to engage different types of learners. The written content is great, but there are also a lot of photos and original documents to look at, several videos highlighting key events/developments, and a few stations where you can listen to oral history interviews with movement participants.
(3) The museum is laid out in a way that lets you see how much you have left so that you can pace yourself, and there's a nice rest area in the center of all the exhibits. This came in handy because we had multiple people in our group going at different paces.

A wonderful museum and definitely worth a visit if you are anywhere near the area! We were there about 5.5 hours, which included a lunch break at the cafe inside the building (which also has outdoor seating). I'm sure you could do it in less time than that (I'm slow in museums), but this isn't the sort of place you could reasonably see in one hour. Also, it's free on Sundays. Absolutely worth the visit!!

I have now visited the Civil Rights Museum in Memphis (incredible), the Civil Rights Institute in Birmingham and this one in Mississippi. And this is a clear winner to me. It’s incredible... loads of history and I learned a TON. I also love that it has a strong focus on Mississippi, because it taught me so much about the Civil Rights movement. Memphis is incredible because it’s in the Lorraine Motel and you feel connected to MLK. But this museum expanded on what I already knew, with videos, music, as well as so many real artifacts. I can’t stop thinking about it! Also, we brought our children aged 5 and 7 and the graphic areas are clearly marked and easily avoidable. The people who work there were also very helpful by telling us the areas that we might want to avoid with small children.

We are also from DC and spend a lot of time at the various Smithsonians (and we’ve gone twice to the new African American Museum) and this is right up there with the best of them.

This is an excellent museum, but it fails to be a "great" one because it doesn't truly know what its focus is. It is Mississippi's premier civil rights museum but it doesn't know how to tell Mississippi's story without telling almost the entire story of the African-American experience in the US. As a result the text in the exhibits inundate the visitor with information. After ~4+ hours here we were mentally saturated. IMO the text on the walls overpowers the superb multi-media presentations scattered throughout. Quite honestly, I think one could skip the text and spend his time watching the video presentations and would come away with a more rewarding museum experience.

This museum just opened in 2017 and is extremely well done. Mississippians present an unvarnished picture of how anti-integration they were from the governor on down.There are five movies running from 7 to 15 minutes long - some were narrated by Oprah Winfrey and Robin Roberts. There were also many informative exhibits. The visit there was a sobering experience, but demonstrated the high level of commitment the integration volunteers had - knowing they could go to jail or even die for their cause. Combination tickets are also available to see the Mississippi History Museum in the same building, but time did not permit our seeing both. Parking is available underneath the building. While they have a cafe, it is quite small. We highly recommend this museum - it was a highlight of our trip through Alabama and Mississippi.

Fabulous, well laid out museum, hold have spent all day there. Story of civil rights from history the present day is so well presented.

Having read a little on Jackson, this relatively new museum stood out. We decided to go there in a lost hour on the way to New Orleans. Or so we thought. This museum is an absolute must-see for anyone, who is half educated on the subject of slavery, Jim Crow-laws, lynch episodes and institutionalized social injustice reaching far into the second half of 20th century in for instance desegregation of education. The exhibits are supported by audio, video and light shows and make this museum hard to forget. An hour is by no means enough, 3 hours is more like it. There’s a second museum, which we didn’t even get around to. Anyone with a heart and an open mind should visit this museum.

The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum captured the essence of the Civil Rights Era. The museum's depiction of Mississippi's tortured past was brought to the light. The museum captured the deplorable conditions and treatment of African Americans, but also celebrated the achievement of African Americans, especially those from Mississippi. It is one of the best African American Museums in this country. It is a must see!

We visited this museum in late March. Obviously a museum depicting the many atrocities of the African American people was hard at times to experience. It is such an important part of our past. We need these reminders to insure these things never happen again. A beautiful building with engaging exhibits.

It was a fun evening learning about Mississippi history with a friend. It was new, and I had never been before! Would love to go back!

