Museum of the Southwest

The perfect marriage of exploration and inspiration, the Museum of the Southwest creates new possibilities for the mind and the imagination. Spread across a large, nearly six-acre campus, visitors will experience transformative and immersive exhibitions filled with art, science, history, and culture. Offering permanent exhibitions, such as The Historic Turner Mansion, and children’s exhibitions found in the Durham Children’s Museum, there is a world of engaging artistry discovered at the Museum of the Southwest.

Imagine Texas Wealth at the Turner Legacy Galleries

Oil wealth in Texas was not a tall tale for the historic Turner Family in Midland, Texas. Explore the intriguing history of the Turner family at the Museum of the Southwest’s Turner Legacy Galleries. In fact, the Museum of the Southwest was the former residency of the family before converting into the Midland attraction it is today. In the Historic Turner Mansion, you’ll find three areas dedicated to the unique history of the house and the fascinating relationship between the Turners and the Kentucky Derby.

In the former guest room, captivating equestrian dealings of multiple families, including the Turner Family, are given their space to shine in more ways than one! Be sure to view the lustrous Kentucky Derby Trophies showcased on display. More about historic Midland, TX and its vintage structures are explored in this special permanent collection at the Museum of the Southwest.

Captivating Star Shows at the Planetarium

If you truly want a spectacular sight to see, don’t forget to claim your seat at the Marian West and William Blanton Blakemore Planetarium at the Museum of the Southwest. Experience exclusive star talks and exciting dome shows, such as Coterra Science on a Sphere, at this 360-degree, high-tech, planetarium. Located in the Helen Greathouse Educational Dome, this state-of-the-art planetarium uses Digistar 5 system with 3D capabilities for the most captivating star show this side of the stratosphere!

Kids Get Hands-on Experience at the Children’s Museum

Kids reign supreme at the Fredda Turner Durham Museum at the Museum of the Southwest. Find exclusive kid-friendly learning opportunities and engaging, hands-on experiences for all ages. Free classes are offered to children, along with exciting traveling exhibitions and permanent favorites. There is a new picture to paint, a new tool to experiment with, and a new class to take with every visit.

Always New Artwork at Special Exhibitions

Rotating special exhibitions at the Museum of the Southwest are destined to keep you coming back for more! Whether it is hand-crafted glass sculptures in Venetian technique, or abstract paintings in a captivating Texas modernist movement style, there is always a new exhibition to entertain your critical eye and to delight your artistic senses.

Learning and Fun Featured Programs

Featuring hands-on learning and family-friendly programs, the Museum of the Southwest continues to offer visitors and the surrounding Texas community countless art workshops, planetarium film nights, craft nights, and science scavenger hunts. Its extensive list of featured programs provides all who visit an opportunity to participate in art, science, history, and culture.

Take a fun family road trip from Dallas, Austin, San Antonio, or Houston to experience all the magic the Museum of the Southwest has to offer.