Culture

Odessa is one place where life imitates art. Together with many fine individuals here, the Odessa Council for the Arts and Humanities encourages, promotes and supports participation in the arts and humanities in Odessa and Ector County. Here are a few of the many cultural opportunities Odessa has to offer:

The Presidential Museum is a premier museum dedicated solely to the office of the President of the United States. Permanent exhibits include the Dishong collection of First Lady miniature dolls, campaign trivia, historical documents, and the John Ben Shepperd Library of the Presidents.

Elizabethan England comes to life during the Odessa Shakespeare Festival at The Globe of the Great Southwest, a recreation of Shakespeare's original Globe. The Globe also produces everything from Broadway musicals to country and Gospel revues throughout the year. In addition, the Anne Hathaway Cottage, a replica of the home William Shakespeare built for his true love, and the Shakespeare Library round out our tribute to this remarkable period of time and the Bard himself whose works remain timeless.

The Ellen Noël Museum of the Permian Basin is an independent art museum located on the campus of the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. The museum features rotating exhibits of historical and contemporary art, a permanent sculpture garden, and programs of art education for all ages.

Located within the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) headquarters at Midland International Airport, the American-Airpower Heritage Museum is recognized for its collection of authentic World War II artifacts, memorabilia and the world’s largest collection of original aviation nose art now housed in a new gallery. The museum boasts of 40,000 square feet of "hands-on" permanent exhibits that detail the story of World War II airpower.

The Permian Playhouse is the only community theatre in Texas that has competed and won the privilege to perform at the state Theatre Festival since 1983. It has enriched the lives of West Texas residents with music, dance, drama, suspense, tears and laughter for more than 40 years.

The Midland Odessa Symphony and Chorale is the premier orchestra in the Permian Basin. The symphony, chorale and its various ensembles perform with world-renowned guest artists and conductors in concerts that feature classical, pops and educational programming throughout the year. Resident ensembles include the Lone Star Brass, the strings of the West and the West Texas Winds.