Marfa, West Texas: Introduction to Marfa+AYN Foundation (Das Maximum) and more art galleries+old buildings; things to do

Marfa, West Texas: The Water Stop; re... Marfa, West Texas: Chinati Foundation...

Marfa, West Texas: Introduction to Marfa+AYN Foundation (Das Maximum) and more art galleries+old buildings; things to do

Introduction to Marfa

Tough to get to.Tougher to forget.But once you get here . . .. . . you get it.

train tracks into and out of Marfa in West Texas
Founded in the 1880s as a water stop for trains, the high desert town of Marfa nowadays is surrounded by working cattle ranches but is still on the quiet side and has only one traffic signal. The town is known for its high-caliber art galleries, which famously aren’t open at regular hours. This lackadaisical attitude makes for hit-and-miss viewing, which can be quite disappointing when the gallery you really want to see can’t be bothered to open. One local says, “Thousands of people come out here from New York and wander around like lost children.” This tiny town--it is home to less than 2,000 people--has been a co-star in many movies, including “Andromeda Strain” (1971), “No Country For Old Men” and “There Will Be Blood” (2007), and most famously “Giant” (1956). And good to know in summer, at an altitude 4,685 feet (or is it 4,711 or 4,843 feet?, there is plenty of confusion), it is often one of the coolest places in the state.
More information.

Old Buildings

courthouse in Marfa in West Texas

Palace theater building in Marfa in West Texas

really old building in Marfa in West Texas

artistic patchwork fence in Marfa in West Texas

Art Galleries

AYN Foundation (Das Maximum) 107-109 N. Highland, Brite Bldg., (432) 729-3315. Sat-Sun noon-5pm. Andy Warhol’s “The Last Supper” on one side, Maria Zerres “September Eleven” on the other. The big mystery here is how to open the door. I would have left without entering had someone not exited--opening the door for me.