The front lobby staff and greeters were very helpful and friendly. The museum is laid out perfectly. We got “lost” in this museum for over 4 hours, and it was like a minute passed away. We opted for the audio tour, but it wasn’t really necessary as all the displays are so well put together. We weren’t even planning on staying so long, but the museum is really that good. Also, with all the book banning and history censoring going on in Florida (our state), my teenage son wanted to delve into this aspect of American history that he’s been missing out on. We didn’t even venture into the other area of the museum (Mississippi history), we were only in the civil rights section - given the time constraints we had. I could see coming back.

Prepare yourself for a powerful, emotional impact when you visit the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. America’s often inaccurate or seldom told stories about the mighty struggles of slaves is captured and presented authoritatively by the brilliant minds who made this needed museum possible. From our ugly American history rife with all forms of discrimination, murder, and hate, through post-Civil War, pre- and post-world wars, to present day, the MCRM offers guests education and hope. I will revisit this museum with every out-of-state guest of mine to share this message. Mississippians: feel honored that our state is home to this sacred story.

If you are here you must come see this museum. Very well done. It is intense. Worth the time and entry fee. Don't think twice just go !

We went to the two museums today because it was free and we hadn’t been. Had a 4 year old child with us and there are no prominent signs warning that the museum is not suitable for children. Volunteers and Capitol police did not warn about exhibits being unsuitable either. 4 year old got away from me and found a dark space being attracted by pretty red lights in space. There are no signs next to this space but it’s next to one of the theaters. Had to get him and suddenly hear a gunshot and a picture of a man hanging shows on the wall. It disturbed him as he saw it before I took him away. Had absolutely no idea that would happen as again NO WARNING SIGNS. He was very disturbed by it and I had to tell him it was a scarecrow. YOUR MUSEUM SHOULD OUTRIGHT WARN PARENTS AND FAMILIES WITH YOUNG ONES TO NOT VISIT OR WARN HOW UNSUITABLE FOR YOUNG CHILDREN IT IS.

I agree with everything that reviewer KevinW12350 said. Thought-provoking, very honestly presented. Presents the good and bad. Good presentations about Megdar Evers, and the Freedom Fighters. The guide said taking pictures was allowed, I took over a hundred. So much to see.

My mother (70) ,daughter (13) and I (43) were really surprised at the details and transitions from one exhibit to the next. Very moving. It is also interactive. A must see.

Upon entering the exhibit the visitor immediately views artifacts that spark interests. As a life long resident of Mississippi this visit was enlightening for me. The songs in the background every thirty minutes take the onlooker back to another era that was hidden for many years Worth every dollar that was paid for admission. Great job to the organizers of this museum.

The ideal is to start the Mississippi tour with Jackson and especially this museum. This helps plan the rest of the visits.
We made a great tour before coming and so we all found what we saw before. Very nice museum, to do taking the time.

A highly informative look at civil rights throughout the the history of America, starting before the Civil War. Despite taking a civil rights history class in college, I learned quite a bit during our time here. Would like to caution other visitors that there are some graphic images/stories. We went on the 3rd Saturday of the month which is FREE admission to both museums. It was very crowded and I was pleased that so many people were taking advantage of looking at the exhibits. However, we had a baby with us in the stroller and the crowds/arrangements of the displays did make it difficult to maneuver the stroller throughout the exhibits. It was still wonderful and this is not a criticism, just an observation. I'd encourage other parents to "baby wear" rather than bring a large stroller and highly recommend this museum!

FREE THIRD SATURDAYS
Admission to the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum and the Museum of Mississippi History is free on the third Saturday of every month.

This is a great place to start if you are arriving in Jackson. The collection is incredible and I recommend spending a couple hours here.

This is a really powerful museum that manages to be both informative and engaging through a mix of text, audio, and video materials. A guide was stationed in the exhibit and was able to speak to her own experiences growing up in a segregated Mississippi which brought context to the museum. While I was there, a large school group was present but the museum is broken up in a way that largely allowed me to avoid feeling crowded by their presence. Highly recommended and would suggest allotting more than the hour I had to ensure full exploration.

Extremely in-depth museum. So much first class exhibitory, artifacts, and information. Very impressive. MUST SEE! We spent 2 hours but you could easily spend 4 hours. Free on Sundays, too!

