I've lived in the heights when I was a kid/teen for like 20 years. Not sure how I never been here. I always saw it and wanted to go. Saw the parade from time to time. Out of the the times we come by to this museum it was the showcase for owners collage artwork. Talk about being very lucky! The exhibit was top notch. I got air of ideas for art at this exhibit. Great ideas and pieces. This is a true gem in houston Texas. If you haven't stoped by don't be like me and wait 20 years. So glad I got to see her work. The museum is free. They sell merch so support them that way. I'll definitely keep this one in rotation as they change the exhibit every few months. Very happy we were able to stop by and see her work and mural. I will add the older lady at the front working the ticket booth needs to relax. dropping all these art names and organizations and acting all shocked like we didn't know who they were. Relax lady. We are not absorbed into the art scents like you are! Then she had the nerve to say something about someone winning some 400k award. She emphasized 400k. I wanted to say, is that the first time you seen 400k but I was trying to be more like god and let her make it. read more

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This was my first time here! It's been on my list of museums. It's a unique, albeit small, museum. It fits only about 3-4 cars inside and other artwork among the small and larger rooms. When we went, the artist was also there talking about his art pieces. It's like when you visit the art galleries at Sawyer Yards. Pretty cool. You can leave donations for this free museum. There's a painting of Mrs. Jones, chihuahua, which she was introduced to us when we came in during our appointment time. For same-day appointments, you call to schedule. Anyway, she was so cute walking around the museum. We were told that the art changes every 4 months, so it'll be nice to come back and see what's new. I also want to see the art car parade next time. There's parking in front of the museum about 4 spaces like when you park in a driveway at home or street parking within walking distance that fits about 7 vehicles. read more

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I love this little museum in the Houston Heights. It's a private museum highlighting contemporary art, focusing on art cars. Houston is the "art car capital," having more art cars than any other city. I've been here several times with my children, and I try to being out-of-town guests whenever possible. The staff members are friendly and knowledgeable. There is no entry fee, but we always make a donation, and I hope you will too. The exhibits change every few months, so even if you've been there before, you will see something new if you go back months later. The parking isn't great. I think there is room for about two cars. I have never parked there anyway. I just park down the street and walk. Last time I was there, the person at the desk asked if we had a reservation. He indicated that they do that now because of parking. I explained that we had parked down the street, and walked. He allowed us to go see the exhibits. I am mentioning this because I am unsure of their current policies, and you may want to check the website or call and ask. Great place. Unique. Definitely worth seeing multiple times! read more

Art Car Museum - Swamp Mutha - Museums Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Why not get out and enjoy the comfortable pleasantly pleasing weather. Maybe this museum is something to try and interesting as well. The staff was very friendly upon entering and provided the necessary information before touring about the location, it's not very big, however the art was very eclectic and at least worth that 1 time visit. Thanks again! Until that next one, Bye-Bye! read more

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Sad to hear that they are closing. Only 3 cars still in display when we went. Be sure to book an appointment. It is free and the walls are still full of art. Parking is very limited but try to visit it before it is gone for good. read more

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I loved this small privately owned gallery. They had 4 cars on display & their current installation was titled "Blue". All of the pieces related to Blue in some way. Everyone was informative & friendly. I can't wait to go to the art car parade! The only downside is parking. Make an appointment so to avoid being turned away. They have limited PARKING which is the problem. Basically the reservation is for parking not entrance to the gallery. If you get a ride there & dropped off, you should be fine. read more

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First time coming here with the family. It's free so that's always great. They don't have a huge lot of vehicles to look at. They change every so often and there were only 4 cars that were pretty cool to look at. The weird and awesome materials they used to make it art annnnd they're still operational. They also have paintings on the wall to look at. Overall, it's like a 30mins session and it's free so you really don't have anything to complain about. The staff are very friendly and informational. The parking lot is crazy small, but there's also street parking. read more

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By appointment only- phone appointment Can be done in 10 minutes Street parking only- and not so many around Located in a small garage this free rotating local collection mix about 75 pieces of art and 4 cars The collection change every four months so pictures are not what u will see About 4 to 5 cars at the time and local art The staff is passionate and friendly Support local- I will come back read more

