The $19 million project will include an expansion of 16,000 square feet to best honor and celebrate the women of the West.
FORT WORTH, Texas — The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame in Fort Worth announced a 16,000-square-foot expansion.
This expansion will be the second renovation the museum has undergone in the past 10 years. This project means more than just adding space, Pat Riley, the Executive Director of the museum, emphasized. It’s intended to further honor and celebrate the women of the West, their courage, and fortitude.
“We are thrilled to welcome the community to a space that reflects the bold spirit of the cowgirl – innovative, fearless, and inspiring,” Riley said.
The expansion will include a new entrance facing Dickies Arena, bas reliefs of running horses, a fully functioning carousel, photo gallery, and a new fashion gallery spotlighting western wear. Due to the growing popularity of the museum, the event space will also be enlarged, allowing up to 250 guests.
A look inside the future expansion of the National Cowgirl Museum
The expansion will be left in the hands of the design architectural firm, Projectiles. The firm was also involved in the $5.5 million second-floor renovation back in 2018.
“We’ve been working with the institution for years, first redeveloping the existing spaces and now with the expansion project,” Projectiles founding partner and architect, Reza Azard, said.
Fort Worth-based Linbeck Construction will serve as the general contractor for the project. Linbeck President, Thomas Cole, is excited to once again partner with the museum after constructing their original facility.
“We are honored to continue supporting an institution whose mission celebrates and documents the courage, resilience, and trailblazing spirit of women of the West,” Cole said.
The original museum was established back in 1975 in the basement of the Deaf Smith County Library in Hereford, Texas. The museum then moved to Fort Worth, Texas, in 1994, and its current structure was established in 2002. The museum acts as an educational resource for a topic that isn’t usually delved into outside of the movie screen, the past and present women of the West.
Inside the museum, you can find a multitude of exhibits, a research library, and a photograph collection. Each of these elements celebrates the 261 National Cowgirl Hall of Fame Honorees, which include artists, entertainers, pioneers, business women, educators, ranchers, humanitarians, and rodeo cowgirls.
Visitors are welcome to experience the museum themselves Tuesday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon – 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults (ages 12+), $7 for seniors (ages 65+) and military, $4 for children (ages 3-12), and free for children under the age of three.
More information and updates about the museum and its expansion can be found on their website.