5 Unique Arts and Culture Spots You Have to See In and Around Port Arthur, TX
When thinking about the rich arts and culture scene of Port Arthur, TX, it’s impossible not to immediately think of hometown iconoclast, Janis Joplin. What people might not know, however, is just how deep Port Arthur’s creative roots go, as evidenced by the vintage theatres, expansive museums, religious architecture and much more.
Don’t believe us? Read on for some of the best arts and culture destinations in Port Arthur, TX.
Museum of the Gulf Coast
If you really want to get in touch with the culture of not only Port Arthur, but the entire gulf coast, then the Museum of the Gulf Coast is as can’t-miss as can’t miss gets. The museum offers a comprehensive view of the Gulf Coast from paleontology to petroleum to Janis Joplin and the Big Bopper.
Port Arthur is the hometown of Janis Joplin
Two floors separate the museum, with the first floor being dedicated to history, science, and the economy, while the second floor is dedicated to the Gulf Coast’s musicians, artists and athletes. Among the exhibits is a theater, classroom, and, of course, a gift shop to bring a piece of the Gulf Coast home.
Iconic Faith Trail
One of the most unique cultural experiences you can have in Port Arthur is the Faith Trail. Throughout the city are a number of beautiful religious locations, each with a distinct style representing the culture they originate from.
Take the Buu Mon Buddhist Temple, for example. It sports a gorgeous garden of fruit trees, bamboo, a reflecting pool, and a statue of Buddha that ties it all together. Elsewhere in the city, you’ll find the Our Lady of Guadalupe, a Mexican American church with a Rose Chapel and a 17-foot sculpture of the Virgin Mary.
Those are only a few of the religious sanctuaries in Port Arthur, so you’ll have to take the Faith Trail to see them all!
Dutch Windmill Museum
It’s not every day you get to see a museum designed to be an exact replica of a Dutch Windmill. That’s exactly what you can expect at the Dutch Windmill Museum in Tex Ritter Park, located a short drive from Port Arthur in Nederland, TX.
Inside this 40-foot windmill, you’ll find a selection of artifacts just as eclectic as the museum itself. Antique Dutch memorabilia and mementos from legendary musician—and Nederland native—Tex Ritter are just some of the treasures you’ll find here. You can even purchase items imported from Holland in the gift shop.
Admission is free, so there’s no reason to miss this truly original museum in the Port Arthur area!
Jefferson and Lutcher Theatres
Built way back in 1927, the Jefferson Theatre has been a cornerstone of culture in the Port Arthur area for almost 100 years. In fact, the theatre hosted the local premiere of “It’s a Wonderful Life” in 1947, which was attended by cinema legends, Frank Capra and Jimmy Stewart.
These days, this vintage theatre puts on Classic Movie Night every Friday and hosts a strong lineup of live acts every year. Just recently, Pat Benatar and the Russian Grand Ballet have paid the theatre a visit.
Another great theatre in the area is the Lutcher Theatre, located in Orange, TX. The theatre hosts nationally touring productions like Riverdance, Blue-Man-Group, Hairspray, and Wizard of Oz, and world-class musicians including Willie Nelson, BB King and Michael McDonald, just to name a few.
The Art Museum of SETX and Stark Museum of Art
Located a short distance from Port Arthur in Beaumont, TX is the Art Museum of Southeast Texas. As the name suggests, this art museum displays a wide variety of creative works from both world-renowned artists and Gulf Coast natives. In fact, one of the museum’s most popular permanent exhibits is the Felix Fox Harris Gallery. Harris’s sculptures are totems made from scrap metal, old toys, and other found objects that make up room-sized installations that dazzle both young and old.
If you love the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, you’ll also love the Stark Museum in nearby Orange. One of the nation’s most elaborate collections of Western art can be found here, as well as several other outstanding galleries from the likes of Frederic Remington and Georgia O’Keefe. Also worth mentioning in Port Arthur is the Texas Artists’ Museum, which is a smaller, more intimate collection of art from artists in the Golden Triangle (Port Arthur, Orange, and Beaumont).
Not into art museums? Take a drive and selfie at the area’s nearby Mural Trail.
Where to Stay in Port Arthur
Start planning your visit today by making a reservation at our highly praised Residence Inn, the one-of-a-kind StayAPT Suites, or one of our many other amazing hotels.
The Best Arts and Culture Destinations in the Port Arthur Area
You can tell a lot about a city by its arts scene, and Port Arthur is no different. One visit to our city, and you’ll quickly understand the importance of its creative roots! Whether it’s the deeply spiritual Faith Trail, the storied Jefferson Theatre, or one of the exceptional museums in Southeast Texas, Port Arthur is proud to flaunt the creativity of its community and beyond.
