The Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum in Canyon is the attic of Texas. Not because it’s near the top of the Panhandle just 20 miles south of Amarillo, but because it contains the old trunks filled with our collective memories.
Unfortunately, the museum closed to the public at the end of March until further notice, according to a statement issued by Walter V. Wendler, president of West Texas A&M University, the owners of the 92-year-old art deco museum building.
The decision to close the multi-story building came after a state fire marshal’s inspection found several safety violations that would require costly renovations.
The largest history museum in Texas is a treasure chest of art and artifacts. Items range from a rare painting by Georgia O’Keeffe, who taught at West Texas from 1916 to 1917, to one of Quanah Parker’s war bonnets.
The exhibits on early ranches, primitive oil exploration, and Native American villages give the visitor a feeling of stepping into history.
The Panhandle-Plains Historical Society owns the artifacts and operates the museum, while the university owns the building.
According to the statement from Wendler, the museum’s Pioneer Hall building has more than $100 million in needed renovations. The university hopes to raise $175 million for upgrades to the museum and Pioneer Amphitheater where the annual musical drama Texas is staged in Palo Duro Canyon State Park.
State Rep. John Smithee, R-Amarillo, has introduced a bill that would transfer operation of the museum to the Texas Historical Commission, similar to what happened to Presidio La Bahía State Historic Site in Goliad. The bill would establish a dedicated fund that would support the museum’s operation.
Because Pioneer Hall, the museum’s main building, is closed, scheduled events will be moved to auxiliary buildings or rescheduled. The musical Texas will return for its 59th season at Palo Duro State Park, June 6 through Aug. 9.
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This article appears in April 11 • 2025.
