Business Details
34 Years
experience
Discover Art, History & Creativity in Abilene
Grace Museum has been a cornerstone of Abilene's cultural revival since 1992, housed in the historic 1909 Hotel Grace building. Our mission connects the evolving Texas story to American fine art, regional history, and science through dynamic exhibitions and collections. We offer immersive experiences across three floors, featuring rotating art galleries, historic period rooms, and interactive spaces like Spark for family creativity. With over 2,500 art pieces including works by Ansel Adams and Robert Rauschenberg, plus extensive Texas & Pacific Railway archives, we serve as a hub for learning and community engagement.Our educational programs cater to all ages, from preschool Tot Spot classes to adult workshops, while our event spaces host weddings and corporate gatherings. The museum's accessibility features and commitment to preserving local heritage make it a vital cultural institution for residents and visitors alike.
Services
Art Exhibitions
History Exhibitions
Educational Programs
Event Rentals
Photography Gallery
Interactive Learning
School Tours
Collection Access
Community Events
Venue Rentals
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We offer year-round exhibitions of American art with Texas connections spanning three centuries
- Our historic building combines 1909 architecture with modern interactive learning spaces
- We provide unique educational programs for all ages from preschool to adult workshops
- Our event spaces accommodate weddings and corporate functions from 30 to 400 guests
- We maintain extensive archives documenting Abilene's Texas & Pacific Railway heritage
Services
Art Exhibitions
Our rotating art exhibitions feature historic and contemporary American works with Texas connections. Three floors showcase solo and group exhibitions, including annual photography showcases in the Alice and Bill Wright Photography Gallery. The collection includes over 2,500 pieces by artists like Ansel Adams and Robert Rauschenberg.
History Exhibitions
Permanent and rotating history exhibitions explore Abilene's cultural evolution through artifacts and period rooms from 1910, 1928, and 1948. The Texas & Pacific Railway archives and regional heritage collections document West Texas history through changing exhibitions.
Educational Programs
We offer age-specific educational experiences including Spark's interactive learning stations, school field trips, and adult workshops. Programs range from art classes to historical lectures, serving over 300 families weekly in our hands-on creative spaces.
Event Rentals
Six unique event spaces accommodate weddings and corporate functions for 30-400 guests. The Historic Ballroom, Courtyard, and Grace Garage feature modern amenities including audio/visual equipment, catering facilities, and complimentary parking for special events.
Interactive Learning
Spark at The Grace provides 30+ interactive stations for children and families. Features include art creation spaces, historic railroad exhibits, and STEM activities across three themed areas designed for all age groups and accessibility needs.
People
Laura Moore
Executive Director
Laura Moore leads Grace Museum's strategic vision and operations, bringing decades of experience in cultural institution management and community engagement initiatives.
Judy Tedford Deaton
Chief Curator
Judy Tedford Deaton oversees exhibition development and collection management, curating over 10 art and history exhibitions annually while maintaining professional standards for artifact preservation.
Kathryn Mitchell
Director of Education
Kathryn Mitchell develops educational programming for all ages, designing interactive learning experiences that connect museum collections to community learning needs and school curricula.
Thomas Pierce
Director of Events
Thomas Pierce manages venue rentals and special events, coordinating logistics for weddings, corporate functions, and community gatherings in the museum's historic spaces.
Daniel Pierce
Facility Manager
Daniel Pierce ensures the preservation and maintenance of the 1909 historic building, overseeing daily operations and facility upgrades while maintaining accessibility standards.
Questions
What are The Grace Museum's operating hours?
We're open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm with extended Thursday hours until 8pm. Spark interactive space closes at 5pm daily.
What admission fees apply?
General admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children/seniors/students, with free entry for children under 3 and museum members.
Can I host events at The Grace Museum?
Yes, we offer six event spaces for weddings, corporate events, and birthday parties with capacities from 30 to 400 guests.
Are educational programs available?
We provide age-specific programs including Spark interactive learning, school tours, art classes, and adult workshops.
Is the museum accessible?
Yes, we have wheelchair ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and loaner wheelchairs available at the lobby desk.
What special exhibitions are featured?
Current exhibitions include 'Gail Norfleet: connecting faraway places' and 'Full Steam Ahead: The Texas & Pacific Railway' through March 2026.
