Winged culture
I had the opportunity to check out the new Mississippi Museum of Art this week. WOW. The museum, which opened a scant two weeks ago, is located in the old Mississippi Arts Pavillion, where all those blockbuster foreign exhibits have been held for the past few years.
The old building has had a complete re-do, and it is GORGEOUS. The entrance is preceded by a lovely courtyard featuring fountains, plantings, and areas for small gatherings. The entrance itself is arresting, with an entire glass wall comprising the front of the building, flooding the high atrium with natural light. The large double doors are further emphasized with a high, prow-like cantilevered roof. Very impressive.
Inside, patrons will find the gift shop to the left, a small cafe to the right, and the Mississippi exhibits and permanent collection straight ahead. Down a hallway on the left, visitors can enjoy special traveling exhibits. Right now, "Between God and Man: Angels in Italian Art" is on display. At 150 works, the collection is large enough to be insightful and yet small enough to prevent angel fatigue. The exhibit was curated by the Director General of the Vatican Museums, Dr. Francesco Buranelli, for an exclusive showing at the Mississippi Museum of Art. The collection will be on display through December.
I particularly enjoyed viewing several interpretations of the same Biblical event by different artists working in different time periods. (For example, three treatments, displayed side-by-side, of the sacrifice of Isaac. Fascinating stuff.) In addition, little activity nooks tucked into corners throughout the exhibit encouraged interaction with the art and its themes. The entire display was obviously very carefully planned.
The accompanying audio tour, offering comments from Director Betsy Bradley, the exhibit curator, and a Millsaps College professor, was also helpful. But most of all, it was just nice to look at the variety of art in the exhibit and ponder/notice things for yourself.
I highly recommend checking it out! The museum is now located at 380 South Lamar Street in downtown Jackson. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $6 for students, with children and MMA Members admitted FREE! (Just go ahead and join. It's definitely worth the money.) Group rates are also available. Call 690-1515 for more information!
The old building has had a complete re-do, and it is GORGEOUS. The entrance is preceded by a lovely courtyard featuring fountains, plantings, and areas for small gatherings. The entrance itself is arresting, with an entire glass wall comprising the front of the building, flooding the high atrium with natural light. The large double doors are further emphasized with a high, prow-like cantilevered roof. Very impressive.
Inside, patrons will find the gift shop to the left, a small cafe to the right, and the Mississippi exhibits and permanent collection straight ahead. Down a hallway on the left, visitors can enjoy special traveling exhibits. Right now, "Between God and Man: Angels in Italian Art" is on display. At 150 works, the collection is large enough to be insightful and yet small enough to prevent angel fatigue. The exhibit was curated by the Director General of the Vatican Museums, Dr. Francesco Buranelli, for an exclusive showing at the Mississippi Museum of Art. The collection will be on display through December.
I particularly enjoyed viewing several interpretations of the same Biblical event by different artists working in different time periods. (For example, three treatments, displayed side-by-side, of the sacrifice of Isaac. Fascinating stuff.) In addition, little activity nooks tucked into corners throughout the exhibit encouraged interaction with the art and its themes. The entire display was obviously very carefully planned.
The accompanying audio tour, offering comments from Director Betsy Bradley, the exhibit curator, and a Millsaps College professor, was also helpful. But most of all, it was just nice to look at the variety of art in the exhibit and ponder/notice things for yourself.
I highly recommend checking it out! The museum is now located at 380 South Lamar Street in downtown Jackson. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $6 for students, with children and MMA Members admitted FREE! (Just go ahead and join. It's definitely worth the money.) Group rates are also available. Call 690-1515 for more information!
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