Our First Year
The Mississippi Children’s Museum – Meridian (MCM-Meridian) opened a state-of-the-art facility safely to the public on March 27, 2021, amid a worldwide pandemic. Since its opening, the museum’s hands-on inquiry-based exhibits, both indoors and out, have inspired over 67,000 children and families from 42 states and exposed them to the rich culture of East Mississippi.
Let’s celebrate how far we’ve come and how far we’ll go on March 26, 2022!
Take a Journey Through our First Year!
67,525 Visitors
Since opening on March 27, 2021, we’ve welcomed visitors from 42 states, 73 Mississippi counties, and 2 foreign countries!
1,338 Members
Members enjoyed two very special members-only events: Passport to Play, an invitation to play at the museum before grand opening day, and Peppermint & PJs, a Christmas tree lighting event that kicked off the Winter WONDER-Land seasonal museum experience.
250 Birthdays
Many happy birthdays have been celebrated at the museum! 250 to be exact. Our very first birthday party took place in April of 2021, where we welcomed Jude, along with her family and friends, to celebrate her 8th birthday.
3,421 Field Trip Visitors
Over 70 schools and institutions from near and far made their way to the museum for fantastic hands-on learning experiences with their classmates.
4 Day Camps
Our first camp groups experienced a full day of instructor-led activities and free play in the museum during Fall Fun Day Camp, Holidays Around the World Day Camp, STEAM Camp, and ART IS… Camp. The absolute best way to spend a day off from school!
An Award-Winning Experience
2021 Governor’s Award for Travel Attraction of the Year
On October 22, 2021, MCM-Meridian received the 2021 Travel Attraction of the Year Award at the annual Mississippi Governor’s Conference for Tourism in Jackson, MS.
Not only is the museum a tourism attraction itself, but it acts as a springboard to introduce children and families to the many tourist attractions in the region, including the Mississippi State University Riley Center, Jimmie Rodgers, Union Station, Dunn’s Falls, Bonita Lakes, Key Field, and Meridian Naval Air Base. MCM-Meridian is honored to receive this award and looks forward to growing tourism in Meridian with the help of neighboring attractions and community support.
The Meridian Star 2021 Readers’ Choice Award
In the Summer of 2021, Meridian locals voted for their favorite businesses among multiple categories, including food, entertainment and lifestyle, health, retail, goods and services, professional services and special awards. MCM-Meridian is grateful to have received multiple awards:
- #1 New Business
- #1 Place to Take the Kids
- #1 Event Center
- #1 Museum
Share Your Favorite Memories
Help us capture a ONE-derful year of imaginative play and memories made! Share your favorite museum photos with us on Facebook and Instagram and you could win a special birthday giveaway! Follow along on Facebook and Instagram for more details.
