Discovering the Arts in El Paso
El Paso boasts a rich tapestry of arts and culture that reflects its diverse heritage and vibrant community spirit. From world-class museums to dynamic theaters, the city embraces a broad spectrum of artistic expressions that captivate residents and visitors alike. Whether exploring the atmospheric Plaza Theatre, which stands as an architectural gem in the heart of downtown or delving into the inspiring collections of the El Paso Museum of Art, one discovers a harmonious blend of traditional and contemporary influences.
PERFORMING ARTS
El Paso Opera
The El Paso Opera is a vibrant, cultural organization dedicated to bringing relevant and interesting vocal performances to the Borderland, in both an accessible and entertaining way. EPO stages a select, diverse repertoire, and through engaging performances, community outreach, and educational initiatives, plays a pivotal role in fostering a deep appreciation for opera in El Paso.
1218 E. Yandell Dr.
915-581-5534
El Paso Symphony Orchestra
Celebrating their 93rd year, the El Paso Symphony Orchestra is the longest-continuously running symphony in Texas. Under the baton of Bohuslav Rattay, the EPSO showcases the artistry of its skilled musicians through a diverse repertoire, ranging from classical standards to innovative contemporary works. Beyond its regular concert season, the orchestra engages with the community, ensuring that the transformative power of orchestral music stays loud and clear!915-532-3776Epso.org
The El Paso Playhouse
The El Paso Playhouse is an intimate performing arts theater founded in 1964 for community plays, musicals & other events. In the Heart of Five Points, El Paso’s longest-running community theatre continues to produce locally directed live theatre, both creating opportunities for local actors as well as entertaining El Paso audiences.
2501 Montana Ave.
MUSEUMS
El Paso Museum of Art
The El Paso Museum of Art’s mission is to collect, preserve, interpret, and exhibit works of art that support and illuminate the Museum’s permanent collection of American, European, and Mexican art. The Museum celebrates the region’s diverse cultures through exhibitions, acquisitions, and educational programs and is dedicated to scholarship while providing a stimulating and inspiring environment for all audiences. The museum houses a vast permanent collection, including the renowned Kress collection. The contemporary collection encompasses some of the best new art from the region, with works displayed as part of the permanent collection, and featured during the many temporary exhibitions. FREE ADMISSION
1 Arts Festival Plaza
915-212-0300
El Paso Museum of History
The El Paso Museum of History (EPMH) is one of three city-operated museums along with the El Paso Museum of Art and the El Paso Museum of Archaeology. EPMH was established in 1974 serving as a local and regional history museum. The El Paso Museum of History serves the largest continuous border metroplex in North America—El Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua—with a combined population of close to three million people. EPMH introduces visitors to the significance of the rich multicultural and multinational history of the border region known as El Paso del Norte (The Pass of the North).
FREE ADMISSION
510 N. Stanton
915-212-0320
El Paso Holocaust Museum and Study Center
Founded in 1984 by Holocaust survivor Henry Kellen, the El Paso Holocaust Museum is proud to be one of only 13 free-standing Holocaust museums in the United States. Visitors to the Museum will learn about the Holocaust through its permanent exhibit, which features a number of multi-media galleries that chronicle the events of the Holocaust. EPHM, which is a private nonprofit, relies on grants, membership dues, donations and annual fundraisers. Recent granting organizations include the City of El Paso’s Museums and Cultural Affairs Department, the Jewish Federation of El Paso, the Robert and Evelyn McKee Foundation and the Shiloff Family Foundation.
FREE ADMISSION - Donations accepted
715 N. Oregon
Ph: 915.351.0048
International Museum of Art
The Museum houses a diverse collection of art and furnishings, representing a wide array of cultures and historical periods. In addition to the permanent collections, there are ongoing exhibits of locally inspired. The museum is located in the historic Turney home, designed by renowned architect Henry Trost.
FREE ADMISSION
1211 Montana Ave.
915-543-6747
War Eagles Air Museum
The El Paso War Eagles Air Museum is a fascinating tribute to aviation history, located in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, just outside of El Paso, Texas. Home to a remarkable collection of vintage aircraft, artifacts, and memorabilia, the museum provides a unique glimpse into the evolution of military aviation.
8012 Airport Rd., Santa Teresa, NM
575-589-2000
La Nube – The Shape of Imagination
La Nube, Spanish for The Cloud, is El Paso’s new hands-on center of imagination, exploration, and creativity. It was designed for both children and adults to embrace their natural curiosity and learn through play. With nine themed learning experiences spread across four stories and 70,000 square feet of space, there are endless opportunities for you to discover something new. Plan your visit and spark your imagination. Opening 2024.
915-259-8199
Mexican American Cultural Center
Located in the heart of downtown, the Mexican-American Cultural Center will provide residents and visitors with a dynamic space for the creation, exhibition and celebration of Mexican-American art and culture. The MACC will be co-located at the El Paso Main Library in the heart of the El Paso Downtown Arts District and in close proximity to existing tourist and cultural amenities. Opening 2024
915-474-6937
LOCAL TIP: El Paso is home to so many amazing artists and shops! A perfect weekend for me starts with coffee over at Savage Goods, then a walk through the downtown farmers market, and a pop in at El Paso Frame Co.
Patrick G
FUN FACT: The Digital Wall at the Museum of History is an interactive installation that offers an immersive experience into the city's history and culture, AND, you can send a digital postcard to your friends and family!
FUN FACT: Established in 1930, the El Paso Symphony is the oldest performing arts organization in El Paso as well as the longest continuously running symphony orchestra in Texas.