It was a nice afternoon in Abilene when my girlfriend and I explored the historic Grace building and visited the Grace Museum. We got in a little after noon to see new exhibits that had genuinely just opened for the season that day. The museum is very quiet and, thanks to road construction, a little confusing to get to, but it is worth the drive and adventure. As we arrived, we noticed that a wedding was being set up in their courtyard and event space, and we were in awe of how cute the space was for a wedding. On the first floor was the Gail Norfleet collection, where we were amazed by these multi-layered plexiglass paintings that added depth to her floral pieces and recreated rooms. It is such a unique style. Gail's use of color is quite impressive. On the second floor sat the other two new exhibits. The first was Focus on Photography: Selections from the Permanent Collection, which includes a diverse and vast collection of still images printed on numerous materials such as gelatin, inkjet, tintype, and metal, giving each image a unique display. As a photographer myself, this was my favorite exhibit. My girlfriend's favorite was the Cindi Holt collection showcasing colorful, prairie-inspired pieces. Other areas included the play zone that has the tower challenge and the history exhibits on the third floor focusing on downtown Abilene and the Texas railway. I'm excited to return to the Grace Museum next time I'm in Abilene when new exhibits are on display. What a cute and small museum! RIYL: The Tower Challenge or feeling so much cooler than everyone else because you're being enriched at a museum read more

See all

Stopped by The Grace Museum today! We were immediately greeted by a sweet woman at the front desk who was very informative. The museum is small but so so beautiful. Everything is thoughtfully designed. They have a kid's section that was fun even for adults. Definitely check this place out. read more

The Grace Museum - Outside - Museums Near Me - Abilene, Texas

Parked across the street at the visitor center where there's a small park with Dr. Suess statues and noticed the Grace. We buzzed across the street and just caught the 3 floors of art and railway recreation of the rooms aboard a train back when train travel was prevalent. Really neat! Jumped in the elevator and came back downstairs in record time. Nice visit. read more

See all

If you're considering getting a membership to utilize the children's play area upstairs as a fun place for your kids to be kids on a rainy afternoon, think again. There's a KAREN there who will follow your toddler around chastising them before you even have a chance. I'd been there a handful of times with no issue, but this last visit made me regret buying an annual membership and definitely ensured I will not purchase one again or recommend the museum to friends. Obviously kids will run and be loud, obviously most parents will correct them. Having a bored, old woman there with nothing to do other than follow your children around literally putting toys away while your kid is still using them and shushing them as if it's a library is rather ridiculous. We've never had an incident with the other staff members. Some people just aren't good around children. read more

Our daughter got married here on 4/2. Everything went so well. Thomas, the head event staff, is exceptionally talented and thorough and just went above and beyond the whole time we worked with him. The wedding was beautiful and perfect and the space took care of everything from the ceremony to dinner to reception! And it was totally affordable given the other options in town. I can't say enough. If you're needing a venue for a beautiful wedding, don't wait, call Thomas!!! read more

The Grace Museum - Museums Near Me - Abilene, Texas

This is a lovely little museum with some really great art exhibits. They give monthly home school art classes during the school year which the kids adored. They also have camps for kids and book readings, etc. One floor is a children's museum and there are other things to see that we haven't checked out yet but we are planning to. IMO this is one of the highlights of Abilene. read more

I had been wanting to come to The Grace for a while, and was only able to on our last trip to Abilene in January. It was certainly worth that wait! We went on a day where my wife and I were basically the only visitors, and I think that also helped some. The staff is quite friendly and ready to answer any questions you have about the building or it's exhibits. There was an exceptional exhibition taking place during this visit on the Spanish influence in Texas history, and it was great to know that a substantial number of the pieces were from this region (Many were from San Angelo's Art Museum, while others were donated by Tom Perini of the famed Perini Ranch steakhouse). The other permanent exhibits were also well done, and I can admit we may have spent more time than we should have in the Kidzville section just goofing around! Biggest props go to the team at the desk and the maintenance supervisor who let this photographer go up to the roof a couple of times, on two separate days (one where I had paid no admission), to shoot photos. It was a simple request, but they honored it without any apprehension. Can't wait to see what other exhibits come to this museum. It's definitely a gem for Abilene. read more

