Lynn Meadows Discovery Center

Imagine a place where the main rules of traditional museums—"do not touch" and "be quiet"—are officially abolished. The Lynn Meadows Discovery Center in the city of Gulfport was the first of its kind in the state of Mississippi and is today recognized as one of the top children's educational centers in the USA. It is a space where imagination comes to life and learning turns into a thrilling adventure.

The museum is housed in a carefully restored 1915 elementary school building. Tall windows and historic brick walls provide a unique architectural backdrop for modern interactive exhibits. Behind the bright blue doors lie over 1,400 square meters of indoor displays and a vast outdoor area shaded by century-old live oaks.

The center's mission is to inspire children and families through art and experimentation. For its outstanding service and close connection to the local community, the museum was awarded the National Medal for Museum and Library Service—the highest honor such an institution can receive in America. Here, play is considered the most serious and important business.

To clarify information about special events or group visits, you can contact the museum administration directly. It is recommended to check the official website for the latest updates to avoid missing any interesting temporary exhibitions.

Inside the museum, a variety of themed zones await young explorers. You can head to the Dolan Avenue Depot to learn all about trains, or test your skills on the Super Colossal Climbing Structure. In The Port area, children can discover how a maritime port works, while the History Hotel offers a journey back in time. Every exhibit encourages visitors to ask questions and experiment with science, art, and social roles.

Special attention should be paid to the On the Green outdoor area. It features a musical garden where you can create sounds with unusual instruments and an educational weather station. The rustic treehouses and the three-story Ship Island Lookout observation deck, equipped with telescopes for surveying the surroundings, are a real hit. On hot days, the modern splash pad is a perfect addition.

For creative souls, the museum offers a theater for performances and a special Viking Kitchen, where culinary workshops are held. Regardless of age, every visitor will find something to enjoy: from building complex engineering structures to simple but fascinating play with water and sand in the Pelican Porch area.

The attraction is conveniently located at 246 Dolan Ave, just a few blocks from the coast. If you are traveling by car, getting there from the city center is easy—the museum is nestled under the shade of majestic live oaks, and free parking is provided for visitors right on the premises.

For those arriving in the region by plane, the trip from Gulfport-Biloxi Regional Airport (GPT) by taxi or via Uber and Lyft services will take about 15–20 minutes. If you are staying at one of the coastal hotels, you can take a pleasant walk or a bike ride to the museum—the trip from the beach takes no more than 10–15 minutes.

Public transport in Gulfport also makes it possible to reach the location: the nearest bus stops are within walking distance. A scenic path leading to the museum's bright blue doors through an oak grove sets the mood for adventure even before you enter the building.

The history of the Lynn Meadows Discovery Center began in 1991 as an ambitious community project supported by the Gulfport Junior Auxiliary. The museum opened its doors to its first visitors in May 1998. It is housed in the former Mississippi City Elementary School—a historic 1915 building that is an architectural treasure in its own right, featuring tall windows and vintage brickwork.

The center was named in memory of Lynn Meadows, the daughter of co-founders Carole Lynn and Joe Meadows. Lynn was a student at the University of Mississippi who tragically passed away in a car accident in 1984. Creating this space became a way to honor her name through the joy and education of thousands of children. The love of learning through play became the core motto of the center.

In 2005, the museum faced a major challenge—Hurricane Katrina. The storm nearly destroyed the first floor, the artist's studio, and the education building, though the historic structure itself remained standing. During the extensive reconstruction, the museum continued its community outreach by launching the Katrina Quilt project—unique quilts made from drawings by 900 children who shared their experiences of the disaster.

Since its restoration, the museum has continued to grow. In 2011, it received a major grant for expansion, and in 2016, the innovative "On the Green" area was opened. That same year, for its invaluable contribution to society, the museum was awarded the National Medal—the highest U.S. honor for museum and library services.

To fully appreciate all the opportunities the museum has to offer, it is recommended to set aside 3 to 4 hours for your visit. This is enough time for children to explore the main interactive exhibits inside the building and play to their heart's content in the outdoor areas.

For families planning to participate in special workshops in the Viking Kitchen or attend theater performances, the visit may last half a day. If the weather is nice enough to enjoy the splash pad or explore the treehouses, you definitely won't want to rush your stay.

The museum is open to visitors daily, offering a convenient schedule for family outings. Please note that on Sundays, the museum opens a bit later, which is something to keep in mind when planning your route through Gulfport.

• Monday — Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Exploring the surroundings of Gulfport can significantly enrich your experience. After an active day at the museum, you will find many interesting locations just a few minutes' drive away, where you can continue discovering the nature and culture of the region.