Introduction to Marfa
Tough to get to.
Tougher to forget.
But once you get here . . .
. . . you get it.
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train tracks into and out of Marfa in West Texas
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Founded in the 1880s as a water stop for trains, the high desert town of Marfa nowadays is surrounded by working cattle ranches but is still on the quiet side and has only one traffic signal. The town is known for its high-caliber art galleries, which famously aren’t open at regular hours. This lackadaisical attitude makes for hit-and-miss viewing, which can be quite disappointing when the gallery you really want to see can’t be bothered to open. One local says, “Thousands of people come out here from New York and wander around like lost children.” This tiny town--it is home to less than 2,000 people--has been a co-star in many movies, including “Andromeda Strain” (1971), “No Country For Old Men” and “There Will Be Blood” (2007), and most famously “Giant” (1956). And good to know in summer, at an altitude 4,685 feet (or is it 4,711 or 4,843 feet?, there is plenty of confusion), it is often one of the coolest places in the state.
More information.
Old Buildings
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| courthouse in Marfa in West Texas |
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| Palace theater building in Marfa in West Texas |
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| really old building in Marfa in West Texas |
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| artistic patchwork fence in Marfa in West Texas |
Art Galleries
107-109 N. Highland, Brite Bldg., (432) 729-3315. Sat-Sun noon-5pm.
Andy Warhol’s “The Last Supper” on one side, Maria Zerres “September Eleven” on the other. The big mystery at the AYN Foundation gallery is how to open the door. I would have left without entering had someone not exited--opening the door for me.
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entrance to AYN Foundation (Das Maximum) Andy Warhol art gallery
in Marfa in West Texas |
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| art gallery not open in Marfa in West Texas |
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| art gallery not open in Marfa in West Texas |
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| art gallery not open in Marfa in West Texas |
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| art gallery not open in Marfa in West Texas |
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| this art gallery IS OPEN in Marfa in West Texas |
More things to do in Marfa.
Itinerary for road trip through West Texas.
Things to do in El Paso.
Great ideas for travel adventures in the U.S.
images ©2020 Carole Terwilliger Meyers
We've long heard of this intriguing enclave from our son who lives in Austin - maybe we'll get there someday (hopefully when the galleries are OPEN!)
ReplyDeleteCheck back at the itinerary link. I will be updating it as I continue blogging about this road trip.
DeleteOh that's too bad. I wish they have a site which we can consult as far as when most galleries will be open so a visit could be at least a bit productive.
ReplyDeleteUsually at least a few are open.
DeleteWe can imagine the frustration you must have felt finding so many of the galleries closed during your visit. Better luck next time!
ReplyDeleteUgh! This would drive me crazy! I experienced hit-or-miss operations in Geneva-on-the-Lake last summer in Ohio, too. It was especially frustrating because I'd really planned to spend time playing Fascination, but they never took the note card off their front door saying that they'd be back later. Marfa looks like it has so much to offer -- if you can get inside any of the places there!
ReplyDeleteAs I discovered, usually a few galleries are open. And it is a small town, so it doesn't take too long to walk through. My time was occupied nicely by the shops that were open, but, still, it is quite annoying to miss something you'd really like to see. Most of us won't be back any time soon.
DeleteWhat timing! Did you see the story in NYT this week? https://www.nytimes.com/2020/02/20/style/marfa-newspaper-big-bend-sentinel.html
ReplyDeleteVery interesting! Thanks for sharing.
DeleteI've long wanted to visit Marfa. Artists are always at the forefront of a destination in transition. I hope they can figure out a clearing house for openings and closings. Visitors need access!
ReplyDelete