I took my two teenaged grandsons to both the Mississippi History Museum and the Civil Rights Museum, which became a full day visit. The History Museum is very well done, with excellent presentations, short videos, and abundant historical information beginning with native settlers 13000 years ago.

The Civil Rights Museum should be a must see for every U.S. citizen. It is larger and more time consuming than the History Museum, so be sure you have allocated appropriate time to really experience it. There is a good basic café available for rest and refreshment.

I so appreciate that this terrible part of our past has been presented in a factual and honest manner. The information draws strong emotions but it is not presented in an emotional way. Even the most shameful of facts are balanced and there is no attempt to paint everyone living in Mississippi at that time as a racist. This is a reading and watching museum. All exhibits require time to read the information or watch the videos, which are short and of excellent quality. It is not appropriate for young children who would not be able to understand the information in context or to read the abundant placards. It is hard to see and hear this retelling of history and the battle for equality, but that is the point of the lesson, and it is a lesson we need to learn. My grandsons, who do not live in Mississippi, were deeply affected and we have had many good conversations since. Well done Mississippi!

We had such an interesting time in the Museum. The whole structure was excellent and I would recommend anyone who is in the area not to miss the opportunity. There is quite a lot of reading to do, but it is all worthwhile, particularly when one reads of the struggle which people experienced. It was lovely at times to hear in the background hymns being sung in an effort to forget the conditions and atmosphere that was endured.

Visited for not nearly enough time while in town during marathon weekend. The museum is very thoughtfully presented as a mix of sight and sound. The exhibits brought a new appreciation of Mississippi’s contributions to the American civil rights movement. I would encourage anyone to visit.

Admission for adults was $10. The layout of the museum allowed spaces where visitors could sit and reflect.

The very best experience for anyone looking to learn about the issues related to that time period. You enter one way and leave completely transformed. A must see for visitors to the Jackson area!

I have one suggestion – give recognition for the tremendous racial progress our state has make over the last 60 years. We don't need to leave without it!

I visited this museum with my family today and I was blown away. This museum is so well put together and incredibly moving. I don't think anyone can leave unchanged.

We were at the museum for over three hours and still feel like there is so much more to see. We didn't even touch the Mississippi history side!

My husband and I loved it so much that we bought a membership and we plan on bringing anyone who comes to visit us. I'm looking forward to visiting again.

Although we'd done civil rights stuff before, this one was truly moving. I couldn't even bring myself to watch the videos offered, the displays an written stuff was so overpowering. What an awful time in our history, but well presented and truly moving.

Truly a great place to visit in Jackson, MS. There’s a lot of history that has taken place in this state and our teens need to be updated on where they have come from so that history doesn’t repeat itself!!

I will go again and I recommend that everyone from all races and all ages visits the Ms Civil Rights Museum at least once!!

We really enjoyed visiting this museum and learning about Mississppi from 13,000BC thru present day. From the early Native Americans, to Civil Rights, and the devestations and rebuilding years caused by rains and hurricanes. The design, layout, and presentations were extremely well done.

Excellent use of audio, visual, revelation, artifacts and recreations to tell of a centuries long struggle that continues even today.

We spent two hours in this museum. The exhibits are very nice and informative. We could have spent the whole day easily. Lots and lots of very good information

I only went to the Civil Rights Museum. It is very well done and earning - densely packed with information. Also they document the extensive violence that occurred to Blacks during the state’s history so be prepared. For me the extensive photos that compared black schools / classrooms during “separate but equal” were compelling. I’ve been to about five Civil Rights / Slavery museums before this and I learned a lot here.

Very effective design with multiple styles of exhibits. The museum addresses the history of slavery through black empowerment in the 1970s. The docents are informative. There is a cafe in the next building. You need about 4 hours to see and read everything.

