Ohr-O’keefe Museum of Art

Biloxi, United States

4.2

12 reviews

Contacts

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Telephone:
+1 228-374-5547
Website:
www.georgeohr.org
Address:
386 Beach Blvd, Biloxi, MS, 39530
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Good for Kids
Yes

Today

Today –
Local time (Biloxi) 03:43 Sunday, 22 June 2025

Business hours

Monday –
Tuesday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Sunday –

Description

Specialties

The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art mission is to promote and preserve the unique legacy of Biloxi potter George E. Ohr and the diverse cultural heritage of the Mississippi Gulf Coast; and to exhibit works which exemplify the independent, innovative, and creative spirit of George Ohr, emancipated craftsman Pleasant Reed, and Ohr-O’Keefe Museum architect Frank Gehry. This mission is served through compelling exhibitions and educational experiences viewed from a fresh perspective relevant to our community, the region, and the nation with a strong focus on ceramic arts.

History

Established in 2010.

We invite you to enjoy all that makes our Museum unique: the artists, the architecture, the history, and the landscape. The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art celebrates the innovative, independent and creative spirit of our namesake Mississippi master potter George Ohr (1857 – 1918). In a fitting tribute to Ohr, artist and architect Frank Gehry designed an award winning campus of bold intriguing self sufficient structures. The campus consists of our Mississippi Sound Welcome Center, three art galleries, the reconstructed home of Pleasant Reed, and our City of Biloxi Center for Ceramics. These buildings and the exhibits therein offer visitors separate but not isolated experiences — together creating a single unified vision connected by the expansive brick plaza and the majestic Live Oaks. For our guests of all ages and interests, let the landscape be relaxing and the art inspiring, invigorating, and challenging.

Meet the Manager

Nathen L.

Manager

As of January 2016, I’ve been with the museum for about 2.5 years. I’ve had my part in managing staff & volunteers, tours, social media and online presence, event programming and supervision, and the occasional IT issue. I fell in love with the work of Ohr when I started here, and haven’t lost a drop of that feeling. I hope that we can help to instill a love for George Ohr in future visitors as well as provide interesting exhibitions and programming for both new and returning visitors.

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12 reviews of Ohr-O’keefe Museum of Art

