The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum
Welcome to The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum! Founded in 1975 by George T. Abell, the Museum tells the story of petroleum and the rugged lives of men and women who sought a better life.
Every visit to The Petroleum Museum is an opportunity to experience the fun side of science firsthand. Our spectacular exhibit wings offer remarkable insight into the scientific and technological world around us, from the age when dinosaurs roamed the Permian Basin to the Wild Oil Boom in West Texas!
What started as a dream of one man in 1957 has, over time, become the nation's largest museum dedicated to the petroleum industry and its pioneers.
The Petroleum Museum has welcomed over one million visitors worldwide. It shares the petroleum and energy story and its impact on our daily lives through educational programs, interactive exhibits, an Archives Center and its Petroleum Hall of Fame.
The Museum's educational programs are designed with the concept that doing is better than just reading about science. These programs are highlighted in community events such as quarterly Family Science Nights, Lunch and Lectures, a Puppet Show, Summer Day Camps, Summer Movie Camps and Scout Camp-ins. With something for everyone, learning at The Petroleum Museum is never ending.
The addition of the Transportation Wing in 2004, which houses the Chaparral Gallery, enables the Museum to enhance the story of the interdependence of petroleum and surface transportation by telling the pioneering history of the Chaparral Road Racers. The applications of engineering sciences, particularly those in aerodynamics and mechanical engineering, are embedded throughout the exhibits and Chaparral Car displays. Each discipline was mastered by the Chaparral team to design and build the race cars that would revolutionize motor sports.
Indeed, a visit to The Petroleum Museum is an amazing journey through over 230 million years of history. Located in the heart of the Permian Basin, The Petroleum Museum offers over 32,000 square feet of interactive education and entertainment for adventure of all ages.
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