Fort Worth’s National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame celebrated a major milestone on Nov. 7 when it opened a $19 million expansion that more than doubles its exhibition capacity. The project, announced in summer 2025 after the city pledged $6.5 million, adds nearly 18,000 sq ft of new space to the museum’s Cultural District campus.
New facilities and features
The expanded wing includes a Western‑themed retail store, two new art galleries, and an event space that can accommodate up to 250 guests. A fully operational carousel featuring 18 horses now spins in the new entrance area, creating a family‑friendly draw for visitors of all ages. Outside, 70 sculpted American quarter horses—evoking 19th‑century chronophotography—line the façade, reinforcing the museum’s dedication to honoring the courage of historic cowgirls.
Exhibitions that highlight women’s contributions
Three inaugural exhibitions opened with the expansion. “The 38” spotlights the women who founded the Girls Rodeo Association (now the Women’s Professional Rodeo Association) in 1948, using photographs, oral histories, and personal artifacts displayed in the new Collections Gallery. “Gravity Defied: Trick Riders of the Cowgirl” presents 27 striking photographs of the sport’s most daring performers, centered beneath a crystal chandelier shaped like a horse. “Velvet Rodeo” showcases 18 custom outfits worn by Grammy‑winning country star Miranda Lambert during her Las Vegas residency, linking contemporary Western fashion to the museum’s historic collection.
Community impact and city partnership
Director Pat Riley emphasized the museum’s role in inspiring new generations of Western women. “When they had a vision, they took chances,” Riley said, noting that the expansion reflects a broader commitment to preserving and sharing the stories of women who dared to do things differently. Museum President Kit Moncrief added that the new space will give children a place to discover their own courage while reinforcing the cultural heritage of the region.
The city of Fort Worth owns and leases the museum building, which first opened in 2002 after the institution relocated from its 1975 Hereford origins. City officials view the expansion as a boost to the Cultural District’s tourism and economic vitality, positioning the museum alongside neighboring institutions such as the Amon Carter Museum of American Art and the Kimbell Art Museum.
Grand opening celebration
The public opening featured a free‑admission day and a grand parade that wound through Montgomery, Harley, and Gendy streets, highlighting Hall of Fame inductees, local Western riding clubs, and the Texas Christian University baseball team. The event underscored the museum’s partnership with community organizations and its role as a gathering place for families.
With the new entrance facing Ariat Arena, the museum aims to create synergy with the nearby venue, encouraging visitors to experience both cultural and sporting events in one vibrant district. As Riley put it, “We’re kind of tired of being a hidden gem. We’re going to be the diamond coming out of the box.”
The National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame will keep its expanded galleries open through fall 2028, offering residents and tourists alike a deeper look at the legacy of Western women and a fresh, family‑friendly destination in Fort Worth.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