Art Car Museum - Museums Near Me - Houston, Texas

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The last day for the " What I did on my Covid vacation" exhibition at the Art Car Museum. What I saw: interesting selection of art pieces and sculptures brought together to represent the past year during the pandemic. Would I come back? Definitely. The Museum has a revolving door for art and art cars. Pros: Free parking that is easy to find if you come early. FREE ADMISSION always. Very friendly customer service . Masks are not Optional. read more

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*Appointment only. You can request an appointment on their website. This museum is totally free and staffed by some very nice people. That being said, I have to warn you: you may not encounter any art cars here. They don't have a permanent collection, unfortunately. They do revolving exhibitions that may or may not include art cars. I came here fully anticipating to see art cars but instead, they had a photography exhibit which also included a few vintage cars (Model T). Those were the only cars on view here. I'd recommend following them and checking their upcoming exhibits in order to plan your visit. Just keep in mind, there is no permanent collection so that's all you'll see. If you were hoping to see more art cars, I can suggest supplementing your visit with a trip to Saint Arnold Brewing Company. They are very active with the Art Car Parade and have a few art cars permanently installed outside their beer garden. Parking: The parking in this area is slim (no residential streets within a close range). The museum has a tiny lot out front with a couple spots. There are also a few spots on the street, outside the museum. It didn't seem to be too much of a problem since they are a small museum that is appointment only. read more

What a unique little museum of "art cars" that changes frequently enough to make repeat visits every once in awhile possible. We had a personal tour from one of the docents on a quiet Sunday afternoon during our visit which was super fun for my husband. The exhibition was "bite sized" and easy enough to walk through in just an hour (or less). The exhibition we visited was of vintage cars and I'm glad I followed the suggestion of my native Houstonian friend to visit this quirky and fun little museum. The museum is not very well funded so they could use help with fundraising for future exhibitions, but it WAS an interesting way to spend an hour or so over a rainy weekend. read more

Art Car Museum - Museums Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Fun and free! This Art Car Museum is not very big and 30 minutes is sufficient to spend here. In addition to car art, there are also sculptures, paintings and photos. Parking is limited, but just keep circling and you're bound to find a spot. There are 7 spots in front of the museum (the sign says Visitor Parking, don't be afraid to park there). There is also street parking right outside that has room for 5 cars. If all those are taken, there is street parking a few blocks away. ....| \ _ , , , - - , , _ , .../ , ` . - ' ` ' . _ \ - ; ; ; , _ ..| , a - ) ) _ . ; . ( ` - ` - ' - ' ' - - - ' ' ( _ / . _ ) - ' ( _ \ _ ) 2020 read more

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Given the name of the place, I expected there to be more cars, but I loved looking at the collages. I wish that I had come before they announced they were about to close, but I didn't. The staff is very invested in the museum and you can tell that they will be sad to see it close. A man with a long beard (I feel badly that I have forgotten his name) was very informative and you could tell that he loved telling people all about each piece. Go and visit while you can! read more

Art Car Museum - This was HAND PAINTED! To see it in person is incredible. - Museums Near Me - Houston, Texas

Art Car Museum is located next door to Citgo Gas Station with 2 parking spots for visitors (free) but there is also some (rather limited) free parking on the street as well. This museum is small but is free and worth a stop if you are in the area. For those that are not familiar with art cars, owners would decorate their car as a way to artistically express themselves. Some may paint their car (although this has extended to bicycles and motorcycles), others may glue items to their car, have messages to their car, add tower-like sculptures to their car or to the body of the car or even have some kind of way to interact with the art that is on the car itself. Art cars became a thing since the late 1970's and early 1980's. The city of Houston is credited to be the first to start this unique movement. With that being said, before walking into this museum, you will see the very first art car that was ever made in Houston. This car is a 1967 Ford station wagon that is decorated with plastic fruit, known as the fruitmobile and paint. As soon as we came in, we were greeted by 2 friendly employees and were given some brief information about the museum. We were told that there is a documentary that runs a little over an hour if we are interested, as it talks about art cars. We were told that they have some art cars on display and that there is a current exhibit (which does change throughout the year and was told to come on back if I come out to visit Houston again in the future. Please note that the types of art cars displayed also are changed out throughout the year too) that features different pieces from local artists with the theme of landscape. They sent out a call for arts to provide a piece, as they do not have a fee to place their art in their museum and take the first 100 who sign up. I really enjoyed reading the little information plaques regarding anything and everything related to art cars, loved looking at all the different pieces from the different artists and I especially loved watching the documentary. I ended staying to watch the entire thing since I have never heard of art cars (I have seen decorated cars but had no idea this was a thing). Now I have an interest in art cars and would love to come back to Houston to check out the annual art car parade in April. Although I ended up staying here for about 2 hours or so, I am sure most will be here for about an hour or less (unless you stay for the documentary). If you like art cars or are interested in them, definitely consider coming here to check this place out. Art Car Museum is a nice little gem. read more