Short films and marriages take place on top of the grace. . .I remember when we held dances for Hardin-Simmons a top the museum. Fun for adults and kids alike. There is even a children's activity section where they can get hands on. Worth the visit when you are downtown during art walk. read more

The Grace Museum - pre wedding rehearsal - Museums Near Me - Abilene, Texas

The Grace is a distinctive part of the history of Downtown Abilene in that it used to be a hotel in the early 20th century. The third story of the museum pays homage to this with an entire floor dedicated to the history of Abilene. There's a replica of an actual hotel room from its early years and various room displays that offer insight into what Abilene houses might have looked like at various decades in the 20th Century. This history museum is probably my favorite part. It's as interesting to me each time I've seen it as the time before. There's a great kid's museum also that is a hands on experience for kids to learn, and kids of all ages enjoy the musical art on the first floor. The exhibits change regularly, and the Grace plays an integral part of Abilene's "Art Walk" each month. They offer activities for kids this second Thursday of every month, where you can explore the museum for free as part of the event. Additionally each Thursday evening you can check out the museum for free between 5-8 p.m. read more

Very nice museum, an eclectic combination of fine art, history, and children's activities. We spent most of our time in the children's section, but the Alexandre Hogan exhibit was interesting. I could have spent more time there. They have cool Q-codes around so you can scan them and get more information on your smart phone. But the attendant did not realize that's what it was, and chastised us for taking pictures of the art. We were just scanning the code. Funny. read more

The Grace Museum - Body Atlas - Museums Near Me - Abilene, Texas

Grace After Dark was wonderful! We watched 4 short films that were very entertaining. The roof of the Grace is a wonderful venue. The weather cooperated. This event happens monthly and is free of charge, although donations are accepted. Good time! read more

The Grace Museum - This is Grace BEFORE Dark! Ha! - Museums Near Me - Abilene, Texas

See all

We orginally went for the children's part of the museum...all three floors were neat..the kids loved the children's part..its cheap enough we'll visit again soon. read more

The Grace Museum - Museums Near Me - Abilene, Texas

I just love this place, The Grace always has events going on. A lot of good art & events all year long. I'm saying it is a must see if you are going to be in Abilene Texas read more

It's a sweet little place. They offer free entry for toddlers, and a military discount for adults. The building itself has a number of facilities that can be reserved for events. The museum is a bit of a let down. It reads more like a modest library with a little padded tumbling section in the corner. If you have 20 minutes to burn then it is perfect, but if you want to make a day of it then you will disappointed. read more

We took our 6 year old to visit and were surprised by this gem! It was the highlight of our day trip! We had so much fun in the children's museum area. My daughter played for over an hour. She especially LOVED the stage and props! It had educational items for children as well. After finally coaxing our daughter to leave, we checked out the art and museum part. It was very well put together. The boot museum was especially fascinating. I highly recommend checking out The Grace Museum. read more

My kids (5 and 7) and I visited the Grace Museum yesterday while we are staying in Abilene for a week. We are from OKC and have never been to Abilene before so I was researching what we should do. We really enjoyed our time here. Such a pretty museum; small, but interesting. read more

Nice way to spend some time. Interesting displays of boot making.

Im here from Dallas tagging along with my SO during his business trip. I needed to find a few things to do around town to kill some time. I happen to come here during their free admission. It is very small, three stories but I was there over an hour and really enjoyed myself. I was literally the only one there for the museum, there was a townhall meeting going on too. I would definitely pay the admission to see the 3rd floor exhibit alone. Early 1900s living was amazing. I have a soft spot for 1950s culture so this was a good place to see while in town. read more

Enjoyed the Visis with our elementary age kids. The paintings were fun to see, and the 3rd floor ambulance and body interactives were a hit with kids. The exhibits werent overwhelming. The canteen had a colouring table for kids where they coloured monkeys then pasted them on sticks. Fun little place! read more