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
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingFull view
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
164 within 3 miles
Attractions
54 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- 32107matthewyDallas, Texas135 contributionsOil: Interesting piece of historyWhen 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.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, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited July 2023Traveled soloWritten August 3, 2023
- Chiachen WAnn Arbor, Michigan56 contributionsA great treasureTexas 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.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, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 30, 2023
- Texas Traveler 59Cedar Hill, Texas229 contributionsExcellent museum on an industry that is misunderstoodOil 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.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, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited November 2023Traveled soloWritten November 22, 2023
- JCAPO85Kerrville, Texas73 contributionsBest Little Interactive Museum in Texas.A fantastic way to spend hours learning about the history and future of the Permian Basin. Many arenas within the facility detail the contributions of those who created an oil-based empire. Best of all this museum were the staff & their enthusiasm of not only the museum but also the exhibits. Plan to spend hours exploring the inside exhibits and outside parks. The interactive video rooms were most appreciated!Thank you for your wonderful review of the Museum and our staff! We appreciate your attention to detail. The Museum is a wonderful place for visitors to learn about "the history and future of the Permian Basin." We are so glad you enjoyed your visit and hope you will return again soon.Written January 9, 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited December 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 11, 2023
- HiHo143Harrisburg, Pennsylvania205 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 Kingdom189 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
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
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
289 reviews
Excellent
196
Very good
70
Average
15
Poor
5
Terrible
3
Rambling P
45 contributions
Dec 2019 • Friends
An appropriate museum for the area, it’s why most people are in Midland and yet we know so little about it. As a oilfield professional, I learned quite a bit and it’s fun for kids. Be sure to see the Chapparel racing exhibit.
Written February 29, 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 for your review Rambling_PD, Since the Museum first opened in 1975, we have continued to stay current with industry technology and upgrade exhibition techniques yet maintain the historic integrity of the trade and of the men and women who blazed the petroleum and energy trail. From interactives to immersive environments to game-based learning experiences, the exhibits educate and entertain guests of all ages. In addition to telling the petroleum and energy, the exhibits are sure to inspire young visitors to pursue careers in the petroleum, energy sciences, or geology – just to name a few. The Museum education staff works closely with educators from across West Texas to share the industry story as well as the “people history” of the area. The Museum has become a showcase for innovative and creative thinking and is undeniably a strong science-based museum for our community. Currently, two of Jim Halls innovative cars - the Chaparral 2 and the GS IIB are out of the Museum March 13th and are showcased at the 2020 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance in Florida. We appreciate comments and suggestions from our patrons and hopefully will be able to improve what is already impressive. We hope you will be able to visit again soon. Maybe next time you will be able to take advantage of the educational lectures and programs offered.
Written March 4, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lisa B
Texas1,272 contributions
Mar 2020 • Family
This is a great museum on the history of petroleum. And it has some great futuristic areas regarding future exploration which is very appealing to kids. Especially the space capsule which visits the skies and the ocean.
There are rooms with gorgeous geo rocks from all over the world and beautiful western paintings.
There are rooms with Chaparral race cars and their history as they originate from the area.
This museum is highly recommended for people of all ages.
There are rooms with gorgeous geo rocks from all over the world and beautiful western paintings.
There are rooms with Chaparral race cars and their history as they originate from the area.
This museum is highly recommended for people of all ages.
Written March 12, 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 for your comments, T7190HDlisab. The Museum has been open since 1975; we have continued to stay current with industry technology and upgrade exhibition techniques yet maintain the historic integrity of the trade and of the people who blazed the petroleum and energy trail. Thank you again for sharing.
Written March 13, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
docnakona
El Paso, TX54 contributions
Jun 2020
This place is awesome. Not much too add from the other great reviews, but one of the best museums (outside of Smithsonian) that we have ever visited. Clearly well funded and well cared for. I really wish my father could have seen it. Worth revisiting many times.
COVID preparation update - they apparently just re-opened after almost 3 months. CLEAN. Good signage and they put excellent little hand wash stations around the museum (which I think are Rum based!)
COVID preparation update - they apparently just re-opened after almost 3 months. CLEAN. Good signage and they put excellent little hand wash stations around the museum (which I think are Rum based!)
Written June 7, 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 for your review! We are so glad you enjoyed your visit and hope that you will return to see us again many times. The Petroleum Museum strives to be one of the top Museums in Texas and the U.S. and your comments are highly appreciated.
The Museum is taking every precaution we can to protect the health and safety of our visitors and staff. Thank you for your note about our efforts! See you again soon!
Written June 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
GloucesterTraveler
Gloucestershire, UK189 contributions
Mar 2024 • Couples
The 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.
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.
Written May 6, 2024
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! 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, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dmbia
Iowa283 contributions
May 2021
The museum itself was closed when I was there, but they have a surprisingly large number of outdoor exhibits that are accessible at all times. You can see actual oil drilling equipment and oil wells with signs that explain how everything works. Even without the full-fledged museum, I found it quite interesting.
Written May 28, 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.
We are thrilled that you enjoyed the outdoor exhibits in our Oil Patch. The interior exhibits are open Monday - Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm and on Sunday from 2 to 5 pm. We hope you will come back to get the full experience of the Petroleum Museum sometime soon!
Written June 10, 2021
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.
Kokopetiyotl
26 contributions
Dec 2020
Pristine exhibitions nicely set, but so much more could have been said about the geology of the Permian basin and the petroleum Industry. And yes I did click on all of those interactive screens.
It is overly simplified and a bit on the propaganda side... I was sorry that there were no books to buy at the museum shop... Petroleum museum for those who don’t want to overuse their brain.
It is overly simplified and a bit on the propaganda side... I was sorry that there were no books to buy at the museum shop... Petroleum museum for those who don’t want to overuse their brain.
Written December 28, 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.
Brenda M
Irvine, CA36 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.
32107matthewy
Dallas, TX135 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.
Texas Traveler 59
Cedar Hill, TX229 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.
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, TX49 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, Texas176 contributions
The museum is not free on Sundays. Also it has reduced hours on Sundays from 2 to 5PM.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing