The Mississippi Children’s Museum (MCM) has just announced the site of the planned Mississippi Children’s Museum- Meridian and it will be located at 403 22nd Avenue, the current location of an old Sears department store.
In addition, the Riley Foundation has joined the Phil Hardin Foundation as a major supporter of the project with a grant for $4 million. In order to safely serve the children of East Mississippi, MCM-M will be constructing a new state-of-the-art facility on the property. With a grant for $3 million in May of 2016, MCM-M became a signature project of the Phil Hardin Foundation.
“The Phil Hardin Foundation recognized early-on that this project will have a tremendously positive impact for children across the socioeconomic spectrum in our community and region,” said Lloyd Gray, executive Director. “We need to do all we can to stimulate and enhance learning for all children, but especially for those who otherwise wouldn’t have access to the type of enrichment experiences the Children’s Museum will provide. This investment is at the heart of the Hardin Foundation’s educational mission and purpose.”
The Riley Foundation President and Treasurer, Marty Davidson, also spoke to their recent grant.
“The mission of the Riley Foundation is to improve the quality of life in Lauderdale County,” Davidson said. “The Riley Foundation is making a four-million dollar grant, to the Mississippi Children’s Museum, that will improve the quality of life for our children, and grandchildren, for many generations to come.”
MCM-M has contracted with Wier Boerner Allin, a Mississippi architectural firm, to design the new museum. Design renderings for the 22nd Avenue facility were unveiled at the press conference.
“The City of Meridian is thrilled to work with the Mississippi Children’s Museum on a project that will not only expand opportunities for Meridian’s youth, but also provide an opportunity for cultural and economic growth in our city,” said Percy Bland, Mayor of Meridian.
