Governor. The Senate has 52 members. The House of Representatives has 122 members. The public galleries of the Senate and the House of Representatives are located on the fourth floor. On top of the state capital building is a gold-plated American Bald Eagle figurine, facing south. Hours The Capitol is open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. It is closed weekends. Tours Guided tours are conducted free of charge by staff and volunteers. Tours are given Monday-Friday at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., or visitors are welcome to do a self-guided tour anytime between 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Group and school tours are available by reservation. Gift Shop The gift shop is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. It is closed on weekends. Popular Culture Author John Grisham served as a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives from 1983-1990, during which time he wrote his first novel, A Time to Kill, and began writing his next, The Firm. The Capitol is featured in the following movies: The Chamber (1996) The Help (2011) Gallery The Old Capitol See also List of state and territorial capitols in the United States List of governors of Mississippi List of lieutenant governors of Mississippi References External links Mississippi State Capitol Government of Mississippi Government buildings on the National Register of Historic Places in Mississippi State capitols in the United States Tourist attractions in Jackson, Mississippi Mississippi Landmarks Government buildings with domes National Register of Historic Places in Jackson, Mississippi National Historic Landmarks in Mississippi 1901 establishments in Mississippi