No registration required
Place rating: 4
New Orleans, LA
The exhibits were a bit sparse, and the museum is a bit small, but I loved the space, the staff members were knowledgeable and chatty, and the gift shop was full of a number of trinkets I would have loved to have picked up. (I ended up buying a beautiful and inexpensive necklace.)
They have a historic house that had some interesting historical tidbits I didn’t know, and I really liked learning about George Ohr and his career. I wasn’t as excited about the Katrina exhibits (I live in NOLA and have seen and read soooo much about Katrina), but they would have been great if were a tourist.
This was definitely a highlight of my trip, and I’d visit again.
Place rating: 5
Milwaukee, WI
Greatest show on earth. Ha ha. Good olé George ohr would proclaim I’m sure. For his time late 1800’s he was way ahead of anyone «slinging mud». History shows George ohr was «the first» crazy ass potter. (Many soon to follow!!!). Beautiful setting. Architecture by the great frank Gehry.
Watch as potter Thomas Feyrer demonstrates his pottery skills while you visit the on site clay studios. Available for workshops and class participation as well as a summer camp for kids.
Place rating: 5
Covington, LA
Gehry is a perfect match for George Ohr! We drove past the site in EARLY August in 2005 when there was only a sign and building materials. I’m so glad they continued on with the building although it took us nine years to get back. All of the staff were super nice and friendly. The docents were charming, eager and informative. We saw two exhibits of local artists that were fantastic. One of the pods is now open with Ohr’s pottery displayed. I love how there are Ohr quotes painted on the walls, such a punster. The artists working in the studio invited us in to watch them work and to admire the ceramics kids had made at camp. I thought the second story of the observatory offered the most interesting views of architecture, trees and beach. We will try to now visit regularly.
Place rating: 4
Vero Beach, FL
Fantastic educational program. Very informed docents. Didn’t honor Southeastern Reciprocal even though SE said they would.
Place rating: 4
Asheville, NC
It’s cool. It’s art. Nice to have this here. Kinda refreshing to do something different for an hr or so before work.
Place rating: 3
Alabaster, AL
Enjoyed the art and architecture however we were rather bambuzzled by the name. Surprised that the Okeefe was Annette Okeefe, a former mayor’s wife that had no art in the museum. We were disappointed to pay $ 20 for two small exhibits. Beautiful work, just not what we were expecting. My husband wanted me to give 1 star, but being an artist, I can’t. Enjoyed what I saw.
Place rating: 3
Flowood, MS
My boyfriend is the one who picked this out. He lived here as a kid and is an Ohr fan. He also loves architecture, so he was thrilled to see the Gehry design. It’s not complete yet, so we didn’t get the full effect.
The full Ohr exhibit isn’t ready yet, so only about 80 pieces on loan to the museum are currently displayed. His work is truly fascinating. Today was also the last day of the current African American art exhibit, which was quite abstract. Overall, somewhat a hodgepodge of exhibits, but very enjoyable and quick and easy visit.
Place rating: 5
Fresh Meadows, Queens, NY
This is a rare gem set in the Gulf Coast. I never would have thought a Frank Gehry designed museum would be in the middle of the high-​rise casinos of Biloxi. As we drove by on Beach Blvd, I saw the distinct Gehry style of curving walls and disjointed lines and thought it was another copycat, but was pleasantly surprised when we drove up.
The campus of buildings set among a stand of huge oak trees was under construction when Hurricane Katrina hit. The former floating Grand Casino barge was deposited on their doorstep, but was stopped from totally destroying the site by the trees integral to Gehry’s design and had become its saviors.
The museum named after George Ohr, the «Mad Potter of Biloxi» and in honor of Annette O’Keefe (wife of former mayor), consists of the main Welcome Center, the IP Casino Exhibitions Gallery, the Gallery of African Art, the Center for Ceramics, the Pleasant Reed Interpretive Center and the soon to open Pods to house George Ohr’s impressive collection of pottery. The Reed Center is a historic reproduction of a house owned by a former slave that was wiped out by Katrina and houses a chronicled history of the Reed family.
If you’re on the Gulf Coast and a fan of art & architecture, this is a must see.
Place rating: 4
New Orleans, LA
Gehry in Mississippi? WTH? it’s like having the rolling stones and paul mccartney play in a hotel lobby. oh wait, this is actually happening this week (if you haven’t heard, then you’re not invited)
Anyway, a great little museum, on the beach in Biloxi, flooded by Katrina during construction and then rebuilt, should be just about finished by now (unless the eggs are still having issues with the poor detailing and the change from stainless to aluminum skin)
You might or might not like The Man Gehry, but it is mandatory viewing if you happen to be in the area (and even a short detour from I10 might be warranted for architecture buffs)
Place rating: 4
Ocean Springs, MS
We spent about 2 hours viewing the exhibits! Great thing to check out. We’ll be back in 6 months.
Place rating: 4
New Orleans, LA
This is a great little museum!
The architecture alone is worth the visit! They have several smaller buildings arraigned among the super old oak trees. Currently they are still in the process of finishing work on a few of the buildings which will eventually house the George Ohr permanent exhibits. I am sure by the time I make my next visit they will have it all together.
The museum complex contains a few small art galleries, some historical aspects (the Pleasant Reed house), a sweet little gift shop which features Gulf Coast artists and a really neat view from the third floor of the welcome center; none of which should be skipped.
From the front desk attendant, to the sweet docent volunteer who had some great stories to share, to the lady in the gift shop, everyone was super friendly and welcoming. Another great reason for a trip to the Biloxi Gulf Coast!
Place rating: 5
New Orleans, LA
five stars for the Gulf Coast having a Frank Gehry building,
and it’s on the beach!
take a break from losing your money at stupid casinos and learn something! the architectural detailing is a must see.
i didn’t get to see the exhibit yet, but i am sooo coming back.
i had lunch in the café, and it wasn’t bad.
sandwiches and salads.
this place is a gem for Mississippi!