Mississippi
5 Mississippi museums the whole family will love
Whether you’re interested in learning more about Mississippi’s aviation or maritime history, seeing one-of-a-kind works of art by the state’s renowned artists or immersing yourself in the culture of the Gulf Coast’s carnival season, Coastal Mississippi has plenty of museums to keep you entertained.
Want to experience them all? With the Coastal Mississippi Attractions Pass you can, and you can save a little money while you’re at it. The pass grants you admission to up to 10 area attractions for one discounted price. That way, you won’t feel like you’re missing out. You can see it all and then some.
Not sure which attraction to visit first? You can find a few suggestions below, all of which are included in the Coastal Mississippi Attractions Pass deal.
READ MORE: 10 reasons we love Coastal Mississippi
Coastal Mississippi
The Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum
The Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum in Biloxi is an ideal way to spend an afternoon learning about the important role the seafood industry has played for more than 300 years in Coastal Mississippi’s history, heritage and culture through immersive displays, one-of-a-kind galleries and other exhibits.
The museum, which opened in 1986 with the goal of preserving the maritime history of the Mississippi Gulf, displays hundreds of one-of-a-kind artifacts, photographs and more of the historic Biloxi seafood industry for guests to view during their visit. Displays include a shrimp peeling machine, a gallery of wooden boats and a German U-Boat Replica from the 2000 film “U-571”. The Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum even houses in its Grand Hall a restored thirty-foot-long ship named Nydia, built at the Johnson Shipyard in Biloxi in 1898. Be sure to get in the full experience by going for a sail on one of the two authentic Biloxi oyster schooner replicas available for charter at the museum.
Ohr-O’Keefe Museum Of Art
Whether you’re knowledgeable of the many artists that have called the Mississippi Coast their home or are just looking for a memorable way to spend a day, the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum Of Art in Biloxi will keep your interest from the moment you lay eyes on the distinctive buildings that make up its grounds.
Designed by Frank O. Gehry and located under sprawling oak trees near the Mississippi Sound, the museum’s award-winning campus is made up of multiple sculpture-like buildings and is a work of art in itself. The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art, a Smithsonian affiliate, features an array of contemporary and historic exhibitions for guests to browse. Some of its permanent galleries include the ceramic works of George E. Ohr, the self-proclaimed “Mad Potter of Biloxi,” as well as photographs highlighting African-American culture in Biloxi during the post-WWII years. Remember to visit the museum store to shop for some local art you can take home or even book a class at the ceramic studio if you’re feeling inspired.
Walter Anderson Museum Of Art
For lovers of art and art history, the Walter Anderson Museum of Art in Ocean Springs is a must-see attraction that celebrates the legacy of artist-philosopher Walter Inglis Anderson while allowing visitors to view the works of Anderson, his brothers and other artists in a warm and inviting setting.
Since 1991, the Walter Anderson Museum of Art has given visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the art of Walter Inglis Anderson, an American master painter known for his iconic depictions of the Gulf Coast’s natural scenery as well as the works of his brothers, master potter Peter Anderson and ceramist James McConnell Anderson. The museum’s permanent collections include watercolors, drawings, oils, block prints, ceramics, carvings and more by the three Anderson brothers. In addition, it hosts temporary exhibitions spotlighting other artists throughout the year. Don’t forget to visit the Ocean Springs Community Center next door, which is home to Walter Anderson’s largest mural.
Mississippi Aviation Heritage Museum
The Mississippi Aviation Heritage Museum in Gulfport gives visitors of all ages a chance to learn more about the state’s rich aviation history and the heroes that forged it – while having a little fun in the process – through its array of interactive exhibits, artifact galleries, theater and more.
The 33,000-square-foot museum, which focuses on the State of Mississippi’s significant contributions to the field of aviation, offers guests the chance to view historical artifacts, audio and visual media as well as real airplanes during their visit. The museum houses exhibits about the state’s military bases, the Tuskegee, hurricane hunters, crop dusting and more as well as the Mississippi Aviation Hall of Fame. In addition, The Mississippi Aviation Heritage Museum has more than 20 different displays and interactive STEM exhibits, including a dozen touch tables teaching aviation, a flight simulator and a theater that looks like the interior of an airliner. You may even get the chance to see live mechanics working and renovating airplanes.
The Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum
Thanks to the Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum in Biloxi, you don’t have to visit the Gulf Coast during carnival season to get a sampling of the lively parades, luxurious balls and more that Mardi Gras has become known for. Just stop by for a visit one afternoon and, as they say, “Laissez les bons temps rouler”.
The Coastal Mississippi Mardi Gras Museum gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the more than 300-year history of Mardi Gras on the Gulf Coast with exhibits focusing on its royalty, krewes, celebrations and so much more as well as the people who have made Mardi Gras such a magical time of year. Some of its exhibits include displays of elaborate, one-of-a-kind costumes, archival photographs, a variety of collectible throws tossed during previous parades, medallions and other memorabilia of the past from carnival celebrations. After a guided tour of the museum, you may even get the chance to try on a costume or two yourself.
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