In a cramped backroom of a theater, Vicki Taylor meticulously glues together tiny figurines that peer over electrical boxes, canoe down drainage pipes, and hide in nooks and crannies, waiting to be discovered by curious visitors willing to get on their hands and knees to search. This creative endeavor is at the heart of the Hattiesburg Pocket Museum, affectionately dubbed "Mississippi's Tiniest Museum," which has transformed a once-gray, smelly alley into a surrealist wonderland and a major community hub.
From Pandemic Project to Tourist Destination
Taylor and her husband, Rick, launched the museum in 2020 with a simple goal: to bring joy and foot traffic to downtown Hattiesburg during the COVID-19 shutdown. What started as a small window display facing into the alley behind the Saenger Theater has blossomed into a multifaceted attraction. It now includes a tiny art gallery, a miniature movie theater, colorful murals, a keychain and DVD exchange, a rainbow bridge for the collars of departed pets, and a motion-activated dance spot that plays music accompanied by disco lighting.
"You may come feeling down, but you're going to leave excited," said Brianna Moore, a Hattiesburg resident who regularly brings her two sons to the free museum. "My boys love it." This sentiment echoes throughout the community, as the museum has become a beloved local fixture.
Economic and Cultural Impact
The museum's influence extends beyond mere aesthetics. According to Marlo Dorsey, CEO of Visit Hattiesburg, the organization estimates that more than 300,000 people have visited since its opening. This surge in tourism has coincided with a more than 40% increase in Hattiesburg's tourism economy. Dorsey attributes this growth to a concerted effort by city leaders to develop and promote the city's culture, recreational activities, and art scene, including an initiative to paint 100 murals across the city.
Unique attractions like the Hattiesburg Pocket Museum and the nearby Lucky Rabbit, a massive vintage store known for its creative displays, have played a pivotal role in drawing visitors. Tony Lymon, who has lived in Hattiesburg since 1990, has witnessed a "monumental rebirth" in the city's downtown over the past decade. He recently opened eYrthBeat Coffee Company a short walk from the museum and believes that downtown attractions help bring customers to his shop.
A Proving Ground for Local Artists
The pocket museum has also served as a vital proving ground for local artists. Gabby Smith, who has painted several murals in the alley, credits the museum with helping her build confidence as she pivoted to pursue art as a full-time career. She now watches her children run through the alley, pointing at various murals and asking, "Mommy, did you paint that one too?"
"This is a city that believes in art and believes in artists," said Shaw Ingram, who opened Wax Fantastic Records downtown in November. "There's nowhere else I would want to open this business." This artistic ecosystem has fostered a sense of community and innovation.
Looking to the Future
Back in her workshop, Taylor marvels at the museum's unexpected popularity. Initially, she thought interest would wane after the pandemic, but instead, she now spends much of her time curating the museum's constantly changing exhibits. For Taylor, the effort is well worth it to showcase the city she loves.
"Hattiesburg is not a beach town, and it doesn't have mountains," Taylor said. "There's got to be something to get people to come off the highway." The Hattiesburg Pocket Museum has proven to be that something, turning an ordinary alley into an extraordinary destination that continues to inspire and attract visitors from near and far.
