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The Mississippi Children’s Museum is scheduled to open Dec. 4. Credit: Jesse Crow

The rain didn’t stop construction or hinder the excitement at the Mississippi Children’s Museum this morning. Members of the media gathered at LeFleur’s Bluff State Park today for a sneak peak at the imaginative museum, scheduled to open December 4.

Mississippi Children’s Museum has five galleries: science and technology; health and nutrition; arts; literacy; and Mississippi heritage. Programs Director Chavanne McDonald said the galleries engage the imagination, give visitors a better sense of place and pride in Mississippi, and strive to help combat illiteracy and childhood obesity. Exhibits are educational, interactive and designed to engage all the senses.

The focal point of the museum is a topographical state map, allowing visitors to learn about Mississippi’s geology. The Children’s Museum also includes the world’s largest Scrabble board, an active art studio, a music studio where participants can mix music, and a reading area that is a replica of Eudora Welty’s porch.

“Every opportunity is a learning opportunity,” McDonald said.

On Dec. 4, the museum will have a family day with timed tours. For more information, visit the museum website or call 601-981-5469.

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The Mississippi Free Press produced this story through the MFP Solutions Lab, supported by the Solutions Journalism Network. This series digs into Mississippi’s systemic issues and sheds light on responses to them in other communities. Beyond just reporting on problems, these stories interrogate their causes and inspect potential solutions.