Experience Art

El Paso Downtown Arts District

El Paso Downtown Arts DistrictAfter an 18-month steering process, the El Paso Downtown Arts District was officially designated by the Texas Commission on the Arts in October 2011. The District is anchored by museums, greenspaces, performing arts facilities, cultural venues and tourist amenities.

Now, the Downtown Arts District has become the place where El Paso and the surrounding community meet for high-quality arts and entertainment. Annually 2.2 million people visit the District to attend museum exhibitions, concerts, theatre performances, festivals and more. The District has a projected economic impact of $7 million in Hotel/Motel Revenue and $28.2 million in local restaurant and bar revenue. With the addition of Southwest University Ballpark, the Pedestrian Pathway, Artspace El Paso and the Mexican American Cultural Center, Children's Museum on the horizon, the District is continuing to evolve.

During a typical year, the Downtown Arts District has:

In 2025, the El Paso Downtown Arts District was voted the #5 top Arts District in the United States in USA Today's 10Best contest! The district was chosen as a finalist by a panel of experts and editors and received a top five placement in the nationwide community vote.

Arts District Map

 

 

Third Thursdays in the Downtown Arts District

Third Thursdays in the Downtown Arts District

Beginning in July 2025, locations across the Downtown Arts District are joining together for the Third Thursdays initiative. The monthly event features extended hours at locations across the Downtown Arts District Corridor, often including special programming and activities. The initiative was created to encourage residents and visitors to experience the District in a new way, taking advantage of multiple sites and programs in one evening.

Current participants include:

For more information on specific activities and monthly hours, follow the Museums and Cultural Affairs Department on social media.

Do you want your institution or organization to participate in Third Thursdays? Reach out to [email protected] for more information.

Part of the El Paso Museums &
Cultural Affairs Family

El Paso Museum of Art El Paso Museum of History El Paso Museum of Archaeology Mexican American Cultural Center