Huntsville Cultural District Arts and History

The Huntsville Cultural District is the heart of arts and history in the city of Huntsville, with the downtown square at its center. Visitors will find a wide variety of fun and interesting attractions in the district, from the home of Texas legend Sam Houston to the Performing Arts Complex on the Sam Houston State University (SHSU) campus. With architecture that features murals by acclaimed New York artist Richard Haas, the important art and artifacts of Huntsville have an elegant setting to call home. The following is a partial list of the fantastic art galleries, museums, historic sites, and theaters in the cultural district.  

Huntsville Cultural District Theaters and Galleries

Crazywood Art and Movement Center
Part art gallery, part dance studio, Crazywood is an eclectic place to join in on some ecstatic dancing, hear a poetry slam, or enjoy art from local and regional artists.
1416 Sam Houston Avenue
Huntsville, TX 77340
(936) 291-1466

Gaertner Performing Arts Center
Concerts, plays, musicals, exhibits, lectures, and film screenings make up the always-crowded events calendar for this performing arts complex, located at SHSU. Tickets can be purchased at the online box office.
17th Street
Huntsville, TX 77340
(936) 294-1111

Old Town Theatre
From its home on the square in a restored movie theater, the Old Town hosts theater, dance, and music performances. It also features screenings of classic films throughout the year through its association with SHSU’s film program and communications school.
1023 12th Street
Huntsville, TX 77340
(936) 293-8681

Wynne Home Arts Center
As it is housed in a picturesque mansion from the 1800s, the Wynne Home Arts Center certainly qualifies as a historic home. But its 5,000 square feet of art exhibits and educational displays makes it the lifeblood of arts appreciation in Huntsville. 
1428 11th Street
Huntsville, TX 77340(936) 291-5424

Huntsville Cultural District Museums and Historic Homes

Sam Houston Memorial Museum
Tour the home where the great Texas founding father lived and view incredible pieces of history, like Santa Anna’s sword, at the Sam Houston Memorial Museum. The museum is open every day but Monday.
1402 19th Street
Huntsville, TX 77340
(936) 294-1832

Austin Hall
Austin Hall is not just the oldest remaining building on the Sam Houston State campus; it’s one of the oldest in the state. Admire the Greek revival architecture on the outside before you stroll the fine hardwood floors of the interior and immerse yourself in 160-plus years of Huntsville history in Austin Hall, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
1741 University Avenue
Huntsville, TX 77340

Gibbs-Powell House Museum
Built in 1862 by a local businessman, the Gibbs-Powell house boasts a preserved and unchanged interior from its earliest days when Sam Houston was a regular guest. Guided tours available by appointment.
1228 11th Street
Huntsville, TX 77340
(936) 295-2914

Museum of Texas Arts
Browse a gallery of Texas stoneware, furniture, books, and art 40 years in the making at the Museum of Texas Arts in Huntsville. Tours of the museum are available by appointment seven days a week.
1425 University Avenue
Huntsville, TX 77340
(936) 581-4302

Samuel Walker Houston Memorial Museum and Cultural Center
Hear the tale of Samuel Walker Houston, an African-American pioneer of education who founded a newspaper in Huntsville and a prominent school for black children. Houston’s father, Joshua, was a slave owned by Sam Houston. The museum is open during standard business hours Monday through Friday.
1604 10th Street
Huntsville, TX 77340
(936) 295-2119

The Walls Unit
The Walls Unit was indeed a “home” to some of the most notorious outlaws in American history, including John Hardin and Clyde Barrow. Although it’s still an active prison (so you can’t go in!), you can view the building from outside. You might even hear the sound of a steam whistle indicating prisoner count is completed, with (hopefully) all accounted for.
815 12th Street
Huntsville, TX 77340

Top Image Photo Credit: Lynn Lane