Museum of the Big Bend in Alpine

Begun with a lone arrowhead a century ago, the Museum of the Big Bend at Sul Ross University tells the story of this boundless country for both area friends and visitors alike.

The Museum of the Big Bend in Alpine, Texas, is located on the campus of Sul Ross State University at Entrance 4. Founded as a historic Texas Centennial Memorial Museum, the Museum of the Big Bend offers visitors the BEST introduction to the tri county area: Brewster, Jeff Davis and Presidio. Whether you start your journey here or on the way home, the Museum of the Big Bend should be at the top of your list!

Situated under one of the largest wooden lamella arch trussless roofs in Texas is Big Bend Legacy, a permanent exhibition that incorporates photographs, interpretive text, artifacts, and short videos on touchscreen kiosks.

In 2023, the Emmett & Miriam McCoy Building opened at the Museum of the Big Bend. This exciting addition doubled the size of the Museum, creating several dynamic exhibit spaces for the display of art and history, as well as a Cultural Events Center. 

The permanent exhibition, Tom Lea: Western Beef Cattle, a series of rarely exhibited paintings by the late El Paso artist Tom Lea are on display in the new Emmett & Miriam McCoy building. Rotating exhibits can be found in both the Temporary and Hallway Galleries. Exhibits focus on the regional art and history of the Big Bend. Every summer the Museum highlights fine art photography and in September Trappings of Texas, now in its 40^th year, celebrates the art and artistry of the Cowboy.

The Events Center is available to rent for private or public events and features a lovely interior space attached to the exterior patio area, both of which have the majestic Davis Mountains as its backdrop—a vista like none other in the area! This modern, light filled space can accommodate up to 300 people. If you would prefer an indoor seated event, up to 80 people can be seated. The interior event center has excellent acoustics and a set up for presentations with a built-in projector and a variety of arrangements for your speakers. Learn more about the Events Center here.

The Yana and Marty Davis Map Collection, with over 2000 maps and supporting documents, are found at the Museum of the Big Bend. The Davis Collection is considered to be the most comprehensive survey of the Texas-Mexico borderlands ever assembled. Select maps from the collection are on exhibit outside the Davis Map Room. Arrangements to visit the new map room can be scheduled by prior appointment with the Museum’s Curator of Collections.

A great gift shop with a wide variety of carefully selected items, many made by area artists, makes for a fun shopping adventure. All sales in the gift shop directly benefit the Museum of the Big Bend.

Want to add more to your meeting or event? The Museum offers a variety of tour packages for your attendees. Led by a Museum curator or docent, your group can experience a tour of both buildings, tour and luncheon or a tour and happy hour. Plan on an hour for the guided tour or three hours for the tour and luncheon or happy hour.

Admission is $10/person ages 13 and older. Parking is free.

To learn more about the museum, current exhibits, days, and hours of operation, and event rentals, please visit www.museumofthebigbend.com. They look forward to welcoming you soon!