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Marfa was a fun town to visit. Although our time there was short, we really enjoyed the quirkiness mixed in with the history. I’d love to go back and spend more time there.
Liberty Hall
The first place we walked past was Liberty Hall (Teatro Libertad). It was built in 1919 by the Mendias family as a theater for Spanish-language movies and performances. Today, it serves as a popular performance venue.
Ballroom Marfa
Since Marfa is an important destination for minimalist and modern art, one thing we noticed was lots of art galleries dotting the town. We saw several during our first few minutes, especially along San Antonio Street and on the side streets. The first one we passed was the Ballroom Marfa, which is a space for contemporary art and music.
Marfa Studio of Arts
Next door is the Marfa Studio of Arts. They have year-round children’s art programs and gallery space for local artists.
Wrong Store
Later we passed the Wrong Store at its former location in an old church building. It sells high-end ceramics, jewelry, photography, and other types of art. There’s also a gallery with temporary exhibitions. The Wrong Store moved to its current location on Highland Avenue in 2019.
New Star Grocery Art Museum
Finally, before having lunch and heading into the town center, we walked by the New Star Grocery Art Museum. It specializes in works by local artists, including metal arts, paintings, and masks.
Marfa and Presidio County Museum
On our way to the town center, we spotted the Marfa and Presidio County Museum. It’s housed in an 1880s residence, the Humphreys House, and has exhibits on the region’s history. The museum is open daily from 1pm to 5pm. Admission is free (as of March 2024) but donations are appreciated. Unfortunately, it was closed when we walked by.
Highland Avenue
Next, we walked down Highland Avenue, which runs through the heart of Marfa. It’s lined with several historic buildings and has nice views of the Presidio County Courthouse at the north end of the street.
Hotel Paisano
The most prominent building on Highland Avenue is the Hotel Paisano. This historic hotel was one of five Gateway Hotels designed by Henry Trost (1860-1933). It opened in 1930 and was built by developer Charles Bassett of El Paso.
After the 65 rooms were converted to nine timeshare condominiums in the late 1970s, the property went into foreclosure and was purchased by Joe and Lanna Duncan for back taxes in March 2001. They took 3 years to renovate the hotel and reopened it with 41 rooms and suites.
It’s definitely worth popping into the hotel to see the interesting decor and facilities. If you have more time, there’s even a restaurant and bar.
Palace Theater
Across the street from the Hotel Paisano is the Palace Theater. It was built in 1905 and originally served as the Marfa Opera House. It had seating for 761 people and was later converted to a movie theater. The Palace Theater was updated to the Art Deco style in the 1930s and closed down in the 1970s.
Presidio County Courthouse
The final building we visited in Marfa is the imposing Presidio County Courthouse. Standing prominently in a large square, it was built in 1886 by architect Alfred Giles (1853-1920) of San Antonio. The building was designed in the Second Empire style and modeled after the El Paso Courthouse.
The Presidio County Courthouse, which is topped by a statue of Lady Justice, features pecan wood throughout the interior. There are entrances on all sides with hallways leading to a central rotunda.
