According to officials, the renovations include a redesign of the gift shop and front lobby, updates to conference spaces and bathrooms, repairs to the skylight and the construction of new pavilions near the playground. The museum’s core exhibits, aquariums and nature trails will remain open during construction.

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks (MDWFP) first approved the project in 2015, but the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors delayed the renovations.

“We want to stay modern. We want to stay competitive with other newer cutting edge museums. It’s just part of our strategic plan to just remain current and remain exciting and dynamic to our public,” said TJ Drummond, the museum’s visitor services manager.