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Worth going to if you are in the area (Which if you never venture to this part of Houston, please do so! The food choices are endless and wonderful). It is very hard to get a parking spot, as it seems they only have three spaces, and the place itself is very, very small. I think we walked through the entire thing in less than 10 minutes and I was looking for a hallway or corridor that lead to another area, but it turned out that was it. However, it is a free museum and a wonderful part of Houston history. The staff is friendly and very willing to talk to you about art cars, the parade and other things to do in the area. The art exhibits were fun to look at and we were told they change out often, so there will always be more to see. The cars themselves were amazing, I just wish there were more! All this place needs is a wide open space to park dozens of cars and it would be perfection. read more

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A small, but worthwhile museum thats free admission, free parking, and interesting content. The cars are good, but I personally liked the artwork on the walls more. I know a majority of it circulates, but it resonates with me more than the cars themselves. If you have time to squeeze in this place to your itenerary, then I'd say go for it. read more

Free entry, friendly staff, cool and unique exhibits... what's not to love?? Only a few parking spots in front but we were able to find street parking only a couple yards from the museum. We were greeted by a lovely employee who gave us a quick rundown of what cars and art pieces they currently had on exhibit. We didn't stay super long, maybe 30-45 min? But it was a great interesting and indoor activity for our Sunday afternoon. The cars are beautiful! Extra bonus for having water for guests to drink after stepping in from the Texas heat :) read more

Art Car Museum - Even the outside is fun to look at! - Museums Near Me - Houston, Texas

From the outside I didn't expect much, but inside was a completely different experience! Gary at the front desk was super sweet and accommodating, even though we didn't have an appointment, he welcomed us in. It was such a beautifully curated experience and featured the debut exhibit from Harold B, a local engineer and artist. I would highly recommend supporting this wonderful museum read more

I love quirky places and experiences and the Art Car Museum did not disappoint! There are currently 130 pieces on display and a few art cars. Each year is themed and this year the theme in animals. Every artist was accepted and on display making it truly a unique museum. Entrance is free but donations are welcomed. read more

Art Car Museum - Museums Near Me - Houston, Texas

Amazing staff! They knew all the ins and out and special small things that made the art unique they had a very clean space and even change exhibits quarterly. They have a special art car parade and they are very well educational concerning the artists perspective and deep meaning behind the art that one might not realize if not explained. Would love this go back and see more artists! Wonderful for the kids too read more

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After having stopped at the Orange Project and Smither Park before coming here I was a bit underwhelmed by this museum. I was expecting more than four art cars to be on display. Yes we were warmly welcomed and there was other art in the museum but I was there for the cars. The best part was the video they show about art cars and their wacky owners. This video was highly entertaining but our viewing was cut short by hoards of kids who showed up for a special event they had that day. Actually because of the event there were some art cars parked in the median of the street so at least there was a bit more to see on this particular day. Overall a bit disappointing though I would love to see the actually art car parade. read more

Decided to stop by this place while passing through town. Found it very interesting to see some wacky looking vehicles and pieces of artwork. While I was given the impression there were gonna be many more vehicles, it allowed for an opportunity to appreciate how simple/smaller items can be crafted into a form of art of expression. The staff were all super friendly and informative. Would be interested in seeing one of their parades at some point in the future. read more

