It’s a sad day for Houston. The iconic Art Car Museum, a Space City staple, and symbol for Houston’s vibrant, eccentric personality has announced that it will officially close this year.
Weeks after announcing the return of the 37th Annual Art Car Parade, officials of the Art Car Museum declared that the Houston staple will shutter on April 28th.
Founder Ann Harithas envisioned the Art Car Museum in 1984 and officially established it in 1998. For nearly 30 years, it’s stood as a modern art showcase, celebrating individual expression and creativity within the realm of motorcars.
Sadly Ann Harithas passed away in December 2021 followed by the passing of co-founder James Harithas in 2023. The two also co-owned The Station Museum in Houston (temporarily closed) and Five Points Museum of Contemporary Arts.
In 2021 after the passing of Ann Harithas, her children set up a trust that would allow the Art Car Museum and Five Points Museum to stay open and exhibitions planned by Ann Harithas for two additional years. However, the fate of the two is still undetermined as the couple did not leave instructions for what to do with the museums to their children.
According to the Art Car website, there are ongoing to discussions with local and regional arts organizations on how to “evolve the Art Car Museum’s presence, legacy, and mission in the future”. The website states that details on those discussions will be shared once they are determined.
This April, the 37 annual Art Car Parade will return on April 11 with 10 days of festivities. The main parade will return on Satruday, April 13.