To The MAX

Immersive, interactive exhibits encourage you to explore.

Last year, I joined the board of the Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters. The organization exists to celebrate the state's artists, writers and musicians. Each year, we host an awards gala, during which we honor select individuals for their achievements.

This year, the gala took place in Meridian, Mississippi, at the Mississippi's Arts + Entertainment Experience, affectionately called The MAX. This incredible museum showcases Mississippi's powerful arts and entertainment legacy. You'll find exhibits on our creative legends, memorabilia honoring the passionate arts community in our state, and cool interactive pieces designed to inspire tomorrow's creatives.

Glass artists? Yeah, we got that.

The facility is still fairly new, opening in April 2018, and I'd yet to visit it. The gala gave me the perfect opportunity to explore the attraction, and I am so, so glad I did.

Y'all, this place is incredible. It's two huge floors full of multimedia, interactive, sensory exhibits. The expansive atrium features those who've made notable contributions to arts and entertainment, and you can "meet" so many wonderful Mississippians here.

From there, climb into a row boat and float down the river a bit, learning how Mississippi's landscapes inspire beautiful art. Try your hand at a virtual pottery wheel to see what type of vessel you can make. Dive into the birth of the juke joint and make connections between today's hits and that unique legacy. Explore Mississippi's live theatre tradition and those who shaped and nurtured it. Meet some Muppets. Get your worship on as you delve into how religious belief has powered the creativity of some Mississippians.

It's just a beautiful, colorful experience. I'm so glad I went. It made me proud to be a Mississippian, and it reminded me that, as an arts lover in this state, I'm far from alone. If you haven't been, it's well worth the $14 for admission.

The outside of the museum, lit brilliantly at night. You can appreciate the expansive atrium even from here.