Step inside the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, Biloxi’s creative landmark where bold pottery, hands-on classes, and rotating art exhibits meet the rich history of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. From the reconstructed Pleasant Reed home, telling the story of Biloxi’s African American heritage, to lively events like Bubbles and Bon Bon and seasonal pop-up pottery shops, the museum is more than a gallery it is where art, culture, and coastal community come alive. With a grand reopening planned for early 2026, complete with a stunning beach-visible staircase, there has never been a better time to experience this local treasure.
The museum celebrates the life and work of George E. Ohr, famously known as the “Mad Potter of Biloxi.” His groundbreaking pottery, with twisted forms and vibrant glazes, challenged tradition during his lifetime and continues to inspire artists today. The campus, designed by acclaimed architect Frank Gehry, mirrors Ohr’s bold vision. Flowing metal curves and innovative pods reflect both the artist’s eccentric creativity and the movement of the nearby Gulf waters. Visitors can explore multiple galleries, outdoor spaces, and the museum’s state-of-the-art pottery studio a space where eight-week classes and pop-in sessions invite locals and tourists to get hands-on with clay.
Exhibits rotate every few months, showcasing a range of artists and styles that connect the museum to the region’s thriving art community. Beyond honoring Ohr’s legacy, the museum also highlights Biloxi’s rich history and cultural heritage through the Pleasant Reed Interpretive Center.
Born into slavery in 1854, Pleasant Reed moved to Biloxi with his family after the Civil War. A skilled carpenter, Reed built his own home in the 1880s, a side-hall camel-back cottage while George Ohr was establishing his pottery downtown. Though the original house was lost to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, long-time museum staff member Miss Effie recalls seeing it float away into the Gulf, a heartbreaking moment that marked the city’s recovery journey. The home was faithfully reconstructed from Reed’s original plans and opened to the public in 2008. Today, the center is the only place on the Mississippi Gulf Coast that tells the story of Biloxi’s African American history.
The museum grounds themselves are a serene coastal escape, shaded by majestic oak trees that add a sense of history and Southern charm. Visitors can stroll the paths beneath the sprawling branches, creating a peaceful backdrop for art, learning, or simply enjoying the Mississippi breeze.
The museum is also a hub for coastal community life and events. Educational programs and expeditions give students and visitors hands-on opportunities to explore art and creativity. Pop-up shops allow locals and tourists to purchase pottery crafted by students, featuring beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces. Special events add a lively social element: Bubbles and Bon Bon on February 6 is a ladies only night from 6–10 pm, including food and drinks from restaurants across the coast, dancing, and champagne in the visitor’s center for $50. Later in the spring, the museum will host its annual gala at the Beau Rivage on April 25th, celebrating the arts and the community it serves.
Looking ahead, the museum’s grand reopening, now projected for early 2026, will feature a new wavy staircase visible from the beach, echoing the design and materials of the museum’s pods and creating a stunning coastal landmark.
For locals and visitors alike, the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art offers more than a gallery experience it provides a space where creativity, history, and the coastal spirit come together. Whether trying your hand at pottery, exploring new exhibits, attending a gala or pop-up event, or learning about Biloxi’s rich past, the museum continues to strengthen the city’s reputation as a destination for art, culture, and coastal community life.
