Permian Basin Petroleum Museum
Permian Basin Petroleum Museum
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
About
Welcome to the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum. Founded in 1975 by over 500 community leaders under the leadership of George T. Abell, the Museum tells the story of petroleum and the rugged lives of men and women who sought a better life. What started as a community dream has, over time, become the nation's largest museum dedicated to the petroleum industry and its pioneers. The Petroleum Museum has welcomed over one million visitors worldwide. It shares the petroleum and energy story and its impact on our daily lives through educational programs, interactive exhibits, an archives center and its Petroleum Hall of Fame. A visit to the Petroleum Museum is an amazing journey through over 230 million years of history. Located in the heart of the Permian Basin, the Petroleum Museum offers over 40,000 square feet of interactive education and entertainment for adventurers of all ages. The mission of the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum is to share the petroleum and energy story and its impact on our lives.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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See what travelers are saying
- HiHo143Harrisburg, Pennsylvania209 contributionsREALLY informative…not just crude oilThere was a lot to see in this museum! We learned a lot about the Petroleum industry Two separate galleries on unique & valuable crystal/minerals and art/oil paintings. Lastly, an entire race car section on the Chaparral Cars 1963-1970 (Formula One Racers) * Indy 500 Be sure to go into the space ship that is a simulator type ride when in car section. Allow at least 2 hours & note there are several small theaters for educational purposesThank you for your wonderful review! We hope you enjoyed all of the various galleries and exhibits! Thank you for talking about the time you spent. Many guests are surprised at how much time they spend exploring the Museum and grounds. We hope you will visit us again very soon!Written May 7, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 30, 2024
- GloucesterTravelerGloucestershire, United Kingdom184 contributionsA lot to see in this museum with a lot of information about the Petroleum industry old and newThe Permian Basin Petroleum Museum in Midland Texas is very interesting and has a very good broad display from how oil is created to how the oil boom started and developed into today’s industry. The exhibits were well displayed and as Texas is well known for producing petroleum this museum had a huge selection of information on all aspects of the industry from a rock collection from around the world, the early equipment used to extract the oil, right through to the history of why fuel prices increased over the years. There are some interesting larger exhibits outside and it takes about two or more hours to appreciate the whole museum. One thing to skip are the two movies zones, both are total rubbish propaganda movies by the current oil companies and totally full of misinformation on current trends in the oil industry. But overall a great well-presented museum and worth visiting.Thank you so much for your review! There is so much to see within the Museum walls and outside in our Oil Patch exhibits. We are so glad you enjoyed your visit. The videos were created with the aid of experts and scientists to ensure accurate information is presented. We appreciate your feedback and your attendance! Thanks again!Written May 7, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 6, 2024
- Paul SThe Colony, Texas83 contributionsIf you are in the area, you need to see this.Good Family entertainment and education. I have not been to this museum in 26 years and my what a difference a quarter of a century makes. I worked for 15 years in the Oil & Gas Industry back in the 80’s and 90’s and I even learned about innovative technologies and discoveries. My wife is Vietnamese, and she found the place to be remarkably interesting. They added the legendary Jim Hall Chaparral Racing exhibit for any Race Car enthusiast and who would have known that all those cars they have from 1959 to 1990 era still run and drive today. You even get to sit in one. This is at least 3 hours well spent, though I will suggest you do it in the morning. The outside exhibit gets toasty in the hotter months. Nice restroom facilities and there is plenty of free parking. It is a must see if you are in the area for any time. Rate it five stars for the quality. $12.00 a ticket was well worth it.Thank you so much for your thorough review and your visit to the Museum! We love to hear about visitors that come back after so many years and are surprised by the wonderful and informative exhibits in the Museum. Thanks for including a note about our outside Oil Patch exhibits. They are a must-see, but you are correct about the afternoon heat in warm months.Written December 16, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited September 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten October 6, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
290 reviews
Excellent
197
Very good
71
Average
14
Poor
5
Terrible
3
Texas Traveler 59
Lewisville, TX286 contributions
Nov 2023 • Solo
Oil and gas are essential to everyone’s daily life, regardless of whatever they live. This museum tells the petroleum industry story and how it part of more than we expect. Terrific indoor exhibits, touchscreens and a movie. Outdoor exhibits are even more fabulous. They give you the full scale look into drilling equipment. Definitely a place for the whole family.
