The Houston Heights' own Art Car Museum, an eclectic bastion of automotive artistry for over a quarter-century, will be shutting its doors for good on April 28. The closure marks an end to a unique chapter in the city's cultural landscape, the museum having stood as a testament to the quirky and creative spirit of the art car phenomenon, according to a statement on museum's website obtained by the Houston Chronicle.
The museum was the brainchild of Ann Harithas, a figure notable for her Texas ranching and oil legacy, and her husband James Harithas; the couple also founded two other museums in Texas, but passed away in 2021 and 2023, respectively, leaving an uncertain future for their establishments. According to a story in Texas Monthly, a trust set up by Ann Harithas' children posthumously sponsored two more years of exhibitions, though no foundations were created by the founders themselves to inherently secure the longevity of the museums, to complicate matters, no directives for the properties’ futures were bequeathed.
Despite the impending shutdown, the museum's legacy might persist through discussions with regional art collectives, as detailed in their public announcement: "Discussions are in progress with local and regional arts organizations to continue and evolve the Art Car Museum’s presence, legacy, and mission in the future." This dialogue was reported by KHOU.
Before its closure, the museum offers a final exhibition retrospective, "The Creative Era of Ann Harithas," showcasing the founder's projects including personal collages and Art Car highlights which was once on display at the Five Points Museum – a more somber celebration as the curtain falls on Houston's storied institution, according to details provided by the Art Car Museum's website announcement. Meanwhile, Art Car enthusiasts can still mark their calendars for the Houston Art Car Parade, set to roll out on April 13 with an array of festivity-packed events.
Time is ticking for those who wish to pay a final visit to this distinctive museum, as it bids farewell; its doors remain open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with free admission by appointment only through its concluding date of operation, as specified on the museum's notice. Appointments to witness this Houston icon one last time can be made through direct contact with the institution.
