Jackson Free Press

The Old Masters to Monet exhibit at the Mississippi Museum of Art (380 S. Lamar St., 601-960-1515) includes 50 paintings. As it concludes Sept. 8, the museum will end with a bang, staying open for the final 50 hours (more or less) of the exhibit during 50 Paintings in 50 Hours.

Starting Sept. 6, around-the-clock programming offers everyone from early risers to night owls a chance to have some fun and see the exhibit before it leaves. Friday night, "Night at the Museum" and "Night at the Museum 2" screen in the Art Garden, weather permitting. Between the free movies, the gallery will give (battery-powered) candlelight tours (with the regular cost of admission), as moviegoers who stay in the garden can enjoy board games, cards and glow-in-the-dark toys.

Saturday morning breakfast will be available for early birds or all-nighters, while working artists give demonstrations every hour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oxford Ballet performances, spoken word artists, and musicans offer even more entertainment.

Saturday, singer/songwriter Shannon McNally takes the stage in the Art Garden at 8 p.m. for a free concert with cash bar. Saturday night continues "insomniac tours" of the gallery until Sunday morning, when folks can get another breakfast and see artist demonstrations.

One special attraction bound to excite long-time fans of the museum involves the sculptural installation of "Mary Asleep," a long-held piece from the museum's permanent collection. Visitors will immediately recognize this life-size sculpture of a woman asleep on the floor. Mary will come out of the vault during normal sleeping hours, with a mattress beside her on which guests can lie to take a picture with Mary and post it to social media, tagged #sleepwithmary.

With attendance cresting in its final weeks, 50 Paintings in 50 Hours is a great chance to experience this unique exhibit—and the museum itself—in a new way. For a complete schedule, visit msmuseumart.org/50in50.html.