The Art Car Museum, often referred to as the “Garage Mahal,” is undergoing a significant transformation thanks to a generous $1.25 million donation from the Harithas Family through the South Texas Charitable Foundation. This donation will enable the museum to move to a new location at the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art in Houston, providing a dedicated space to celebrate the vibrant and eclectic world of art cars.

Founded in 1998 by Ann and James Harithas, the Art Car Museum has been a cornerstone of Houston’s cultural scene, showcasing the creativity and ingenuity of the art car movement. The museum has served as a forum for local, national, and international artists, with an emphasis on art cars and other fine arts that are often overlooked by mainstream cultural institutions. For over two decades, it has hosted exhibitions that explore the intersection of personal expression, social commentary, and the boundary-defying nature of art cars.

However, due to the constraints of its original space on Heights Boulevard, the museum closed its doors in April 2024. The move to the Orange Show’s soon-to-be-redeveloped campus marks a new chapter for the Art Car Museum. The Orange Show Center, already known for its dedication to preserving visionary art through sites like the Beer Can House and Smither Park, is an ideal partner for this next stage in the museum’s journey. The integration of the Art Car Museum into this vibrant community will help expand its reach and reinforce Houston’s reputation as a hub for outsider and folk art.

The new campus will not only serve as a home for the Art Car Museum’s collection but will also offer space for performances, workshops, and educational programs. This expansion will create a dynamic environment where visitors can engage with the museum’s eclectic displays, learn about the history of the art car movement, and participate in hands-on activities that promote creativity and self-expression. The redevelopment of the Orange Show’s property, which includes a 5-acre commercial site acquired in 2017, aims to create a world-class center for visionary art that is accessible to all residents of the greater Houston area (over 7 million people).

This move and the accompanying donation signify a commitment to preserving and celebrating the legacy of the art car community while providing a platform for future artists and enthusiasts. As the museum reopens in its new location, it will continue to honor the spirit of the art car movement, fostering a space where art, cars, and individual creativity collide in spectacular fashion.

The Art Car Museum’s relocation to the Orange Show’s campus underscores the importance of maintaining spaces dedicated to unconventional art forms. It is a recognition of the impact that Ann Harithas and the art car community have had on Houston’s cultural landscape. With this new home, the museum is poised to inspire future generations and keep the spirit of the art car movement alive for years to come (sources: Orange Show, Art Car Museum).

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