Arts and Entertainment in Meridian, MS
Around Town Carousels Abound
East Mississippi's culture is all inclusive with theater, art, music and fun – all intertwined with the historic districts in the area.
Theaters in Meridian
MSU Riley Center for Education and Performing Arts is the perfect place for any theater enthusiast. Since opening in 2006, the center highlights performing arts, attracting more than 60,000 visitors a year. At the heart of it all, the second floor 1889 grand opera house seats 950 attendees. Also available are a 200-seat studio theater and 30,000 square feet of meeting space.
Meridian Little Theatre is far from small in the hearts of Mississippians. This theater dates from 1932 and seats 400 attendees. This venue has grown to be the largest community theater in the state. With the help of nearly 1,000 volunteers, MLT is able to produce more than 50 performances a year.
Temple Theater was built by the Hamasa Shrine organizatoin in the mid 1920s as a meeting hall and venue for traveling shows. It wasn't until the theater was leased by the Saenger organization in 1927 that it gained popularity as a silent movie house complete with a Robert Morgan pipe organ. Today it remains a time capsule to the era's architecture and design while serving as a performing arts and movie venue.
Art in Meridian
The Meridian Museum of Art is located in the city's only remaining Carnegie Library. Built in 1912-1913, the museum houses all that is art in the area. Along with supporting regional artists with exhibits and groups, the museum offers art education and outreach to the community.
Meridian Council for the Arts helps support the art scene through funding in grants, workshops and other events, allowing local organizations to receive the funding they need. The Threefoot Festival, sponsored by the council, celebrates arts in downtown Meridian where festival-goers can browse or purchase from the diverse collection of art.
Music and Family Fun in Mississippi
Meridian Symphony Orchestra in Meridian is dedicated to bringing musical art to the area. Not only does the venue perform classic and new compositions, but also the popular seasonal Peppermint Pops Concert.
The Jimmie Rodgers Museum pays tribute to the life and career of “The Father of Country Music”. The building, located in Highland Park, features musical instruments and steam engine railroad equipment.
Dentzel Carousel is a kid's choice for a fun ride. Dating from 1896, this carousel was restored to bring the original beauty of the animals, chariots and painting for all to enjoy.
Mississippi Arts and Entertainment Center's goal is to pay tribute to Mississippians who have contributed to the collection of arts and talent in the state. Included are the Mississippi Hall of Fame and the Walk of Fame. Mississippi's Walk of Fame was unveiled in 2009 with its first honoree Jimmie Rodgers. Each star added will create a path that travels through downtown Meridian. To stay updated on the “stars”, visit the center's website, www.msarts.org.
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