Houston’s beloved Art Car Museum, a unique institution dedicated to the whimsical world of art cars, is not only staying open but is set to thrive in a brand new location. Just six months after announcing its planned closure, the museum has been revitalized by a generous $1.25 million donation from the Harithas Family through the South Texas Charitable Foundation. This significant gift ensures the museum’s legacy will continue, providing a permanent space to celebrate the extraordinary artistry of mobile masterpieces.
The new home for the Art Car Museum will be on the campus of the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, currently undergoing redevelopment. This location, at the intersection of Houston’s vibrant Third Ward and the culturally rich East End, promises to be an ideal setting for the museum’s distinctive character. The Orange Show, known for its own unique and imaginative art environment, will provide a fittingly quirky and creative atmosphere for the art cars.
Founded in 1998 by Ann and Jim Harithas, the Art Car Museum quickly became a Houston icon, showcasing the imaginative vehicles crafted by local, national, and international artists. Following the passing of Ann in 2021 and Jim in 2023, the future of the museum was uncertain. However, this generous donation from their family ensures that Ann’s passion and vision will live on. Visitors to the relocated museum can look forward to rotating exhibitions featuring a diverse array of art cars, alongside selections from Ann Harithas’ personal collection. The museum will continue to be a vibrant hub for creativity, celebrating the unique art form that has become synonymous with Houston’s artistic spirit.
The reopening of the Art Car Museum in this exciting new location marks a significant moment for Houston’s cultural landscape. It guarantees that this cherished institution will continue to inspire and delight audiences for years to come, celebrating the boundless creativity and unconventional beauty of art cars.