Written November 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your review! The Museum strives to be an advocate for the petroleum industry through our programs and exhibits. We are thankful for your confirmation that we are reaching that goal. We have so many exhibits for visitors of all ages to enjoy and learn from. Thank you again for your wonderful review and for your visit. We hope to see you again very soon.
Written December 11, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tony K
Moreno Valley, CA947 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
This is a very done museum explaining anything & everything you ever wanted to know about the history of drilling/pumping oil in Texas. There is lots to view/see/read etc. I would recommend minimum of 2 hours to see the whole museum inside and outside. It’s definitely interesting to learn & understand about one of our most precious resources
Written March 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review! The Museum does provide a comprehensive history of the petroleum industry in the Permian Basin along with information about the technology and equipment needed to produce this vital resource. We hope you truly enjoyed your visit and hope you will come again soon. If there was anything we could have done to make your experience 5-star worthy, please send your feedback to admin@petroleummuseum.org. Thanks again!
Written April 13, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
32107matthewy
Dallas, TX133 contributions
Jul 2023 • Solo
When people tell me there is nothing to do in Midland, they are wrong. There are a bunch of oil drilling rigs and fields near the city including seeing more of them around the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum. I came about 30 mins before they closed and didn't have time to explore the exhibits that are inside the building. Instead, I rented a car and did my own exploring by driving and taking photos around the front and back of the museum. You will notice that there are different types of machineries used to drill oil from past and period times.
Written August 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your wonderful review! We are very proud of our outdoor Oil Patch exhibits! We hope you will come back to visit the interior exhibits very soon. Thanks again for your review and your visit.
Written August 7, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chiachen W
Ann Arbor, MI56 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Texas is famous for producing petroleum, this wonderful museum provide vast knowledge of all aspect of the petroleum industry.
It attract me the most is the wonderful rock collection from around the world.
Being a rock hound, I lingered in this hall the longest time while we’re there. Most of the species was grand and gorgeous! Made me on drooling.
I only wish the gift shop’s rock sold there is not only aimed at novice rock collectors also aimed at serious rock collectors.
It attract me the most is the wonderful rock collection from around the world.
Being a rock hound, I lingered in this hall the longest time while we’re there. Most of the species was grand and gorgeous! Made me on drooling.
I only wish the gift shop’s rock sold there is not only aimed at novice rock collectors also aimed at serious rock collectors.
Written October 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your wonderful review! We are very proud of our Mineral Gallery and the specimens that represent countries all over the world. Our Museum Store sometimes has high-quality minerals in stock and we have a Mineral Show & Sale and Lecture coming up in December.
Our petroleum exhibits share the history and science of the petroleum industry as the lifeblood of the Permian Basin economy. We hope you will visit again soon.
Written November 7, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Angie D
15 contributions
Mar 2023
Visited the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum in Midland, TX in March 2023. What a unique experience combining science and history. Spent about 2 hours, but wished for 3 hours. Absolutely loved the history part of the petroleum industry. The exhibits, old drilling equipment, vehicles, old photos, articles, diagrams, maps, and interactive displays make you feel like you are living the history of Texas oil and gas discovery. If you actually arrive in Midland/Odessa by car, you start seeing the industry come alive in real life even before you enter the museum. Really enjoyed walking around in the outside part (you can drive through it too) where they have an amazing collection of old oil field equipment. There was also a huge science influence inside the museum detailing the science about how the drilling process actually works. They have a whole room filled with info about careers in the field. Bonus display of huge gems and minerals that were donated. Plenty of educational areas for children, too.
Written March 5, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your wonderful, detailed review of the Museum! We are proud to combine the science and history of the area for a unique educational experience for everyone to enjoy. We hope you will come visit us again very soon. Thanks again!
Written March 15, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TDaddy4457
Midland, TX44 contributions
Jan 2023
Great museum explaining about the development of this area and primarily the oil business. Good exhibits helping one understand how oil is produced, etc. Also, a beautiful exhibit of minerals from around the world, plus a Shelby car exhibits, Exhibits both indoors and outside. Small art exhibit.