The museum covers the period from slavery to the late 1960s. The early period we had learned about in history lessons in England but we soon realised we knew very little about the long fight for civil rights. The exhibitions are in great detail, there is much to read and time flew by. We found there were so many brave black people who took a stand, suffered beatings and sometimes death. Most moving was that protests were usually peaceful and it was the police and institutions who were violent or turned a blind eye. The last gallery asks, ‘Where do we go from here?’ A good question.
We parked on the street with 2 hour free parking. This is not long enough for the Civil Rights Museum let alone the adjoining Museum of Mississippi History. There is a big parking garage next door. We paid $12 for entrance to both but we ran out of time. Most visitors were paying for just the Civil Rights museum.

The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum was soooo good. It was very educational, interactive, and eye opening. The exhibits were chronoligical and allowed you to walk through the timeline of the very important events of civil rights. Good for all ages. It was also adjacent to the Museum of Mississippi History and our admission included entrance to both museums. Highly recommend.

The Mississippi CR Museum is a must visit if in the Jackson area. It tells the full story with an emphasis on events that took place in Mississippi. There’s a lot to take in and a lot to read. You could spend several hours if you have the time. Don’t miss the 5 video experiences throughout. They really tie the experience together.

I have a strong interest in the 1960’s, the Civil Rights Movement, and the life and work of personal heroes: Martin Luther King Jr and Robert F Kennedy.

We came to Jackson having spent five days in Memphis as part of a music and history themed swing through the South. The Loraine Motel and the National Civil Rights Museum was fresh in our minds and hearts.

I’d read on-line reviews highly rating the new Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. Jackson and Mississippi are important in the history of the Civil Rights Movement: a focal point of sit-ins, Freedom Rides, and protest.

The museum opened in December of 2017 in a large footprint in downtown Jackson. This is a museum that makes no apology for presenting its material in an unvarnished and confronting way. The museum is organised around pivotal moments of the Civil Rights Movement with a focus on key events in Jackson and Mississippi.

There is a depth of coverage in the material presented. The kidnapping and murder of Emmett Till and the galvanising effect this had on the movement against segregation; the work and assassination of Medgar Evers; the Southern Manifesto; the Tougaloo College students’ attempt to desegregate a library; the disappearance and murder of the CORE workers; and James Meredith’s enrolment at Old Miss, are all given extended coverage.

The museum uses physical and audio-visual ways of telling its stories. We sat at wooden desks in a tiny school room while facts showing the differences in school investment and outcome for black and white kids was projected onto the chalkboard. The sound of a snap drew me behind a curtain to see a projection of a lynching. There are robes of the Klan and videos of their mad rituals of hate.

My partner and I spent 3 hours absorbing the material. When we left we commented on how much we had been impacted by the museum to one of the volunteers. She played her on role in the Civil Rights Movement, having known Medgar Evers and participated in the sit-ins. Her stories of proud defiance and protest added a personal perspective to our experience of visiting this stunning museum.

This museum is heart-wrenchingly sad and beautiful at the same time. It is not to be missed if you find yourself in Jackson.

I really enjoyed visiting this museum. It was well done and there are times when I had to stop during the visit and reflect on the issues that our country experienced and are still working on with equity. I did enjoy the information and I learned a lot about the early Civil Rights movement. I would recommend for anyone visiting Jackson.

All Americans need to see this. Especially us white people who have been fed misinformation about how everything has been fine for black people since the 13th amendment and MLK. I was one of them.

Terrible things have been done and are still being done in the name of law and order.

If you see this museum and really pay attention to the exhibits you cannot leave unchanged in some way.

Awesome museum! Well laid out with lots of excellent displays, visual and auditory. Plan to spend several hours here! Really tells the story of the blacks in the south.

Went with husband and then with friends. Both visits were some of my best museum experiences ever. The museum is well done and very helpful in understanding the story

This museum contains a very complete history of the struggle for civil rights in the United States, and more specifically Mississippi. Be prepared for an emotional response to some of the information/displays in this museum. The works here lay bare the many injustices, the horrific treatment, and the violence committed against people of color in this country. The museum is laid out in timeline form, and each act of violence has a special red presentation format. Each lynching that occurred in the state of Mississippi is listed on a large set of pillars with names, dates, locations, and alleged crimes. It doesn't take long for a visitor of conscience to feel the great harm inflicted upon people of color.

