Many of the things on this list are what helped put Marfa on the map. Make the most of your time and see as much as you can. Most of these places require reservations ahead of time.
* Means we've been there, done that AND would do it again!
Art & Stuff
*CHINATI FOUNDATION | A contemporary art museum based upon the ideas of its founder, Donald Judd. The specific intention of Chinati is to preserve and present to the public permanent large-scale installations by a limited number of artists. The emphasis is on works in which art and the surrounding landscape are inextricably linked. Includes significant work by Judd as well as works by John Chamberlain, Dan Flavin, Carl Andre, Claes Oldenberg and others. Open by guided tour only from Wednesday through Sunday, with the exception of Judd's Fifteen Untitled Works in Concrete which can be viewed at any time while the foundation is open. Reservations required
*JUDD FOUNDATION | Guided visits offer visitors direct engagement with Donald Judd's art and vision. Judd's formerly private living and work spaces provide first-hand experiences with Judd's concept of permanent installations in the Chihuahuan Dessert. Advance reservations for guided visits are required. The Judd Foundation provides two different tours. The Block Tour provides a tour of Judd's personal workspace, home and library. The Block Tour is a great introduction to who Donald Judd was and his art work. The Studios Tour provides a tour of Judd's downtown buildings, his art studio, architecture office and some of his early paintings from the '50s and '6os. The Studios Tour is a great tour of Judd's extensive collection of modernist and period furniture.
*BALLROOM MARFA | Ballroom Marfa is a non-profit contemporary cultural arts space dedicated to presenting cutting edge artists working in the visual arts, film, music, and performance. Gallery open Wednesday - Saturday.
INDE/JACOBS | Well designed gallery focussing on art by Chinati Foundation related artists and minimalist and reductive artists. Inventory includes prints by Donald Judd and Dan Flavin.
EXHIBITIONS 2D | Continuing, rotating exhibits of work by eleven artists from across the US with an emphasis on reductive and minimal drawing and sculpture. Open Wed-Sun 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
*AYN FOUNDATION | Check out the selections from Andy Warhol's The Last Supper and Maria Zerres' September Eleven. Thu-Sat 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
*PRESIDIO COUNTY COURTHOUSE | Visit Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. and climb to the top to get a view of Marfa in all directions. What a treat! The architecture is also very historical.
SHOPS
Hours may vary.
*FREDA | Locally made crafts and goods as well as carefully curated gems from elsewhere. Wednesday - Sunday 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.
*MARFA BRAND SOAP | You can pick up a bar in numerous locations in town but drop in their store and check out other cool bath knick knacks you may need. Campfire is Cindy's fave. Rose Clay is Dave's. Wednesday - Saturday 1 p.m. - 6 p.m.
*THE WRONG STORE | Cool shop in an old church. Features woodwork by Camp Bosworth with a drug cartel theme. They also have a great recs page. Open 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.
*COBRA ROCK | Well crafted boots, leather goods, and tees. Wednesday - Saturday 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
*EL COSMICO GIFT SHOP | Even if you're not staying at El Cosmico, it's worth a stop to walk around and check out their well curated gift shop. Sunday - Tuesday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Wednesday - Saturday 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
MARFA BOOK COMPANY | Book store and gift shop inside the Hotel Saint George, open everyday 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.
*RABA MARFA | A fun little vintage shop next to the Water Stop. Open Thursday – Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Open Sunday 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.
*DIRT | Cacti shop inside a truck! Open Friday - Monday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
GARZA MARFA | Only open by appointment but their textiles and furniture pieces are amazing and can be seen around town! Worth browsing and shopping online.