See the Exhibit in Alpine
Set high in the wide-open landscapes of Far West Texas, Alpine is a place where creativity and resilience meet under expansive desert skies. From its railroad roots to its current role as a cultural hub for the Big Bend region, the community has long been shaped by independent thinkers, artists, and entrepreneurs who see possibility in its rugged beauty. Walkable streets reveal vibrant murals, galleries, and locally owned shops, while a lively arts scene brings fresh energy to this remote destination. With the arrival of the Spark! Places of Innovation exhibition, Alpine highlights how innovation thrives here—where bold ideas are nurtured by space, spirit, and a deep sense of place.
See the exhibit in Alpine from July 3 through August 9, 2026.
Next Stop: Taylor, TX
The Smithsonian's national traveling exhibit, Spark! Places of Innovation, will be travelling to six small towns spread across Texas.
To catch the exhibit when it's in your neck of the woods, check out other dates and locations by visiting our main exhibit page.
Community Host
The Museum of the Big Bend is a cornerstone of Alpine’s cultural landscape, where the stories of the Big Bend region come to life through history, art, and shared experience. Located on the campus of Sul Ross State University, the museum has long served as a steward of the region’s rich and diverse heritage - collecting, preserving, and interpreting materials that span thousands of years of human and natural history. Through immersive exhibits like Big Bend Legacy, rotating galleries, and educational programming, the museum connects visitors to the people, landscapes, and cultures that define this remarkable corner of Texas. As the host for Spark! Places of Innovation, the Museum of the Big Bend continues its mission by highlighting how innovation grows from a deep understanding of place, history, and community.
The Local Story
Each of the six host communities plan to put their own local spin on the national story with additional exhibits, events, tours, and more.
The Big Bend's Legacy of Innovation
As part of the Smithsonian’s SPARK! Places of Innovation exhibition, the Museum of the Big Bend will feature selections from its permanent history exhibits as the local companion exhibit. Exploring the people, industries, cultures, and ideas that shaped Far West Texas, the exhibit highlights the innovation, resilience, and ingenuity that helped communities survive and thrive in the Big Bend region — from early transportation and ranching to border culture, trade, art, and everyday life in a rugged landscape.
Visitor Information
Plan Your Trip
Expand the items below to find all the information you need to see the national traveling exhibit in Alpine. While you're there, take advantage of all there is to do in the Big Bend Region and beyond! Discover places to stay, dine, and things to do.
Exhibit Location
The national exhibit can be viewed at the Museum of the Big Bend on the Sul Ross State University campus.
400 N. Harrison Street
Alpine, Tx 79832
Alpine's local exhibit is also located at the Museum of the Big Bend.
Fee and Hours
The exhibit will be on display from July 3 to August 9, 2026.
Hours:
Tuesday-Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Closed Sundays and Mondays
Fee:
Free of charge
Parking Information
The Museum of the Big Bend is located at the northeast corner of the Sul Ross State University campus and can be reached only via Entrance Four from Harrison Street. Go straight on Harrison until you see the museum on your right.
The visitor parking lot is across the street on the left.
Accessibility
The Museum of the Big Bend is ADA Compliant.
Local Exhibit
While in town to see the Smithsonian's "Spark! Places of Innovation" exhibit, please also visit the local exhibit, "The Big Bend's Legacy of Innovation".
The Big Bend's Legacy of Innovation
Museum of the Big Bend
400 N. Harrison Street
Alpine, TX 79832
Hours:
Tuesday-Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Closed Sundays and Mondays
Additional Programming
While you're in town to see the exhibit, stay a while longer to enjoy the incredible lineup of additional programming. For more information on other things to see and do while you're in check out the programs below. Visit https://www.museumofthebigbend.com/spark for additional programming updates.
And for even more fun in Alpine, be sure to check out the Visit Alpine TX website for information on more things to see and do while you're in town.
Alpine Events
JULY - AUGUST 2026
Postcards from the Border
July 3 - August 8
The Art of the Camera: Glenn Burgess Collection
July 3 - August 8
Healing Under the Stars: CreatiVets Astrophotography Exhibition
July 3 - August 9
Leather, Legacy & Craft: Daily Saddlemaking Demonstrations at Big Bend Saddlery
July 3 - August 9
Building the Big Bend: Exploring the CCC, WPA, and New Deal Legacy of Far West Texas
July 3 - August 9
The Big Bend's Legacy of Innovation
July 3 - August 9
JULY 2026
SPARK! Places of Innovation Opening Reception
July 3
Summer Music Under the Stars Concert Series
July 7, 14, 21, and 28
SPARK! in the Park Star Party
July 9
Texas Downtown Regional Roundtable (pre-registration required)
July 9-10
The Archives of the Big Bend 50th Anniversary Shindig
July 10
KVLF Open House
July 15, 2026
Movie at the Museum "Ten in Texas"
July 15, 2026
Fossil Dig with Big Bend Ranch State Park
July 15
Innovation Summer Art Camp
July 20-24
Astronomy Adventures with McDonald Observatory
July 22
The Art & Innovation of Instrument Making
July 25
Astronomy Adventures with McDonald Observatory
July 29
AUGUST 2026
Alpine Mural Community Paint
August 1
Touch a Truck/End of Summer Reading Celebration
August 1
Transpecos Wildlife Conference
August 5-7
Connecting the Big Bend: Big Bend Telephone Open House
August 6
Big Bend Ranch Rodeo
August 8
Big Bend National Park Events
JULY 2026
How It Was Made: The Fossil Discovery Exhibit
July 6 and 20
Big Bend National Park: Artist in Residence
July 9
Big Bend National Park: Artist in Residence
July 16
El Paso Events
JULY 2026
Magoffin Home State Historic Site Hard Hat Tours
July 8, 11, and 15
Three Sisters Salad Cooking Class
July 11 and 18
America250 Lecture: Mayor Magoffin - Father of El Paso with Machelle Wood
July 23
El Paso County Events
JULY 2026
Salsa Fest (San Elizario)
July 11
San Elizario Historical Walking Tour
July 12
Molcajete Curing Workshop (San Elizario)
July 24
AUGUST 2026
Cacao Chocolate Grinding Workshop (San Elizario)
August 8
Fort Davis Events
JULY - AUGUST 2026
Davis Mountains Rotating Exhibit (July and August)
- July 3-11, 2026 (Fort Davis National Historic Site)
- July 12-18, 2026 (Davis Mountains State Park)
- July 19-25, 2026 (Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute)
- July 26-August 1, 2026 (McDonald Observatory)
JULY 2026
Old Spanish Trail Gallery & Museum Reception
July 4
1880's Baseball
July 5
The Camels are Coming!
July 8-9
Indian Lodge Tours
July 12-18
Marfa Events
Chinati Open Studio Days Art Lab
July 11, 18, and 25, 2026
Presidio Events
JULY 2026
Constitution to Nature
July 4
My name is Mud... or is it... Adobe
July 8
Corn Husk Dolls Workshop
July 9
“Hoja de Tamal” Trinkets
July 23