This museum is beautiful. The timeline tour ends on a very hopeful note with an opportunity for visitors to express their ideas and commitment to solving our civil rights problems.

The staff of this museum could not be kinder, and reflect the type of conduct that will lead us to better treatment of all people.

The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum is powerful, with compelling visual and audio displays that chronicle both the agonies as well as the progress of Black Mississippians. This isn’t an easy, breezy museum experience. It can be overwhelming and might be frightening for young children. I saw a little girl crying in her mother’s arms and wanting to leave. Also, keep your mask on. The museum can be a little crowded in the rather serpentine manner of movement through the displays. Mississippi has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the nation, so exercise due caution.

This is tough but necessary history. Call it critical race theory or whatever you want, but it needs to be seen, understood, reflected upon, and cause for change. Go to this museum!

Every person in MS needs to visit this museum! We have to go back to finish it! It’s lots of info and super detailed. Amazing artifacts and videos. Super nice. Even my 9 year old niece was intrigued.

The Mississippi Museum of History and Mississippi Civil Rights Museum share a massive building located near the old Capitol building in downtown Jackson. There is some street parking available in front of the museums but they also have a lot available in the next block. No food/drinks/gum are allowed in the museum - bags will be searched.

The history museum has two floors and spans the history of Mississippi including those who lived here, industries come and gone through interactive displays. This side of the museum is more wheelchair friendly than the Civil Rights side.

The Civil Rights Museum is jammed packed with information. It’s meant to be seen as 8 separate sections each telling a small part of the story. When we visited COVID concerns set limitations in the number of people allowed in each section we we had to pass through those quickly and returned later when it was less crowded. We’d recommend visiting when you have an abundance of time because truly every sign, quote, display is impressive but it is A LOT to take in during a visit. There are 5 films that play thought the day so if you are not into reading you can ask the attendants for those show times. The central part of the museum is the “this little light of mine” musical display, we highly recommend taking some time to sit and reflect in that area. The quotes and the songs (played every 30 mins) have a way overwhelming you in the power of music. The last section is the “where do we go from here” section where they have opportunities for visitors to share their thoughts on ways we can improve relationships, take a stand and learn to talk about the hard topics.

Accessibility: they offer wheelchairs for those who might need one, it is a lot of close reading so someone with mobility concerns or difficulty standing for longer periods may want to consider this option. Due to COVID they do not currently offer the audio tour but if someone in your party should need that resource the staff said it is available in those situations.

You will EASILY be able to spend 2+ hours here; this isn’t a museum you will likely “complete” in a single visit. There is a gift shop, the attached cafe was not open when we visited.

Every Sunday admission is FREE!

Soooo amazing! Very thorough and interactive. My kids and I enjoyed this one far more than the Civil Rights Museum in Memphis. It’s far less crowded also. The layout is great because you can go back and easily re-visit the exhibits in case you think you missed something. The movies are intriguing, the exhibits are phenomenal. Affordable, Spacious, lots of opportunities to sit down and rest. It is comprehensive, not just about Mississippi. A complete civil rights history lesson. We could have stayed the entire day without being bored. We didn’t even bother to visit the other museum in the building…this one was amazing.

This should be a happy place showing the progression of rights attained in the Civil Rights era. It is not. It is overwhelmingly negative and very depressing. Happy stories are totally ignored. For example, my father recommended one of the first black policemen hired by the City of Jackson. You won't happy stories here. This museum is stuck in the 1960's and makes no attempt to show how Mississippi got from where it was to the excellent race relations it has today. I would suggest they start over and tell how things got better and better. It should get happier as you go through the museum. This is a dark and gloomy place with no way to get from what they portray to today's state of relations.

Whether you're a native to Jackson or just passing through, this brand new museum is a must-see! Since it was added to the already-built Mississippi History Museum, you can choose to buy tickets to one or both museums. We only chose tickets to the Civil Rights Museum due to a shortage of time. As a current graduate student at the University of Mississippi and not a native of the state, I appreciated seeing exhibits that mostly focused on the history of slavery and racial segregation in Mississippi, a state notorious for struggling with equality. We spent two hours in the museum...could honestly have spent even more time. It is obvious that a lot of money went into the museum--very visual and interactive. Everyone must visit!

