The Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience is a museum in downtown Meridian that celebrates Mississippi’s arts and entertainment legacy. Known as The MAX, it brings together permanent galleries, changing exhibitions, creative spaces and performances in one city-centre stop.
- Location: 2155 Front Street, Meridian, Mississippi.
- Opening pattern: Open Tuesday to Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday
- Adult admission: $14 for ages 18–64, with reduced and free admission categories.
- Parking: A small gated lot sits beside the museum, with other downtown parking options nearby.
What to expect at The MAX
The MAX is a downtown Meridian museum focused on the state’s influence on arts and entertainment. It opened in April 2018 and presents exhibitions, performances, classes and events.
Its address is 2155 Front Street. If you're planning a broader visit, the downtown Meridian neighbourhood guide can help you place the museum among the city’s other central-area stops.
Exhibits and visitor experience
The MAX has five permanent galleries and two spaces for changing exhibitions. Audio and video stories explain how Mississippians have influenced the arts and the creative economy.
The museum also includes the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Hall of Fame, a recording studio, 2D and 3D art studios, a multipurpose gallery and a museum store. Outside, an amphitheater provides space for performances. The MAX is in the same city as Motel 6-Meridian, a three-star motel.
Admission, hours, and access
Check the official site before you go for current hours and admission details.
Opening hours
- Tuesday to Saturday: 9 AM–5 PM
- Monday and Sunday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Adult admission for ages 18–64 is $14. Students, seniors aged 65 and older, and military visitors pay $12, and eligible visitors should show ID. Youth ages 6–17 pay $8. Admission is free for members, children under 5 and educators, as well as for everyone on the first Saturday of each month.
Groups of 10 or more pay $8 per person, while groups of 10 or more students pay $5 per person. The MAX says group rates and volunteer assistance in the galleries cannot be guaranteed without advance reservations.
A small gated parking lot next to the building is described as best for people with limited mobility. You can also park across the street at the historic bus station in front of the Union Hotel, at 2000 Front Street, or along Front Street and surrounding downtown streets.
Free parking is available at the downtown garage at 712 24th Avenue, approximately four blocks from the museum.
Combining The MAX with downtown Meridian
The MAX is centrally located downtown, surrounded by restaurants, retail, museums and other attractions. It is about five minutes from I-20/I-59. From the interstate, take Exit 153, marked 22nd Avenue/Sela Ward Parkway, toward downtown Meridian; after crossing the railroad-tracks bridge, turn right onto Front Street. The museum is on the right.
Other downtown cultural stops include the Meridian Museum of Art, Jimmie Rodgers Museum, Soulé Steam Museum, Meridian Railroad Museum, Mississippi Children’s Museum–Meridian and Merrehope historic mansion. A one-day Meridian itinerary can help you arrange a fuller day around the museum and city.
FAQs
What does The MAX stand for?
The name is the short form of the Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience.
Does The MAX offer more than gallery exhibitions?
Yes. Its programming includes performances, classes and events, alongside its galleries and creative spaces.
Can groups count on gallery volunteer assistance?
No. The museum says volunteer assistance in galleries and group rates are not guaranteed without advance reservations.