The Huntsville Cultural District was founded in September 2009 by the Texas Commission on the Arts as one of the state’s cultural districts. The district is centered in the downtown area, and includes museums, art galleries, art studios, workshops, historic locations, cultural events, festivals and theaters for everyone to enjoy.
Huntsville’s cultural district is also home to some of the finest historical architecture in Texas.
The Wynne Home Arts and Visitor Center promotes and shares the art and heritage of the Huntsville community, and is the gateway to the rest of the cultural district. Also included along the way is the Walls Unit, the oldest state prison in Texas and the location of the execution chamber, as well as the Sam Houston Memorial Museum, Austin Hall at Sam Houston State University and the Sam Houston Grave Site.
“There are a variety of historical sites to visit,” Cultural Services Coordinator Sarah Faulkner said. “The Old Town Theatre is a great location for film screenings, live music and performing arts events. I personally have not been through the step-by-step driving tour, but I know a lot of people that have participated and toured through some of Huntsville’s most historical sightings.”
More locations included in the district are the Samuel Walker Houston Cultural Center, the Gibbs-Powell Home, The Steamboat House, Peabody Memorial Library and more.
“There are no guided tours for the cultural district, it is a self-activity that you can enjoy with friends, family or independently to visit and learn the history of Sam Houston,” member of the Statue Visitor Center and Tourism Department Jacob Myers said.
For more information, visit the Wynne Home Arts and Visitor Center on 11th Street, call 936-291-5424.