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I am a huge museum buff and enjoy traveling. I have been to a lot of museums. So I feel qualified to say that the Art Car Museum in Houston, Texas is one of the best museum experiences I have ever had. I love the laid-back and friendly feel here. I also have to say that I am from Baltimore-- a place that values art and eccentricities. This museum oozes art and eccentricities. The parking lot is tiny here but we were lucky to get a spot right by the door. We were greeted by several lovely volunteers who gave us some back story and the low down of the museum and it's current exhibitions. There is no entrance fee-- this museum is FREE! The first small exhibition space had a funny and stylish display that was part pseudoscience, part photography, and a great deal of fun. What if fungi? This hilarious concept had match box cars in varying states of being eaten by fungi and had the feel of an old-time medical exhibit. On the walls were beautiful color saturated photographs of tires and car textures. These were appealing and graphic. But the real stars of this museum are the 5-6 art cars that rotate in and out in several month intervals. The photos I've included with this review are of the cars that we saw in mid-November, 2018. If you visit in a few months you may see different art cars. Don't let that stop you-- this place has keen curators and I have no doubt that the quality of exhibitions remains high year round. The pleasant volunteers are also guards, making sure that you do not touch the art cars. It is very tempting to touch these lavishly decorated works of art on wheels, but please don't. Handling art can damage the pieces. Respect the art. We spent a solid hour here looking at everything and taking it all in. For a small museum space, this place packs a powerful artful punch. The Art Car Museum in Houston, Texas, is totally worth visiting and many return trips. read more

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I seem to always miss the parade so when I did a little search I found out there was an actual museum that hosts shows throughout the year. I was able to catch their latest exhibit, the 5th annual open call. It was cool because it was good a mix of everything. They had wall art, bikes, cars, and contraptions. I really do like this type of art. It's like Contemporary Craft but full of AWESOMENESS! (Sorry, too much How I met your mother) My favorite piece was the Tractor Bike by Jim Robertson. This place is Also FREE and you are allowed to take pictures at will. read more

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Pretty cool place to check out some multimedia art. It's more than art cars! Of course, there are art cars there, but there are also art installations. When I went this week, there was an art exhibit by 14 different women artists appropriately named "Fourteen". The exhibit included paintings, art cars, installation pieces, and even TV media pieces. My only gripe is that the place is way too warm inside. The very nice lady at the front desk was wearing a long sleeve shirt and a sweater and had the place at close to 80 degrees (no joke). My cousin and I spent a little less time in there than we would have because of the heat. I mentioned it to the nice lady and she said "Oh, I'll go turn off the heat". She had the heat on! Definitely stop by this place, check out the art cars and any exhibits they have going, as they change regularly. There is enough room for 2 cars to fit in the small parking space in front of the garage like opening on the building. It's totally fine to park there. And of course, this museum is FREE. read more

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One of the more niche museums I have visited (don't worry, I haven't forgotten you dear Slovenian Museum of Apiculture). The art car museum celebrates a world in which cars become canvas. You name the object and there is probably some crafty and quirky person out there making a piece of art on wheels out of it. A few examples include silverware, brass objects, silk flowers and so on. I was especially a fan of the Piet Mondrian Composition of Red, Blue and Yellow themed car. A few handy pieces of info regarding the museum: -walkable from Houston's city center -free admission -volunteer operated -the cars on exhibit rotate (monthly or quarterly?) -to fully experience art cars, set aside 15 or so minutes to check out the documentary in the back of the museum (it's chock full of creative characters) read more

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Cute small little museum. I took my sister, and friend of mine here yesterday and it was a different experience. They had a lot of emotional type of artwork that had a powerful outlook to it. The back of the museum was filled with 3 art cars, and a makeshift boat. Also, it was a viewing of the previous art car parade in the very back of the museum. The only thing I didn't like about this museum was that parking was limited. They only had 4 lanes for parking in front of the main building then they had a pothole side parking. It wasn't paved, but it was like a dirt lot filled with deep potholes. *I had to minus a star because of that. My Vietnamese friend wasn't too fond with the museum because it only had 3 cars, though my sister and I thought it was unique and quite different. Its not everyday you see a funny looking car. read more

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Art Car was such an unexpected awesome surprise! We were blown away by the cars and want to come back to Houston to see the parade some day! read more

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What a great place to showcase art with a theme. 'Blue' was the theme on my visit and it was marvelous. The cars were my favorite especially the gargoyle one. The front desk staff were super nice and welcoming. And the location was great, just a few minutes from downtown in a car. read more

