The Biloxi Visitors Center, which opened in July 2011 in the shadow of the Biloxi Lighthouse on U.S. 90, fuses the city's architectural
heritage with state-of-the-art technology and multi-media exhibits to give visitors and residents alike a feel for the Biloxi of yesterday and today. Besides offering a wealth of information about visitor amenities in Biloxi, the visitors center is also a museum of sorts, housing nearly a dozen multi-media exhibits that tell the story of Biloxi, its people, its connection to the water, and its cultural diversity. You'll find a gift shop offering all sorts of Biloxi memorabilia, with many of the items created by local artists and craftsmen. Among the attractions on the second floor is a 67-seat movie theater with continuous showings of the 10-minute film "We are Biloxi," and the 50 minute long film "Hurricane Katrina & Biloxi." Stepping out onto the second-floor porch, you'll be eye level with the beacon of the
Biloxi Lighthouse, enjoying the cool breezes off the Gulf of Mexico, or
soaking up the panoramic view of the Biloxi beach and Mississippi Sound. The 24,000 square-foot center bears a striking resemblance to the Dantzler House, a two-story city-owned structure that stood on the site until Aug. 29, 2005, when it was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina. Among the features inspired by the Dantzler: two-story porches, a grand staircase, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Also included in the visitors center are the original stained-glass windows from the Dantzler House which were miraculously salvageable. The visitors center, which is open seven days a week and
available for private parties or corporate functions, is also home to the
Biloxi and Biloxi Bay chambers of commerce. The city constructed the $11 million facility with federal and
state funds and insurance proceeds.
