Permian Basin Petroleum Museum
Permian Basin Petroleum Museum
4.5
2:00 PM - 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.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
138 within 3 miles
Attractions
12 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
282 reviews
Excellent
190
Very good
69
Average
15
Poor
5
Terrible
3
joe d
14 contributions
Apr 2023 • Friends
Was too expensive it should have been under $10 to visit. I didn't enjoy the propaganda aspect touting the future with petroleum and never mentioning climate change and global warming.
The history was fabulous as were the mineral exhibits and art. I missed the outdoor exhibit sadly , I didn't see any signage about it inside of the museum. Spent about an hour here
The history was fabulous as were the mineral exhibits and art. I missed the outdoor exhibit sadly , I didn't see any signage about it inside of the museum. Spent about an hour here
Written April 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.
W Ralph J
Plano, United States15 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Extremely interesting and very hi tech and professionally done. Limited on time so could not stay as long as I would like to have stayed but still was there for 2 1/2 hrs
Written April 13, 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.
Cassbella
Bentonville, Arkansas, USA179 contributions
Mar 2023 • Family
Great museum for the family when visiting the area to learn all about the oil industry and Permian Basin region
Includes several interactive displays
Starts with a 10 min video and then it’s self guided tour we were there for 2 hours
Has a car museum included, rock collection and art collection
Includes several interactive displays
Starts with a 10 min video and then it’s self guided tour we were there for 2 hours
Has a car museum included, rock collection and art collection
Written March 20, 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 the review! The Museum has something for everyone. Please let us know if there is anything we could do to earn a 5th star by emailing admin@petroleummuseum.org.
Written April 5, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Angie D
12 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.
Barbara D
1 contribution
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.
Valerie C
5 contributions
Jul 2022
Very interesting history and real examples to see outside. I learned so much about the oil and gas industry.
Very nice facility and the gift shop has some nice things - jewelry, books, stones, souvenirs, and also items for children.
Very nice facility and the gift shop has some nice things - jewelry, books, stones, souvenirs, and also items for children.
Written July 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.
The Museum Store is proud to feature unique items for our guests. Our petroleum exhibits are a wonderful way to learn about the industry. We also have the largest collection of antique oilfield equipment to view in the Oil Patch outside!
Written August 9, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brenda M
Irvine, CA31 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.
Tony K
Moreno Valley, CA711 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.
Life is good
Austin, TX58 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
Excellent museum and well worth the time. The exhibits are interactive and provide extensive information about Texas oil history and the Permian Basin.
Written March 14, 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 visiting the Museum and taking the time to write a review! The Museum has a variety of interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages featuring information about the history and technology behind the petroleum industry, as well as the cultural history of the Permian Basin. We are so happy that you enjoyed your visit and had a 5-star worthy experience!
Written April 13, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Henry A
Irving, TX
Hello can anyone confirm if this attraction is open during the Covid pandemic? I'd like to come visit this Friday
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 .
Roy R
San Angelo, TX53 contributions
Is there parking for RV's? What hours are you open? Days closed?
D B
Midland20 contributions
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!
Previa1994
Chicago, IL4 contributions
How much time should one plan on spending at the museum?
D B
Midland20 contributions
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.
Is this museum free on Sundays??
Jimmie_Ray
Coppell, Texas186 contributions
The museum is not free on Sundays. Also it has reduced hours on Sundays from 2 to 5PM.
Permian Basin Petroleum Museum (Midland) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Permian Basin Petroleum Museum
- Permian Basin Petroleum Museum is open:
- Sun - Sun 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
- Mon - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Hotels near Permian Basin Petroleum Museum:
- (0.41 mi) Red Roof Inn & Suites Midland
- (0.47 mi) Hampton Inn Midland South
- (0.52 mi) Quality Inn Midland
- (0.56 mi) Holiday Inn Express & Suites Midland South I-20, an IHG Hotel
- (0.82 mi) Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Midland
- Restaurants near Permian Basin Petroleum Museum:
- (0.39 mi) Cielito Lindo Mexican Restaurant
- (0.56 mi) Dickey's Barbecue Pit
- (0.60 mi) McAlister's Deli
- (1.89 mi) Wall Street Bar & Grill
- (0.59 mi) Cicis Pizza