Big Bend Times is thrilled to offer an exclusive look inside the grand opening of the Emmett and Miriam McCoy Building at the Museum of the Big Bend. This captivating video takes you behind the scenes, offering an immersive experience of that extraordinary day when history was made.
Designed by the renowned architectural firm Page/, the Emmett and Miriam McCoy Building seamlessly blends historical charm with contemporary design, doubling the overall size of the Museum of the Big Bend. The video provides an up-close and personal tour of the building, its galleries, event spaces, patio, and the lively crowd that made the day truly special.
The video transports you into the enchanting atmosphere of the Grand Opening Reception that unfolded on a Friday evening. You’ll witness the elegance and excitement of the exclusive event as attendees immersed themselves in the captivating ambiance of the new building. Beer and wine flowed generously, underwritten by the generous support of Carol & Pete Peterson.
The video captures the essence of Saturday’s public festivities as well. You’ll experience the dynamic and engaging activities that unfolded, including a presentation by Becky Duval Reese on the celebrated artist Tom Lea. The video also showcases the lively roundtable discussion on The John L. Nau III Collection of Texas Art.
As you watch the video, you’ll embark on a visual tour of the museum’s expanded exhibits. You’ll see the “Western Beef Cattle” collection by Tom Lea, exceptional works from The John L. Nau III Collection of Texas Art, and captivating murals by Clint Baermann, Xavier Gonzalez, and Julius Woeltz. The newly acquired pieces from the museum’s permanent collection are also on display, alongside the special exhibition, “Going to Texas: Five Centuries of Texas Maps,” sourced from the esteemed Yana and Marty Davis Map Collection, which is housed in the original historic building.
The video provides a unique opportunity to witness the harmonious integration of the new building with the historic structure. Architects from Page/ ensured a seamless transition, preserving the scale, materials, and rhythm of the design while creating an inviting atmosphere that pays homage to the region’s heritage.
You’ll also get an inside look at the diverse range of exhibits and galleries within the Museum Complex. The historic Museum building, known as the Great Hall, underwent renovations to showcase new displays on the history and cartography of the region. The new building now houses art, archives, archaeology exhibits, and a dedicated Tom Lea gallery, featuring his renowned paintings of the cattle industry.
With additional space, the Museum Complex established a Texas Map Research Center, catering to the growing interest in cartography. Researchers and enthusiasts can access the renowned Yana and Marty Davis Map Collection, delving into Texas’s rich cartographic history.
Moreover, the video highlights the cultural center within the complex as an extraordinary setting for events and gatherings. The inviting interior seamlessly connects with an outdoor patio, offering panoramic views of the majestic western mountains. The video captures the essence of the live band and the enthusiastic crowd that made the day unforgettable.
Big Bend Times invites you to step inside the Museum of the Big Bend’s grand opening through this exclusive video. You can watch it on the Big Bend Times website and social media channels. Don’t miss this chance to experience the transformation of the Museum of the Big Bend into a cultural complex that celebrates the history and culture of the Big Bend region from every angle.
