Ellington

After more than two decades of planning, the Mississippi Children's Museum will open its doors to an estimated 5,000 visitors tomorrow morning.

Private donations from individuals, corporations and a gift from the state brought in about $26 million to fund the museum, Elaina Jackson, director of marketing for the Mississippi Children's Museum said today. The 40,000-square-foot museum is located at Fleurs' Bluff State Park next to the Museum of Natural Science. In 1994, Betty Todd, founding member of the Children's Museum Board, began organizing efforts to open a children's museum in Jackson after visiting similar museums in other states. In 2004, The Junior League of Jackson adopted the project, steering the vision of the museum and raising funds.

The museum has five galleries: science and technology; health and nutrition; arts; literacy; and Mississippi heritage. Each includes interactive exhibits to engage the imagination and give visitors a sense of place and pride in Mississippi.

"The Mississippi Children's Museum was inspired by the children of Mississippi," Jackson said. "...[W]e focus on key issues facing the state like childhood obesity and literacy. In every gallery, you will find that theme," she said.

Jackson added that the museum will issue grants to school districts that can't afford admission for class field trips. "We want to be a place that is accessible to all children in the state," she said.

In addition to the educational benefits to children, Jackson said the museum is a boon for the city. "We are hoping to be a place that attracts more people to the city, and we hope to be a good partner to all the attractions and help support tourism in the city," she said.

Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. also touted the economic benefit the museum will have on the city.

"The Children's Museum is a welcomed addition to the much celebrated slate of attractions that Jackson enjoys," Johnson said in a statement today. "We have no doubt that the museum will help draw even more visitors from across the state and beyond to our Capital city, which in turn, will bolster our local economy and continue to solidify Jackson as a premier destination city."

The Mississippi Children's Museum hosts "Imagination Unwrapped," Dec. 4 at 10 a.m. featuring a parade and children's activities. Admission is $10 and includes hourly "sneak peak" museum tours until 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit the museum website, or call 601-981-5469.