TRAVEL

Photo story: A window into West Texas culture

From Marfa to Marathon, and all the miles between, West Texas blends rich heritage with bold creative energy—where frontier history meets contemporary art and culture.

A visitor walks towards Matt Johnson's Sleeping Figure (2023), an art installation in Marfa, Texas.

Photograph by Tara Kerzhner

Where vast horizons meet dynamic expression, West Texas unfolds as a canvas of culture, history, and creativity. From the striking art installations of Marfa to the historic charm of Alpine and Marathon, this region pulses with a unique spirit that blends frontier grit with cultural innovation. Whether you’re exploring outdoor galleries or staying in one-of-a-kind accommodations, West Texas invites you to discover a world where art, culture, and heritage come alive against a backdrop of sweeping vistas and endless skies.

Experience the spirit and soul of West Texas—one frame at a time.

Sleeping Figure by Matt Johnson — Marfa, Texas — a small West Texas town home to approximately 1,600 residents — has emerged as an international arts hub in recent years. Here, installations like *Sleeping Figure* (2023) by Matt Johnson punctuate the landscape. Constructed from decommissioned shipping containers, *Sleeping Figure* spans 150 feet and rises 40 feet into the air.
Photograph by Tara Kerzhner

No.1193 Mesh (2023) by Rana Begum — *No. 1193 Mesh* (2023) by Rana Begum consists of stacked, powder-coated steel mesh grid modules. In daylight, its vivid colors—orange, pink, and yellow—emulate Texas sunlight. As dusk approaches, it transforms and the glow of sunset silhouettes the installation, enhancing its sculptural presence.
Photograph by Tara Kerzhner

Roll Gate (2022) by Charles Harlan — *Roll Gate* (2022) by Charles Harlan features a single roll-down gate—typically used to secure storefronts—reimagined as a freestanding sculpture.
Photograph by Tara Kerzhner

Marfa adobe-style structure — *Roll Gate* (2022) by Charles Harlan features a single roll-down gate—typically used to secure storefronts—reimagined as a freestanding sculpture.
Photograph by Tara Kerzhner

Sam Falls' installation *Life in California* (2023) features a red truck transformed by the elements and time. Visible in the background is Matt Johnson's *Sleeping Figure* (2023).
Photograph by Tara Kerzhner

Presidio County Courthouse in Marfa, Texas — The Presidio County Courthouse in Marfa is known for its distinctive pink stucco exterior. Built in 1887, it showcases the Second Empire architectural style with Italianate features. The courthouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.
Mansfield Photo / Adobe Stock

Twenty-five miles east of Marfa is Alpine, Texas. With a population around 6,000, Alpine is known as the cultural heart of West Texas and blends historic charm with modern flair. Visitors can explore its landmark hotels, enjoy a variety of trendy food trucks and cafes, and admire vibrant street murals that add color and creativity to the downtown area.
Jason / Adobe Stock

Windmill at sunset in Alpine, Texas — In Alpine, even a windmill at sunset feels like a postcard—every corner, every scene, steeped in West Texas charm.
Photograph by Woc Leeds / Adobe Stock

to come. — Continuing 30 miles east of Alpine is the town of Marathon, home to less than 300 residents. Its most iconic landmark is the Gage Hotel, built in 1927 by local rancher and businessman Alfred Gage.
Photograph by Tara Kerzhner

Southwestern decor in the courtyard of the Gage Hotel — The courtyard of the Gage Hotel features adobe-like structures and Southwestern décor, including rustic wooden beams and dried chile garlands.
Photographs by Lydia Schrandt / Alamy Stock

The Gage Hotel — The courtyard of the Gage Hotel features adobe-like structures and Southwestern décor, including rustic wooden beams and dried chile garlands.
Photographs by Lydia Schrandt / Alamy Stock

Skull wall at the Gage Hotel — One of the Gage Hotel's most memorable features is a stucco wall decorated with cattle skulls — a nod to Marathon’s frontier past.
Photograph by Ben Lowy