arts + museums
Walter Anderson Museum of Art
Walter Inglis Anderson spent his life drawing, sketching, and painting the plants, animals, and people off the Gulf Coast. His work can be best enjoyed with a visit to the Walter Anderson Museum of Art (WAMA) which is dedicated to the preservation of his works of art. During a visit to the museum, visitors are offered insight into the artistic vision of Walter as well as his process and the natural environment that inspired him. The museum also strives to preserve and educate the public on the work of Walter’s brothers: Peter Anderson (1901-1984), master potter and founder of Shearwater Pottery; and James McConnell Anderson (1907-1998), noted painter and ceramist.
Ohr O’keefe Museum
Another popular art museum experience is can be found at the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art. Designed by Frank O. Gehry, the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art Campus is home to a remarkable blend of architectural styles which span over a century of history. Located under majestic oaks on the beautiful Mississippi Sound, OOMA features the ceramics of George E. Ohr (1857-1918), the self-proclaimed "Mad Potter of Biloxi,” as well as contemporary and historic exhibitions.
Maritime Museum
In what was previously the “Seafood Capital of the World,” there is no better way to experience the 300 years of the seafood industry that found its home on the Mississippi Gulf Coast than a tour through the Maritime & Seafood Museum. Explore a massive array of exhibits on shrimping, oystering, recreational fishing, wetlands, managing marine resources, charter boats, marine blacksmithing, wooden boat building, net-making, catboats/Biloxi skiff, shrimp peeling machine, and numerous historic photographs and objects.
Afterward, we recommend climbing aboard the Biloxi Schooner, an authentic replica of a Biloxi Oyster Schooner, for a truly unique look at the Mississippi Gulf Coast waters. For current sailing times, click here.
*Image by Mississippi Encyclopedia
Infinity Science Museum
Located in Gulfport, the Mississippi Aquarium tells the incredible story of all of Mississippi's aquatic resources from the Delta to the coast. Featuring the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and beyond, the roaring waters of the Mississippi River, and the wetlands and marshes of the bayous, visitors will experience the importance of our aquatic resources. At first sight, it is impossible to miss the three, giant sails that adorn the entranceway. These are meant to represent education, conservation, and community, the three pillars of the aquarium.
Mardi Gras Museum
New Orleans isn’t the only place that celebrates Mardi Gras. That’s right, you can ”laissez les bons temps rouler” at the Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum! Located in Biloxi, visitors to the museum will learn all about the kings and queens, krewes, costumes, parades, and the people who make Mardi Gras such a magical time of year! For more information, you can visit their website here.
