Old Capitol Museum
4.7(366)google
4.4(20)yelp
FamilyIndoorCity LandmarkFreeEducationalHistoric Building
Overview
The Old Mississippi State Capitol, also known as Old Capitol Museum or Old State Capitol, served as the Mississippi statehouse from 1839 until 1903. The old state capitol was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1969. In 1986, the structure was designated a Mississippi Landmark and became a National Historic Landmark in 1990.
Practical Info
MonClosed
TueClosed
Wed9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Thu9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Fri9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
SatClosed
SunClosed
Suggested Duration1.5-2.5 hours
Best TimeBest viewed Tuesday through Saturday mornings between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Built in 1839, this grand Greek Revival limestone-and-brick monument features a historic Senate Chamber; morning sun cuts through its tall historic windows, highlighting the replica wood desks and monumental architecture beautifully.
Getting TherePositioned at the eastern foot of Capital Street at 100 State Street. From I-55 Exit 96C, head west on High Street, turn left onto South State Street, and proceed 2 blocks. The historic statehouse sits surrounded by a wide, completely free public parking plaza situated immediately behind the historic rotunda.
Travel Tips
- Complimentary vehicle parking is shared across the state capitol complex; visitors must write personal credentials in the central ledger at reception to obtain validated entry passes.
- Positioned directly within the high-security judicial axis, the airspace is a total drone exclusion zone; flying any RC micro-copters triggers immediate federal seizure and prosecution.
Photo Tips
Photo Rules
- An 1839 National Historic Landmark with a fragile rotunda dome sensitive to pressure vectors; commercial heavy camera gimbals, telephoto arrays, and strobe packs are banned by state law.
Reviews
Positive
- The 200-year-old Old Capitol boasts monumental Greek Revival architecture with a stunning dome rich in core historical value.
- Completely free to the public, truly educating history; internal exhibits on Mississippi legislative history offer great fun.
- Indoor AC and modern lighting are well-maintained; accessible lifts are complete, and restrooms are spotless with great convenience.
- Visitor density is moderate, the tour vibe is serious, solemn, and quiet, and front gate security management is highly reassuring.
Heads up
- Dedicated free parking slots out front are limited and often full at peak, forcing drivers to find paid street slots nearby.
- Exhibits rely on traditional static panels, old photos, and documents; modern interactive multimedia tech is missing.
- Multilingual signs and foreign audio guides are completely unequipped, creating a cultural barrier for non-English international guests.
- The surrounding old town streets are deserted on weekend afternoons; due to mediocre security reputations, night stays are discouraged.