Built in 1909, The Grace is on the National Historic Register. It is a four-story, 55,000 square foot, missions-revival style building, representing the hopes of the western frontier. The first floor of The Grace Museum includes an elegant, historic marble ballroom, a glass loggia, a large enclosed brick courtyard, restored lobby, and a beautiful gift shop. The rooftop has a large, open-air terrace. The Grace Museum enriches and enhances the cultural life of Abilene and the West Texas region through its permanent collections, special exhibits, classes, seminars and special events. In the heart of Abilene's beautifully restored downtown, The Grace serves as a cornerstone for cultural arts and education in West Texas.
The Grace Museum builds connections through new experiences in art, science and history within the evolving Texas story through exhibitions, programs and collections.
The Grace Museum began as the Museum of Fine Arts in the 1930's, collection only art and offering many exciting exhibits for children. In 1991, the historic Grace Hotel was purchased and renovated for MFA to move into. The Grace Museum then expanded it's collection to history and opened a Children's Museum and Abilene history museum. The Grace staff continues to broaden the reach of education from the Grace with innovative ideas, such as distance learning.
History collection includes artifacts from local history from 1880's forward. There is an extensive Texas & Pacific Railroad collection as well. The Art collection encompasses 20th Century American art with emphasis on printmaking from the 1930's and 40's; Texas regional art; and modern graphics.
early Texas artists; Abilene history; Texas & Pacific Railway; U.S. Army 12th Armored Division.
Tours; lectures; films; gallery talks; annual state competition; volunteer & docent programs; temporary & traveling exhibitions; school loan service; Annual Art Fesitval in April
distance learning
teacher workshops
student camps and workshops
tours
lectures
films
annual art competition