Marfa: Art, History and High Desert

Marfa lies on the high desert plains of the Trans-Pecos region. The Marfa Plateau is an expansive upland, and Marfa is considered an easy-to-explore-on-foot destination in Texas. Art and architecture, historic sites, and excursions into the landscape offer different ways to shape your stay. If you’re looking for hotels in Marfa, these interests can help you plan your trip around the sights and experiences that appeal to you most.

Donald Judd’s Spaces and Art in Marfa

The Judd Foundation gives the public access to the artist Donald Judd’s permanently installed living and working spaces in downtown Marfa. Tours of La Mansana de Chinati, also known as “The Block,” provide access to Judd’s home and studio in Marfa. The site was the setting for some of his first large-scale architectural projects. You can explore a selection of other spaces on tours of The Studios, including the Architecture Office, Ranch Office, Art Studio, Cobb House, and Whyte Building, also in downtown Marfa.

The Chinati Foundation also offers a distinctive way to understand the buildings and sites: its collection is spread across 21 buildings and two locations outside the main site. It also includes three site-specific outdoor installations. Separate from these are Donald Judd’s 15 untitled concrete works, which can be viewed for free along a path during museum hours. Guided tours of the spaces and access to the concrete works are different ways to engage with Judd’s work. Check current information about guided tours and museum hours before your trip.

Galleries and Contemporary Art

Ballroom Marfa is an internationally recognized contemporary art museum without a permanent collection, as well as a space for contemporary art and performances. Founded in 2003, it is housed in a 1920s-era ballroom. It is free and open to the public. The Marfa Studio of Arts presents year-round exhibitions in a 1,000-square-foot gallery. Both venues offer a different way to experience art than the Judd Foundation’s permanently installed spaces: exhibitions and contemporary art take center stage here.

Marfa Open is a nonprofit arts organization and art space. Its goal is to provide local and visiting artists with resources and opportunities through gallery exhibitions. Together, these institutions paint a diverse picture of art in Marfa: from Judd’s living and working spaces to exhibitions and an organization whose work is intended to support artists.

Historic Sites and Architecture

Marfa’s historic district includes the historic town center and 183 historically significant sites. Its southern section preserves building patterns and construction techniques associated with Mexican settlement of the border region, including many examples of adobe construction. The Blackwell School adds to this picture with a look at the city’s educational history. From 1909 to 1965, it was the only public educational institution for Marfa’s Mexican and Mexican American children. The Blackwell School is open year-round on Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 to 16:00 CST. Check opening hours before your visit.

High Desert, River Road, and the Marfa Lights

If you’d like to take in the landscape as well as art and history, River Road leads from Marfa to Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park. It is described as one of the most scenic roads in Texas. For exploring by electric bike, Ebikemarfa offers rentals and tours in Marfa and the surrounding areas. Information about the route and bike services offers different ways to experience the region, without assuming any particular way of traveling.

Nine miles east of Marfa, an observation point is used for viewing the Marfa Lights. The Marfa Lights are an unexplained natural phenomenon involving patterns of light in the sky. Another glimpse of rural life is available at “the little dairy on the prairie”: a visit offers insight into goat milking and cheesemaking. Operators Malinda Beeman and Allan McClane brought the business to Marfa in 2006.

For the broader travel overview: Presidio County.