George E. Ohr Museum

Project Details

TUTOR PERINI AFFILIATES

Roy Anderson Corp
General Contractor
Contract Amount: $25 Million

OWNER
Ohr O’Keefe Museum of Art
City of Biloxi

LOCATION
Biloxi, MS

ARCHITECT
Frank Gehry / Guild Hardy Architects

SIZE
25,000 Square Feet

COMPLETION
2012

Project Description

This 2,400-square-foot, single-story structure is a museum of African American Art. The foundation consists of 50 14-inch augured cast-in-place piles at a depth of 60 feet. Atop the piles, a series of concrete pedestals and beams integrate to make up the elevated slab structure. A multi-faceted array of structural steel provides the framework for this magnificent edifice. As part of the roof and exterior walls, a unique stainless steel cladding system comprise the majority of the building envelope. Seven complex skylights provide natural lighting within the building. A “Granite Red Colonial” brick veneer provides a contrast to the natural surroundings as well as the stainless cladding.

The 1,300-square-foot, single story Exhibition Gallery has an exterior skin of traditional stucco and includes four skylights. The 8,500-square-foot, multi-story Welcome Center is comprised of a main floor level and two elevated terraces. The main floor includes a café, kitchen/catering area, office space, gift shop, and an A/V viewing area. The second-level terrace overlooks the south plaza area. The third-level terrace is protected overhead by a unique shoofly roof. The Center for Ceramics is clad in brick, white plaster, and stainless steel panels. It houses the ceramic arts education center, community meeting space, programming space, and administrative offices.