The Museum of the Big Bend is set to mark a significant milestone with the grand opening of the Emmett and Miriam McCoy Building on June 23-24, 2023. This eagerly anticipated addition to the museum will transform it into a cultural complex, boasting enhanced exhibition spaces and captivating displays of art and history. The event promises an array of engaging activities for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Designed by the acclaimed architectural firm Page/, the Emmett and Miriam McCoy Building seamlessly combines the original 1937 museum with a modern structure, doubling the overall size of the Museum of the Big Bend. The result is a remarkable fusion of historical charm and contemporary design, exemplifying the rich heritage of the region.
At the heart of the grand opening festivities is the not-to-be-missed Friday evening Grand Opening Reception from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Attendees will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the captivating ambiance of the new building while enjoying beer and wine underwritten by the generous support of Carol & Pete Peterson. Tickets for this exclusive event are available for purchase at $75 each.
On Saturday, June 24, the museum will host a series of free events open to the public, including tours, presentations, and book signings. The schedule is packed with notable speakers and topics that will engage visitors of all ages. Highlights include a presentation by Becky Duval Reese on Tom Lea, a renowned El Paso artist, and a roundtable discussion on The John L. Nau III Collection of Texas Art and Building a Collection, featuring Christopher Beer, Judy and Stephen Alton.
Visitors can expect an impressive array of exhibits at the newly expanded museum. Western Beef Cattle, a collection of rarely exhibited paintings by the late Tom Lea, will be showcased alongside outstanding works from The John L. Nau III Collection of Texas Art. Additionally, the museum will exhibit Murals by Clint Baermann, Xavier Gonzalez, and Julius Woeltz, as well as newly acquired pieces from the museum’s permanent collection. A special exhibition, Going to Texas: Five Centuries of Texas Maps, sourced from the esteemed Yana and Marty Davis Map Collection, will be displayed in the original historic building.
The Museum of the Big Bend’s expansion project is a testament to its commitment to preserving the rich history of the Big Bend region. Since its humble beginnings almost a century ago, the museum has grown in both scope and significance. In 2007, it underwent a comprehensive renovation and restoration, setting the stage for the current expansion.
With the Emmett and Miriam McCoy Building, the museum is poised to create an unparalleled cultural complex. The new structure perfectly complements the historic building, seamlessly integrating with its scale, materials, and rhythm. The public entrance has been relocated to ensure easy accessibility for all visitors. The historic Museum building will continue to focus on history and cartography, while the new building will serve as a hub for art, archives, archaeology, and the exploration of nature.
The Museum Complex, as it is now called, will feature two additional temporary galleries and a permanent exhibit space, providing ample room for showcasing diverse and captivating exhibits. Furthermore, a Texas Map Research Center will be established within the historic Museum, solidifying its status as a premier destination for map enthusiasts. The cultural center, with its unique interior and exterior spaces, promises an immersive experience unlike any other in the region. Of particular note is the Tom Lea gallery, dedicated to showcasing the artist’s historic cattle industry paintings.
The Museum of the Big Bend eagerly anticipates welcoming visitors to the grand opening of the Emmett and Miriam McCoy Building this weekend. The museum staff, led by Director Mary Bones, is excited to share the culmination of years of planning and hard work with the community and art lovers from near and far.
The expansion of the Museum of the Big Bend represents a significant step in its mission to preserve and celebrate the history and culture of the Big Bend region. By converting the current museum into a cultural complex, the institution is poised to offer an even more enriching experience for visitors.
One of the notable features of the expansion is the careful integration of the new building with the historic structure. The architectural firm Page/ has ensured a seamless transition between the two, paying careful attention to the scale, materials, and rhythm of the design. This harmonious combination creates an inviting atmosphere that pays homage to the region’s heritage while embracing the contemporary.
In addition to the physical enhancements, the Museum Complex will provide a range of updated exhibits and galleries. The historic Museum building, known as the Great Hall, will undergo renovations to showcase new displays on the history and cartography of the region. Meanwhile, the new building will house art, archives, and archaeology exhibits, as well as a dedicated Tom Lea gallery, featuring his renowned paintings depicting the cattle industry.
The expanded space also allows for the establishment of a Texas Map Research Center, catering to the growing interest in cartography. With access to the renowned Yana and Marty Davis Map Collection, researchers and enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to delve into the rich cartographic history of Texas.
Furthermore, the Museum Complex will feature two additional temporary galleries, providing flexibility for rotating exhibits and ensuring that there is always something new to discover. The permanent exhibit space will serve as a platform for exploring the diverse cultural and historical aspects of the Big Bend region.
Beyond the exhibits, the cultural center within the complex offers an extraordinary setting for events and gatherings. The inviting interior space seamlessly connects with an outdoor patio, which offers panoramic views of the majestic western mountains. This distinctive feature sets the Museum of the Big Bend apart as a premier destination for both cultural enrichment and natural beauty.
The grand opening of the Emmett and Miriam McCoy Building is a milestone worth celebrating. The Museum of the Big Bend has come a long way since its humble beginnings almost a century ago, and this expansion serves as a testament to its growth and dedication. Through the collaboration of architects, historians, and art enthusiasts, the museum has evolved into a vibrant institution that showcases the rich heritage of the Big Bend region.
To learn more about the grand opening events or to get involved with the Museum of the Big Bend, interested individuals can contact Director Mary Bones at 432.837.8145 or via email at maryb@sulross.edu. Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of history as the Museum of the Big Bend unveils its remarkable new chapter.
Architectural rendering by architectural firm Page/ Architects
