Attractions
The Governor’s Mansion
The Mississippi Governor's Mansion in downtown Jackson is the second oldest continuously occupied governor's residence in the United States. It was first occupied in 1842 by Governor Tilghman Tucker and his family, having just been built in the Greek Revival style, the most popular style of the period. Today architectural historians consider the mansion one of the best surviving examples of this style in the country, and in 1975 the building was designated a National Historic Landmark. The historic section of the mansion, furnished in period Empire style, is open to the public.
Address: 300 East Capitol Street
Telephone: (601) 359 6421
Web site: www.mdah.state.ms.us/museum/mansion.html
Openingtime: Guided tours every half-hour between 9.30am and 11am, Tuesday to Friday. The mansion may be closed on occasion for official state functions and is closed during the last two weeks of December. The mansion grounds are closed to the public
Admission: Free
Manship House Museum
The home of Charles Henry Manship, Civil War mayor of Jackson, and his large family has been restored as a museum depicting life in Mississippi in the mid-19th century. The house was built in Gothic Revival cottage style in 1857, and was unpretentious compared to the mansions for which the south is so famous. Today the house still stands in its original setting of trees and shrubs, painted in its original olive and cream color with an authentic shingled roof. Manship was a decorative painter and craftsman and much of the interior features his handiwork, all restored or reproduced. The rooms have been furnished with some original objects.
Address: 420 East Fortification Street
Telephone: (601) 961 4724
E-mail: manship@mdah.state.ms.us
Web site: www.mdah.state.ms.us/museum/manship.html
Opening time: Tuesday to Friday 9am to 4pm; Saturday 10am to 4pm
Russell C. Davis Planetarium
Jackson's impressive planetarium is one of the largest in the world, with a huge hemispheric wrap-around screen that presents regular Sky Shows on astronomy, astronauts and space exploration. The planetarium, situated in the downtown cultural district, also presents laser light concerts featuring the music of contemporary and classic rock and roll artists combined with the imagery of a powerful indoor laser system, and astronomy hobby courses.
Address: 201 East Pascagoula Street
Telephone: (601) 960 1550
E-mail: info@thedavisplanetarium.com
Web site: www.thedavisplanetarium.com
Opening time: Tuesday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm, Friday 8.30am to 9.30pm, Saturday 12.30pm to 9.30pm, Sunday 1.30pm to 5pm. Show and film schedule varies;
Admission: Sky show: $5.50 (adults), $3 (children). Laser concert and Large-format films: $6.50 (adults), $4 (children)
Mississippi Museum of Art
The State's largest art museum, the Mississippi Museum of Art in downtown Jackson houses more than 4,000 works, including the world's largest collection by Mississippi artists. The museum also hosts numerous visiting exhibitions.
Address: 201 East Pascagoula Street
Telephone: (601) 960 1515
E-mail: mmart@netdoor.com
Web site: www.msmuseumart.org
Openingtime: Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm; Sunday 12pm to 5pm; Admission: $5 (adults); $3 (children)
Farish Street Historical District
The 125-acre neighborhood bounded by Mill Street, Amite Street, Fortification Street and Jackson Street near downtown, known as Farish District, is one of the few historically black districts, built by former slaves, listed on the national register. It takes its name from Walter Farish, a freed slave who settled on the northeast corner of Davis and Farish Streets. The district was once the center of political, religious, economic, educational and entertainment activities for the black professionals and craftsmen who lived in the area's 700-odd buildings, most dating from between 1890 and 1930. Among the more notable buildings are 229 East Church Street, former home of Dr Sidney Redmond, wealthy and successful businessman, and the Farish Street Baptist Church. Renovation in the district is ongoing and private home ownership is being encouraged in an effort at urban renewal.