Written January 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your review! The Museum has a variety of exhibits including our petroleum exhibits showing the history and science behind the industry in the Permian Basin, mineral gallery featuring minerals from all over the world, art gallery featuring paintings and working drawings of the cultural history of the area, and the Chaparral gallery featuring Jim Hall's Chaparral race cars. Our oil patch is another must-see including the largest collection of antique oilfield equipment anywhere. We hope you will come see us again soon and share your experience with friends. Thanks again!
Written February 6, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brenda M
Irvine, CA34 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
This museum will surprise you! We weren’t too excited when we read about the “petroleum museum.” It is so much more!
The museum itself is done very well with a variety of mediums telling the story, including movies, interactive displays, actual tools, historical personalities, etc.
in addition it has a world class western art display and the gems are displayed from all over the world. Don’t forget that they also have a section on the Chaparral Racing team that changed the racing circuit.
Definitely worth our time!
The museum itself is done very well with a variety of mediums telling the story, including movies, interactive displays, actual tools, historical personalities, etc.
in addition it has a world class western art display and the gems are displayed from all over the world. Don’t forget that they also have a section on the Chaparral Racing team that changed the racing circuit.
Definitely worth our time!
Written July 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are thrilled that you found the variety of exhibits in the Museum so engaging! There is truly something for everyone. We hope you will come again!
Written August 9, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Barbara D
59 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
We enjoyed our trip immensely. The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum was nothing like we expected employees were super nice and friendly .
We took our time. The chapparell race cars were fantastic. My SO had chapparell slot cars as a kid..
Tried to upload a photo but link wouldn't work..can't share darn.
We came home with 326 photos on camera
We took our time. The chapparell race cars were fantastic. My SO had chapparell slot cars as a kid..
Tried to upload a photo but link wouldn't work..can't share darn.
We came home with 326 photos on camera
Written October 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so glad you enjoyed your birthday visit with us! We would love to see your photos! We hope you will come back and see us again soon!
Written November 9, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
John_Civil_Engineer
Midland, TX45 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
Very well done museum with many pieces of large scale historical equipment on display. Exhibits both indoor and outdoor including race cars which I wasn’t expecting. Kids enjoyed the museum which had a mix of self guided reading, movies, and interactive games.
Written December 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your detailed review. The Museum does have a variety of interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages. We hope you will visit us again soon. Thanks again!
Written January 11, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lynn S
League City, TX582 contributions
Jun 2020 • Family
I cannot say enough good things about this museum. On our recent trip to Midland we pretty much had it to ourselves. There was one other couple visiting and one lady working the front desk. The museum tells the story of the discovery of oil and drilling in and around the Permian Basin in Midland. There is also a collection of race cars made in Midland. The museum has a lot of stuff which is well presented and maintained. It is well worth a couple of hours if you are in he Midland area.
Written June 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your detailed review! We are so glad you enjoyed our extensive exhibits on your visit. We hope you will join us again on your travels. Thanks again!
Written July 6, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Henry A
Irving, Texas
Hello can anyone confirm if this attraction is open during the Covid pandemic? I'd like to come visit this Friday
Written June 9, 2020
Henry,
The Museum is re-opened as of June 1st. They have regular business hours: 10 am - 5 pm Monday through Saturday and 2 - 5 pm on Sunday. If you have any questions, you can call 432-683-4403 .
Written June 9, 2020
Is there parking for RV's? What hours are you open? Days closed?
Written December 11, 2017
The parking lot is huge!!!! Depending on the size of the RV, I would call the front office and ask them about parking restrictions. Parking is in two different locations and I know that a Class C or Class B would be easily maneuvered....however, the Class A might be a bit trickier! Good Luck!
Written December 22, 2017

Previa1994
Chicago, Illinois
4 contributions
How much time should one plan on spending at the museum?
Written December 10, 2017
I am certain you have probably already made your trip. I think it is easy to spend 3 hours there. There are a lot of interactive activities on the Kid Zone size and a lot of things to see.
Written December 22, 2017
The museum is not free on Sundays. Also it has reduced hours on Sundays from 2 to 5PM.
Written July 7, 2016
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