Mice on Main in downtown Greenville has fascinated residents and visitors alike for the past 25 years. 

People of all ages have enjoyed searching for the nine bronze mice statues hidden along five blocks of Main Street. The beloved family of mice has also inspired a children’s book, board game and other merchandise.

The city of Greenville celebrated the 25th anniversary of Mice on Main on Sept. 25. 

Jim Ryan had the idea for Mice on Main for his senior project at Christ Church Episcopal School. He was inspired by the nine mice featured in the children’s book “Goodnight Moon.” Ryan approached the city with his idea and raised funding for the public art project. 

“When I started this project, I wanted to create something that would bring people together,” Ryan said. “Something fun, lasting and whimsical. Something that would make families explore Main Street and create a sense of place as well as a sense of wonder and discovery.”

Local artist Zan Wells sculpted the nine bronze mice. The tiny sculptures were placed along Main Street, from the Hyatt Regency to the Westin Poinsett, in 2000. Wells said the mice were instantly a hit.

Eight years later, Linda Kelly wrote a children’s book about the sculptures called “Mice on Main,” which features illustrations by Wells. The book tells the story of Ryan’s family of mice named Father Marvin, Mother Maggie, Marvin Jr., Marcley, Millie, Mitch, Melissa, Aunt Mifflin and Uncle Miles. 

Kelly said around 750 books were sold in three hours during the first book signing in August 2008. Proceeds from the book and merchandise sales over the years are donated to local charities, including the Metropolitan Arts Council’s SmartARTS reading program. 

“We have made over 100 school visits, sold 50,000 books and given $150,000 to local charities, $136,000 of that to the Metropolitan Arts Council’s SmartARTS program,” Kelly said. “We thank everyone who bought a book, found the mice (and) encouraged us.”

Greenville Mayor Knox White spoke during the celebration event of Mice on Main about the importance of children’s art. He explained that this type of public art creates a bonding connection for children with their hometown. 

“It’s brought so much joy to so many people, children and grown ups alike,” White said.

Mouse ears and coloring sheets will be passed out at TD Saturday Market on Sept. 27 in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Mice on Main. M Judson Booksellers will also host a “Mice on Main” book reading at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday.

For more information on Mice on Main, visit visitgreenvillesc.com/mice-on-main.