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A jewel in the middle of the Heights. There is a small permanent collection and shows which are usually quarterly. There is no fee. Always a fun time During the"W" year's FBI investigated. The art unlike any you'll find anywhere else. The staff knows the art intimately the small space holds large experiences read more

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Fun, very small museum dedicated to art cars and contemporary art. Not as many art cars as I was expecting, and very little information provided about the art cars. Still, it's cool to see them and know that they all still run! Definitely a fun, quirky bucketlist item for Houstonians to check out! Best of all - it's free (they accept donations), so there's no reason not to check it out at least once! read more

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The Art Car Museum is another must-see quirky Houston site! There is nothing quite like it. Each year they choose a different theme and accept a certain number of submissions without boundaries or barriers except that it meets the theme. It can be anything and there is no submissions panel. They showcase artists that would normally never be found in a Museum, especially small local artists. That makes this place truly special. The 2019 theme is animals. The museum is free, donation only, and you may take photos (without flash). Even the outside of it makes a fantastic photo opportunity. Also make sure you take note of the yearly Art Car Parade which is usually in the spring. read more

Art Car Museum - Exhibits - Museums Near Me - Houston, Texas

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Every time I come there's a new installation to look at. I really enjoy the space, and the people at the front desk are always so friendly and welcoming. read more

Art Car Museum - Museums Near Me - Houston, Texas

This is a pretty interesting museum, with free admission which is nice. It isn't very big. The exhibit that was up when we went was various photos/drawings/projects from local schools. It was a beautiful exhibit with so much to see- the kiddos are pretty impressive. The people are super friendly. Recommended! read more

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Very cute little free museum to stop by when visiting houston. This place has a whole lot of cool things to look at and a while lot of history to listen too. I highly recommend visiting this place. It's free, fun & amazing to look at. Beware of parking. It's terrible. but plenty of street parking & parking plazas across the street. read more

This is one of those quintessentially Houston places. Somehow never made it here until I was 41 years old when I took my kids on a staycation. I have to say that I was pretty disappointed. There have been so many great cars that have been in the Art Car Parade, and I was thinking there would be more cars- or at least more pictures of them. I was also not expecting the place to be so small, but even as small as it is, they could have put more in there. read more

I feel a lot of people may have been to the parade, but not necessarily the museum. I highly recommending visiting this museum; it is free after all. Another very kid friendly place that has some of the best art cars from past parades. On my visit, they featured 4 cars inside and 1 car outside in the parking lot. The museum isn't all about cars though, as it also features exhibitions from local artists (on the wall or ground). You may actually end up spending more time viewing all of the artwork than the art cars themselves, since there were about 75 pieces on display, versus only 5 art cars. Like other free museums, there is an option to give donations. Once you enter, they will give you a brief description of the museum and why it was created which only takes about 3 minutes. At the front desk, they sell museum merchandise and of course they allow you to take as many photos as you want. As other reviewers indicate, they rotate the cars and artists. Artwork every couple of months and cars about once per quarter. read more

Yet another review I should've written years ago. Whether you're looking to explore the city's hidden gems, looking for a fun activity for the family or entertaining some out-of-towners, the Art Car Museum is a must. I catch the parade every year, but the museum features changing exhibits that go beyond "art car." I remember the last one I checked out was "Planes, Trains and Automobiles," which, you can imagine covered a whole gamut of transportation in the form of art: video installations, paintings, photographs and real life models. It's free, but for some good karma - and to keep this museum up and running - make a donation, please. :) read more

A free fun one of a kind experience! So many cool cars with such awesome decorations on them! I played a game of eye spy with my girlfriend, ie finding a specific item on the cars, and it is nearly impossible to find as there are so many items on them. The staff and the owners of the cars are really cool as well. read more

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Some choice quotes from the Art Car Video Gallery: "So we would come aboard my bus and talk about the sixties." "Well one day I just started sewing buttons on my pants." "When I develop my car, I develop a maternal instinct for it...I sing to it pretty much everyday." "Once you start putting stuff on your car, you never stop." "You get in [this car] and you just don't want to get out." "I can't get insurance on my car..." "Because of this car, I have met thousands of people and made eye contact with millions." In conclusion, you should visit, just to watch this gem of a video about art car creators. read more