About the Museum
Community members interact with the art installation, “Spirit Fountain” by Jesús Moroles.
#ArtInTheBasin
“The Ellen Noël Art Museum of the Permian Basin connects people with art by engaging our community through exhibitions, education, collections and outreach.”
Incorporated as a non-profit in 1977 and opening its door since 1985, the Ellen Noël Art Museum of the Permian Basin (ENAM) is the culmination of years of grass roots fundraising effort by Permian Basin citizens to build a fine arts museum. The Museum was renamed in 1996 to honor the leadership and philanthropy of Mrs. Ellen W. Noël.
The Museum is currently undergoing a major renovation to it’s location at 4909 E. University Boulevard and is temporarily taking up residence next door within the Presidential Archives building in partnership with the University of Texas Permian Basin. The planning for the new Museum building will include a magnificent spiral staircase, increased gallery space, and unique architectural designs among many other updates.
As a non-profit organization, ENAM receives funding from museum memberships, fundraisers, donations, grants, and interest income from an endowment fund. Over 200 volunteers annually serve ENAM in many capacities, ensuring that the Museum remains dynamic, vital and responsive to community needs.
FAQs
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The Ellen Noël Art Museum is open Tuesday - Sunday from 12pm - 5pm. On Thursdays the museum is open from 12pm - 8pm for special programming opportunities included in our Thursday Night Live events. The Museum is closed during major holidays. Check our calendar for up-to-date information about the events coming up and any closures!
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Free! Standing behind the mission of the Ellen Noël Art Museum, we believe that there should not be a barrier between the community and cultural education. While some events hosted by the Museum require a registration fee for supplies or fundraising opportunities, admission into the Museum to access galleries and the gift shop is always free.
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The short answer is yes! The ENAM gift shop has been relocated within the Presidential Archives next door at 4919 E. University Boulevard. Great for gifts or personal shopping, the gift shop has a wide variety of products including jewelry, food items, artisan products and children’s items. Stop by during our working hours to see for yourself!
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The Ellen Noël Art Museum staff members put great effort into the programming of events. Educator Annie Stanley and Community Engagement Coordinator Fay Batch work alongside other staff members to curate workshops, events, and activities for all age groups. For more information on events, please visit our events page or calendar.
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The Ellen Noël Art Museum does not perform appraisals. It is always best to use an organization or individual who is certified in appraising. To find an appraiser, click here.
From 1977 to 2024
Along the path of the Ellen Noël Art Museum’s rich history, it has since collected several accolades of distinction. Beginning in 2005 ENAM was accredited by the American Association of Museums, and has since retained that accreditation.
Not long after in 2006 the museum played a part in creating the West Texas Triangle, a consortium that provides opportunities for museums to promote their unique collections to a wider audience, and to exchange professional dialogue and promote each other’s institutions. The West Texas Triangle includes Grace Museum in Abilene, Old Jail Art Center in Albany, the Museum of the SouthWest in Midland, the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts in San Angelo, and the Ellen Noël Art Museum in Odessa.
Later in 2010 ENAM procured placement in the Smithsonian Affiliates Program, being one of very few art museums in the State of Texas being granted this status. This designation gives the Museum greater access to distinguished educational resources, libraries, research centers, and millions of artifacts in its renowned collection of 47 museums.