We stopped by planning to spend about an hour, and spent the entire afternoon.
We were both extremely impressed and moved by this wonderful museum.
The layout is fantastic; in every section, there is a film or audio to watch and listen to. Lots of information to digest, all presented in a thoughtful and interesting manner.
Anyone visiting Jackson should put this on the top of their list !

Wonderfully curated moving experience. Would have liked more time to take it all in. So impressed with Jackson Mississippi putting their historic inhumanities front and center.

I had to title my review as it is correctly named and shown on the website. To those that will read this review, there are two separate museum collections that are connected by the main foyer to the other. The Museum of Mississippi History as other reviewers have stated, displays artifacts, narrated videos, and features famous Mississippians from 13,000 BC until the present.

The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum displays artifacts, prolific speeches, narrated videos, and film footage of African-American life from slavery to the present. There are a total of eight galleries in this museum and it has interactive stations (like the quality of a Smithsonian museum) where you can listen to audio recordings of interviews and speeches of those who fought for racial equality in Mississippi. You will see the love and the hate that came with the fight for equality in this museum. The museum rivals other civil rights museums across the Southeast that I have visited.

There was so much to see and read about some of the history of Mississippi and the Civil Rights Era that I, an educated person and native, wasn't aware of. My heart rejoiced and my soul was stirred. Some of the exhibit was emotional for me at times, but it was well worth the emotion to continue to learn about the past and how it has impacted the present.

The museum gift shop was stocked with t-shirts, coffee mugs, magnets, cookbooks, cheese straws, pencils, and other trinkets that were decent souvenirs. There is a small restaurant in the museum that sells sandwiches and other baked goods, but I didn't eat there. Perhaps on another visit when it isn't as crowded.

Plan four hours to visit the museum of you tour both museums and take a break for lunch. My suggestion is to go during the week as early as the museum opens. I went two days after Christmas with my family and it was packed with families and visitors (that I met), as far away as Washington state. I doubt if the newness wears off anytime soon, so anticipate a large crowd with school field trips, family reunions, etc.

This is the most comprehensive museum on the Civil Rights Movement in our country!
The multitude of displays using an array of multi-media and "live" re-creations is captivating, keeps your interest and attention.
You will learn so much. An emotional journey for all to experience.

The museum is amazing. You can step into the jail cell or watch videos of what led to the civil rights movement. The museum is filled with people and events that are displayed from the floor to the ceiling. We didn't have enough time to see the upstairs, so be sure to allow enough time to see everything. It is very moving to see how men and women believed in a better world for their families and what the sad reality of it was like for them to do so.

We spent almost 5 hours in this amazing new museum. Very well organized and various kinds of presentations keep you engaged through lots of very challenging material. Stories which are horrifying and make you ashamed. And stories which are inspiring and make you proud. It is especially good to see this state recognize and honestly portray this very ugly history.

My husband and I had a few hours to spend in Jackson and decided to visit this museum. Little did we know what a beautiful and powerful experience it would be. The displays were so informative and artistically presented. The videos, narrated by people like Oprah Winfrey and Robin Roberts, covered major events in the history of Mississippi’s struggle for civil rights. The volunteer docents were helpful and rightfully proud of this amazing museum.

A very informative museum. I find it sad that this much information about the Civil Rights movement isn’t shared in schools. As a history teacher from the North, I was appalled with myself of how much I didn’t know before going to this museum. I cannot wait to bring what I learned back to the classroom to educate my students more.

I think everyone should visit this museum and learn about the haunting past of Mississippi. It has a lot of detailed information that wasn’t nationally publicized.

This museum is so well done and impressive in every way. It is difficult material and it takes a lot of time to go through it all. I had 3 hours and only made it partly through the museum. I learned so much and am thankful for those who contributed to this museum. It is a shameful part of our American history but hopefully we have learned and will do our part to befriend and understand and love one another! I just wish that every white person could go through this museum. It is life-changing.

