7 Places to Experience Art in Odessa, TX
Odessa, Texas is full of incredible vistas, colorful sunsets, and a burgeoning art scene. If you are a creative looking for inspiration or a community of other artists to enjoy, here are the best places in Odessa to experience art. From international exhibitions to local artistic displays, there is something for everyone.
Here is our list of art exhibits, galleries, performing art venues, and more in Odessa, Texas:
Odessa Visual Art
Nancy Fyfe Cardozier Gallery
Nancy Fyfe Cardozier Gallery
The Nancy Fyfe Cardozier Gallery (located inside the University of Texas Permian Basin Charles A. Sorber Visual Arts Studio) features art of all mediums from local Odessa artists as well as traveling exhibitions. It is located at the UTPB campus and is open to students, faculty, and the public. Check out their website for current and future exhibitions. Free.
Ellen Noel Art Museum
The Ellen Noёl Art Museum
The Ellen Noёl Art Museum has been a notable feature of the West Texas (and in turn Odessa) art scene since 1985. It’s the only fine arts museum in the Odessa area and is part of the Smithsonian Affiliations. This means that affiliates have access to artifacts in the Smithsonian system bringing additional uniqueness to the museum. Features of the museum include the Sensory Garden and youth programs. Admission is free.
Find all the Jackrabbits
While jackrabbits are a very common animal in West Texas, Odessa takes it to the next level with 37 Jamboree Jackrabbits hiding high and low around town. These aren’t your average sized replicas. The statues are 6 feet tall and reflect the culture of their placement location. Spend a day hunting them down but we doubt you can find them all! Free.
Odessa Performing Arts
The Ector Theatre
The Ector Theatre
Dating back to 1951, The Ector Theatre thrived until the recession when it had to close its doors. Thankfully it is making a come back and restoration is being undertaken with a grand reopening scheduled sometime in early 2021 with a promise of hosting comedians, plays, concerts, and more. Even with the maintenance, Ector Theatre is a favorite spot in the up-and-coming Downtown Odessa area that should not be skipped. Show tickets average around $40.
The Globe Theatre
The Globe Theatre
Also known as The Globe Theatre of the Great Southwest, this beautiful structure was inspired by the William Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and even features a replica of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage onsite at Odessa College. It’s been around for over 50 years and continues to put out amazing shows. Tickets start around $7.
Permian Playhouse
The theatre began back in 1965 and has become a place of culture and community. They also offer education programs from 1st Grade and upward. While the Permian Playhouse has been closed for the remainder of 2020, they expect to reopen for their 2021 season.
Wagner Noel Performing Arts Center
The Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center
Located in East Odessa, the Wagner Noël Performing Arts Center (also known as Wagner Noël or Wagner Noël PAC) hosts a variety of musicians from all over the world as well as local acts and special programs such as Cinema Under the Stars, hosting the Midland-Odessa Symphony & Chorale, Midland Festival Ballet community performances, and more. Ticket prices vary.
Are we missing one of your favorite places to experience art in Odessa? Email us and we’ll add it! Also, check out our post on museums in Odessa, TX.