TEXAS TRAVELS

Historic Texas landmark reopens after $54 million restoration

A defining landmark in Texas history is welcoming visitors once again. Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site has reopened following a $54 million restoration aimed at preserving and reinterpreting the birthplace of the Republic of Texas.

While the Alamo may be today's most potent symbol of the Texas Revolution, Washington-on-the Brazos holds an equally sacred place in Texas history. In March 1836 — just four days before the fall of the Alamo — 59 delegates gathered there to sign the Texas Declaration of Independence, draft the state's constitution, and name General Sam Houston as the commander of the new republic's military.

The project was led by the Texas Historical Commission in partnership with the Washington-on-the-Brazos Historical Foundation and supported by funding from the Texas Legislature. The revamped site, about a one-and-a-half hour drive from Houston, aims to enhance the visitor experience with interactive features that tell the story of Texas and the diverse populations who called the fledgling republic home.

An 1800s drug store sits on the site.Photo courtesy of Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site

Photo courtesy of Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site

The newly restored Washington-on-the-Brazos lets guests step inside history.

The extensive two-year renovation enhances how visitors experience the site through immersive exhibits and storytelling. A newly reimagined Star of the Republic Museum showcases rare artifacts and multimedia theaters, while the Washington Town Site introduces reconstructed historic buildings and archaeological displays. Guests will also find an upgraded visitor center and expanded family gallery featuring children's toys from the 1830s.

Other features include updated gallery exhibits, outdoor interpretive installations, and high-tech interactive displays. A new brick entrance gate now creates a welcoming entrance to the historic site, while the updated conference center will maintain the site's commitment to community meeting spaces.

"As a Texas Historical Commission state historic site, it is our mission to share the important history of this site with visitors from around the world ... we are confident this project will provide an unparalleled visitor experience," explained Texas Historical Commission (THC) Chairman John L. Nau, III, in an earlier release.

Fashion on display

Rare Halston fashion exhibition now on display in West Texas city

Halston: Inventing American Fashion exhibit Ellen Noël Art Museum

Photo courtesy of Ellen Noël Art Museum

An colorful eveningwear grouping takes advantage of Ellen Noël Art Museum's curved walls.

A rare exhibition honoring fashion pioneer Halston has popped up in an unexpected place: West Texas. Houston fashionistas who are fans of the designer can hop a flight (or drive eight hours) to Odessa’s newly revamped Ellen Noël Art Museum to view "Halston: Inventing American Fashion."

Halston’s minimalistic fashions are rarely the subjects of retrospectives, although the designer’s dramatic life story recently had a pop-cultural resurgence through a 2021 Ryan Murphy miniseries. "Halston: Inventing American Fashion" assesses the talent that made him a household name.

Known now for outfitting 1970s icons like Liza Minelli and Bianca Jagger, Halston changed the international reputation of American sportswear as part of the famous 1973 “Battle of Versailles” fashion show, holding his own against Paris’ most lauded couturiers. His uniquely louche style still influences contemporary brands like Marc Jacobs, Zac Posen, and Tom Ford, who was briefly the creative director for a revised Halston label.

The mannequins in the Odessa display are outfitted with 75 ensembles from flowing Ultrasuede daywear to more dramatic draped gowns. The pieces “illustrate how Halston revolutionized fashion by prioritizing comfort, confidence, and modern femininity,” according to a release.

Although Odessa may seem an odd choice for the show, Halston had deep Texas connections. After he moved on from hat making, Amarillo millionaire Estelle Marsh was his sole backer willing to fund his first Madison Avenue boutique.

$Ellen No\u00ebl Art Museum, Odessa, new facade.$ The new facade at Ellen Noël Art MuseumPhoto courtesy of Ellen Noël Art Museum

$Halston: Inventing American Fashion exhibit Ellen No\u00ebl Art Museum$

Photo courtesy of Ellen Noël Art Museum

An colorful eveningwear grouping takes advantage of Ellen Noël Art Museum's curved walls.

And the recently completed renovation of Odessa's Ellen Noël Art Museum has some of the designer’s signature sleek. Designed by architect R.J. Lopez, the renovation includes new galleries and improved circulation, but the centerpiece is a striking transparent façade, replacing the original brick of the 1985 building.

“The renovation project has been over 10 years in the making and in the construction phase for the past two years,” says the museum’s buildings manager, Steve Patton, via a release. “The completion of the project has resulted in an incredible facility that is a shining star in West Texas, offering programs and exhibits that will be a destination point for people all over the world!”

"Halston: Inventing American Fashion" will run through March 22. Admission to the Ellen Noël Art Museum is free.

exhibits odessa fashion west texas museums designer texas