The Architecture Lover’s Guide to Mississippi
Just a short drive north of Jackson, the Mississippi State Capitol building stands as a shining example of early 20th-century neoclassical architecture. Located in downtown Jackson, this magnificent structure, completed in 1903, invites visitors to wander its grand halls and marvel at the soaring Corinthian columns and intricate murals depicting the state’s history. Inside, the impressive rotunda ceiling and ornate ornamental plasterwork reveal craftsmanship that is both elaborate and enduring. Touring the Capitol is best enjoyed on a clear day when sunlight streams through the expansive windows, highlighting the building’s marble floors and gilded details, offering a vivid sense of Mississippi’s political heritage framed in architectural splendor.
Heading southeast toward Natchez, about two hours from Jackson along the Mississippi River, the Stanton Hall mansion transports visitors back to antebellum grandeur. This Greek Revival mansion, built in the 1850s, is celebrated for its massive Corinthian columns and intricate wrought-iron balconies. Inside, the soaring ceilings, hand-painted frescoes, and original mahogany woodwork create an atmosphere both stately and intimate. What makes Stanton Hall unique is its state of preservation and the way it encapsulates the social history of the Old South, all set against the scenic river backdrop. Visiting during the spring or fall, when the gardens are in bloom and the weather is mild, adds a poetic charm to the experience.
In the heart of Vicksburg, about 45 minutes west of Jackson, the Old Courthouse Museum offers more than just historical artifacts—it is itself a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture. Built in the late 19th century, this courthouse features robust stone arches, a distinctive clock tower, and finely detailed masonry that reflects the post-Civil War rebuilding era. Inside, visitors can explore exhibits on the Siege of Vicksburg, but the real draw is the building’s architectural resilience and the panoramic views of the Mississippi River from its upper floors. Winter afternoons are particularly tranquil here, with softer light adding to the stately atmosphere of this enduring landmark.
Traveling to Ocean Springs, a charming coastal town just east of Biloxi, visitors encounter the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, which sits amid a cluster of buildings designed to reflect the local Gulf Coast vernacular. While the museum is primarily celebrated for its folk and visionary art collections, the architecture itself is a study in blending indoor and outdoor spaces with natural materials like cypress wood and large windows framing moss-draped oaks. The design invites a sense of serenity and connection to the coastal landscape, making it a unique stop for lovers of architectural environments that complement cultural content. Early morning visits, when the Gulf light is soft and the atmosphere peaceful, provide a perfect backdrop for appreciating both the art and the architecture.
Approximately 90 minutes south of Jackson, the town of Columbus showcases its historic district featuring an array of antebellum homes with Federal, Greek Revival, and Victorian styles. Walking the streets of this well-preserved neighborhood, visitors can admire the distinct architectural details of the Tait House, with its delicate ironwork and wrap-around porch, or the large, columned facade of the Whitfield-Morris House. What sets Columbus apart is the seamless blend of architectural styles in a residential setting that still feels lived-in and vibrant. A summer evening stroll during the town’s annual Pilgrimage festival enriches the experience, as homes open to the public reveal interiors matching their exquisite exteriors.
Down in Ocean Springs, nearly on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and a 90-minute drive from New Orleans, the Old Brick House stands as an enduring example of Creole cottage architecture, rare in this region. Built in the 19th century, its thick brick walls and steeply pitched roof offer a tangible glimpse into early Gulf Coast settlement patterns. The structure’s simplicity contrasts with the ornate Victorian and Greek Revival homes nearby, making it a distinctive counterpoint in the local architectural narrative. Visiting during the humid summer months underscores the practical design features like deep porches and elevated foundations that were vital for comfort and flood protection.
In the small town of Holly Springs, about 45 minutes northeast of Tupelo, visitors find the restored Holly Springs Historic District, which highlights Southern architecture from the 1830s through the early 1900s. The Marshall County Courthouse, with its stately red brick facade and classic clock tower, anchors the district and serves as a fine example of Richardsonian Romanesque style. Nearby, the Mary Winslow House exemplifies Victorian detailing with ornate woodwork and stained glass windows. The district’s charm lies in its scale—a small-town setting where architectural details come into focus without the distractions of urban bustle. Autumn afternoons, when the leaves turn golden, add a warm glow to these historic streets.
Finally, for fans of modern architecture and innovative design, the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art in Biloxi offers a compelling juxtaposition of contemporary and traditional styles. About 90 minutes south of Jackson on the Gulf Coast, the museum complex is housed in buildings designed by architect Frank Gehry, featuring unconventional shapes and shimmering metal surfaces. Its curvilinear forms and metallic textures create a striking contrast with the historic coastal town around it. The museum celebrates the pottery and art of George E. Ohr, the “Mad Potter of Biloxi,” whose eccentric creativity is mirrored in the building’s bold design. Clear, sunny days allow the metallic exteriors to reflect the bright Gulf light, making the museum a visual standout and a must-see for architecture enthusiasts exploring Mississippi’s cultural landscape.