On December 9, 2017, the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum opened its doors. The museum was many years in the making and is the first state-sponsored civil rights museum in the United States. There are eight galleries in the museum, situated in the round. The galleries represent the history of the civil right movement and in the center is the heart of the museum.
That heart is known as This Little Light of Mine.
It began as a concept for an interactive, illuminated structure conceived by Monadnock Media and Hilferty & Associates. It was fabricated by Transformit and truly embraces the idea that each of us has a light, or a contribution, and there is always a light to be found in the world.
The structure is 40 feet tall and is suspended from the ceiling in the center of the museum. Made of aluminum blades covered in fabric and containing channels of LED lights, it is a sight to behold. Not only is it beautiful, it provides an interactive experience. As more people enter this central gallery, more lights begin to flicker inside the structure and the songs This Little Light of Mine and Ain’t Gonna’ Let Nobody Turn Me Around echo throughout the space.
Construction of the piece took a year and a half, and installing the centerpiece of the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum was no easy task. Thanks to some quick thinking and ingenuity, this living sculpture was brought to life. Watch the video below for a glimpse into how it came together.
This Little Light of Mine, at the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum from Exhibit Concepts Inc. on Vimeo.
