Permian Basin Petroleum Museum | Midland

The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, located in Midland, Texas, is a unique and expansive museum dedicated to the history, technology, and impact of the petroleum industry, especially in the Permian Basin region. Established in 1975, the museum has grown to become the largest of its kind in the nation, offering over 40,000 square feet of exhibit space.

Key Exhibits

Mythcracker Theater

This interactive exhibit debunks common myths about the petroleum industry. The theater features a Family Feud-style game show where visitors participate in dispelling misconceptions in a fun, engaging manner.

Permian Reef

This exhibit recreates a 230-million-year-old Permian reef, a crucial geological feature for the formation of oil reserves in the region. It includes a restored diorama from 1975 that brings the past to life with a dramatic display of prehistoric sea life.

The Voyage of the PetroTrekker

An immersive, high-tech theater experience that simulates a journey across land, sea, and space to discover new petroleum resources. Special effects and interactive touch screens guide visitors through the exploration process, demonstrating the advanced technologies used in the search for petroleum.

Risk and Reward

A game-based exhibit that challenges visitors to make decisions about drilling for oil. It offers a simulation where choices affect the outcome, teaching participants about the risks and rewards involved in the oil industry.

Supplemental Energies

This exhibit explores alternative energy sources like solar, hydro, and nuclear energy. It emphasizes their role in supplementing petroleum in powering modern society and provides a balanced perspective on energy production.

Chevron Energy City

Designed for children, this exhibit explains various forms of energy and conservation practices in a fun and accessible way. It features colorful, interactive elements that teach the basics of energy use and the importance of sustainable practices.

Outdoor Oil Patch Exhibits

The museum has a collection of historical oil field equipment displayed outdoors, including steam, gas, and electric-powered drilling rigs. One of the highlights is a 119-foot steel production derrick from the 1930s, which showcases the technological advancements of the time.

Chaparral Gallery

This gallery features the racecars designed by Midland’s own Jim Hall, whose innovative designs revolutionized motorsport in the 1960s. The collection of Chaparral cars emphasizes the connection between technology used in the petroleum industry and other fields such as racing.

Abell Family Gallery

The gallery highlights the cultural history of the Permian Basin through artwork. It features paintings by renowned artist Tom Lovell, who captured the beauty and challenges of life in the region.

Library and Archives Center

The museum’s library and archives are among the most comprehensive in the nation, containing a wealth of resources related to the petroleum industry. Established in 1967, it includes company records, photographs, maps, motion picture films, and private papers. The library is an invaluable resource for researchers, students, and historians interested in the development of the petroleum industry.

Petroleum Hall of Fame

Since its inception in 1967, the Petroleum Hall of Fame has honored individuals who have made significant contributions to the petroleum industry. The 2025 inductees include pioneers like W.E. Connell, Jack D. Hightower, Autry C. Stephens, and Peggy C. Worthington, each recognized for their lasting impact on the industry.

Visitor Information

Location: 1500 I-20 West, Midland, TX 79701

Hours:

Monday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sunday: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

Admission:

Adults: $12

Seniors and Ages 12–17: $8

Children 5 and Under: Free

Contact: (432) 683-4403

The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum serves not only as an educational resource for those interested in petroleum and energy but also as a cultural hub that highlights the technological advances and historical events that shaped the region and the industry. With its wide variety of exhibits and a rich collection of artifacts, it offers a comprehensive look at the history of the petroleum industry and its impact on modern society.