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The New Museum
On the banks of the Mississippi Sound, looking out toward the waters of the Gulf, a ground-breaking new museum is rising to showcase the extraordinary cultural legacy of the Southeastern United States and its influence on 20th and 21st century art. At its heart is the celebration of one particular genius, the legendary potter George E. Ohr. The Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art will also showcase African American art, history, and special exhibitions of regionally and nationally important contemporary artists. It will pay tribute to the Native Americans who first practiced their artistry at the museum’s site as well.
Frank O. Gehry–the most fascinating and influential architect of our time–has designed a campus of extraordinary buildings on a terrace, all set with environmental sensitivity in a four-acre grove of Live oak trees. Gehry envisioned a building that would dance with the graceful Live oaks when he first looked at the property. “The trees are architecture, they are as interesting as any building. It’s like if you go to a dance and your dance partner is the tree. She’s a pretty partner, so we’ll try and waltz her around a bit.” These will be the first permanent Gehry structures in the South, and, in their own right, they are sure to build tremendous interest in visiting the region and the new museum.
The $30 million project to build the new Ohr-O’Keefe Museum is off to a great start. Now is the time to become part of it. Help us preserve the remarkable legacy of Gulf Coast art and history and encourage artists of today and tomorrow to work in the spirit of its best traditions.
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