Stroll Through Historic Downtown Huntsville

In September 2009, the Huntsville Cultural District was designated by the Texas Commission on the Arts as one of the first seven state cultural districts. Centered in the downtown area of the city, the Cultural District features museums, art galleries, artist studios and workshops, historic homes, theaters and theatrical performances, and cultural events and festivals. The Cultural District is also home to some of the finest historical architecture in Texas. Murals created by world-renowned artist Richard Haas and unique homes built from recycled materials created by Dan Phillips of Phoenix Commotion complement the historic aspects of the district.

Trompe l’oeil Murals

Richard Haas is a New York-based artist who has designed and executed
public and private architectural murals since the early 1970s. His drawings,
prints, gouaches, and models of buildings and cities have been included in
over 150 exhibitions in the United States, Europe, and Asia and may be
found in the permanent collections of many museums including the Muse
um of Modern Art, New York City, and the Walker Art Museum in Minne
apolis, Minnesota. Richard Haas, in collaboration with architect Kim Wil
liams of Austin, Texas, and under the coordination of Linda Pease of the
City of Huntsville, has created a faux ruin and restored/embellished two
theater facades, the County courthouse, the prison museum, and multiple
store fronts. For more information call Linda Pease at 936-291-5422.

Sam Houston Memorial Museum - Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library

Sam Houston Memorial Museum
The Sam Houston Memorial Museum is dedicated to the life & times of General Sam Houston, former Governor of Tennessee, victor over Santa Anna in the Texas War of Independence, first President of the Republic of Texas, Senator from the State of Texas and Governor of the State of Texas. The Sam Houston Memorial Museum is located at the corner of Sam Houston Avenue and 19th St. in Huntsville, Texas. Within the perimeters of the museum are located the Sam Houston Woodland Home and the Steamboat House. Hours of operation are 9:00 am - 4:30 pm Tuesday through Saturday; noon - 4:30 Sunday. Telephone Number: 936-294-1832

Wynne Home Arts Center - The Wynne Home Arts & Visitor Center | Huntsville, TX - Official Website

The Wynne Home Arts & Visitor Center offers a wide variety of arts, cultural programs, and field trips tailored to the interests and needs of our diverse community. For regular programing, check on the events calendar to see upcoming exhibitions, arts classes, outreach programs, and docent-led tours of the Center's special exhibits for school groups. Additional programs are offered in conjunction with other co-sponsoring organizations. The mission of the Wynne Home Arts & Visitor Center is to promote and share the arts and our community heritage. Everyone is invited to enjoy this beautifully restored 19th century mansion which is a recorded Texas Historical Landmark. The Wynne Home is the gateway to the Huntsville Cultural District, just two blocks from Downtown Huntsville. The facility is free to the public during hours and is available for rental to individuals and non-profit organizations.

Samuel Walker Houston Cultural Center - http://samuelwalkerhoustonmuseum.com

Mr. Houston graduated from Hampton Institute, now Hampton University, and also attended Howard University and Atlanta University, now Clark-Atlanta. After recognizing that education was the key to the future for young African Americans, Mr. Houston established the first Training School for formerly enslaved people of color in 1906. For years, the Training School was the only school of its kind for African Americans in East Texas, and the first permanent classroom building opened in 1914. This was primarily built and financed by the African American community. The Training School produced the first generation of teachers, skilled craftsmen, and entrepreneurs and at its peak enrollment totaled 400. The students completed 10 years of education, which qualified graduates to either enter college or return as teachers after a certification process.

Old Town Theatre - OLD TOWN THEATRE - Old Town Theatre, 1023 12th Street Huntsville TX

Old Town Theatre, also known as the J. Philip Gibbs, Jr. Centre for the Performing Arts, is a 350-seat historic theatre located in the heart of the downtown square in Huntsville, Texas. The venue provides a stage for live music, comedy, film festivals and other performing arts events.

The Friends of Old Town Theatre is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that manages and supports the operations of the Old Town Theatre. Our mission is to further a sense of community and friendship by providing quality family entertainment and education in the arts in an inviting and comfortable venue and to support and promote the arts in our downtown area.

Despite being small, Huntsville has a lot of attractions, including museums, memorial houses, and historical buildings and statues, especially if you’re into the state’s history. 

Domain Huntsville is just minutes from the beautiful historic downtown Huntsville. Visit Historical Homes, buildings, shops, and restaurants to learn more about the history of Huntsville, Texas.