Set aside a significant amount of time to immerse yourself in the learning and walk away with new information. Great place to go alone and reflect or take the family for good reflection and dialogue.

This was an excellent experience. We wish we had had more time. Impactful. Learning in written, visual, and auditory, We left being reminded that this is history. While it cannot be changed we can know for the future!

I could have easily spent the entire day at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum. It was a powerful and moving experience. I will definitely be back.

very informative was glad to meet and thank freedom rider participant Hezekiah Watkins he was inspirational to the youngsters even my 88th year old mother enjoyed although she is not in the history book she was the first black to work for f w Woolworth during segregation supervising other employees me and my husband look forward to returning on Juneteenth celebration

The history of the civil rights movement can bring back sad memories but understanding the times and suffering is something everyone should strive to learn and understand. This museum presents all the details in a beautiful and interactive setting. Beautifully presented

This is a beautiful new museum that tells the story of civil rights from slavery to the modern day. It provides in-depth information about the Civil Rights era with films, displays, music and individual stories.

We were troubled that there are two museums--one for Mississippi history and another for Civil Rights history...as if the history of slavery and the resistance movements to slavery aren't a central part of Mississippi history. We wondered if this was a form of segregation still in place.

In any case, we highly recommend this museum. Give yourself lots of time for the Civil Rights museum--at least 3-4 hours.

The MS Civil Rights is an American gem. Such deliberate care & contemplation taken to present the important place Mississippi held as a hub (if not *the* hub) of organization for the long US civil rights struggle. Big thank you to the curators of this place. And the state museum was great too! Particularly the indigenous histories.

This museum is a stunner. It's modern, interactive, and anything but sterile. There's plenty to be said about Civil Rights in Mississippi, and this museum doesn't pull punches. This history is vitally important for us to teach our children and to remember ourselves. Entrance is free on Sundays, and on all days, entrance to this museum also gets you into the Mississippi History Museum housed on the other side of the same building.

Amazing experience---Emmett Till part was powerful! Could've spent half a day in there. Beautiful structure externally and internally. And quiet enough during the pandemic to really enjoy.

This museum includes a comprehensive coverage of the history of civil rights in the U.S. Everything is accurately and beautifully presented. The stories are inspiring, shocking, and overwhelming. A unique opportunity to learn about this painful topic.

We could have spent all day as the exhibits were outstanding and painfully told the story and struggle of our country and that story and struggle is far from over. Moments of sadness and moments of joy and a bit overwhelming on one visit. Well worth the visit.

This museum is really quite amazing. It is extremely well curated and presented. There is so much to learn here. It can be painful to review our nation's history (and even more so that of Mississippi) and witness the injustices that plague our history. A must see for all Americans.

This museum was very well done. Lots of information- audio clips, movies, memorabilia and displays. Lots to read, look at and listen to. Plan on spending a few hours - I spent 3 hours and could have stayed longer (I’m a single adult though). Amazing that all this happened not too long ago, even heard some other visitors talking about growing up during that time. Mississippi (Jackson especially) played such a huge role in the Civil Rights movement and this museum does a great job of highlighting everything. Definitely moving and so worth a visit.
Couple of things:
1) there is a parking garage (entrance is kind of behind the museums on N. Jefferson), and right now it’s free to park BUT they are going to change that (it’s currently under construction to add a ticket booth)
2) I paid $12 (1 adult) to get a ticket for both museums (Civil Rights & Mississippi History) - such a great deal! I would highly suggest doing both as they are in the same building

We were driving through Jackson and only had 2 hrs until the museum closed. We had to hurry to see everything, I could have stayed another 2 hours. The exhibits were very informative and presented in a timeline. Highly recommend stopping to see this museum.

The interactive exhibits were amazing! The historical aspects are on target. The Quilt Exhibit was so amazing. It's beautiful and has a wonderful gift shop and eatery.

Informative, visually inviting, and engaging exhibits. Used a variety of ways to inform the visitor, including interactive features and videos. Very impactful. We learned so much!