Tyler, Texas, United States
There are many reasons to plan a getaway in Tyler, Texas (and a cozy, comfortable stay at the centrally located Rose Cottage): the famous Azalea Trail in the springtime; hiking, biking, and other recreation on the many trails and outdoor areas in the forests and famous piney woods surrounding Tyler; shopping, delicious local food, etc.
But did you know about Tyler’s wonderful arts and culture scene?
It’s an excellent time to visit Tyler any time of year, but enjoying the museums, theaters, and galleries during the holiday season gives you even more reasons to enjoy all the fun, free, and cheap things to do in Tyler.
Tyler is a small town that’s intentionally cultivated its’ art scene for many decades. There’s something for everyone—children, locals, and visitors to enjoy. Museums, art, and entertainment can be found here year-round, but you can also find seasonal and holiday performances and displays to enjoy.
A visit to East Texas isn’t complete without a trip to the Tyler Rose Garden and Museum. Stroll through the internationally famous gardens and get the background history from the museum.
Check out items from the iconic Texas Rose Festival that’s been going on since 1933.
A trip to the museum is a wonderful experience for locals and tourists alike that includes indoor and outdoor displays and interactive exhibits that the whole family will enjoy.
Tyler is a hub for theater and the arts. The Caldwell Auditorium and Cowan Center at UT Tyler both feature local, regional, and national theater, musical, and dance productions.
Check online for their schedules of events.
The University of Texas at Tyler R. Don Cowan Fine and Performing Arts Center showcases everything from local to touring events, such as a Distinguished Lecture Series, Broadway Series, and Performing Arts Series.
Another enjoyable performance in Tyler is the Texas Symphony Orchestra, which has performed in Tyler since 1936. Check out their website for upcoming performances.
There’s also the city of Tyler’s “Liberty Hall,” which features everything from classic films to live music to comedy.
The Hall itself is owned by the city of Tyler and has been in operation since 1930. There’s also the Tyler Civic Theater, which has gone through several incarnations since its’ formation in 1927.
Take a look at their website for a list of their performances and how to donate.
Historic downtown Tyler has a wonderful selection of free and affordable art exhibits to enjoy.
Make a visit to Tyler’s “Art Alley,” which is an installation showcasing the work of local artists for everyone to enjoy. Art Alley is another great example of how the city of Tyler pays attention to places to showcase local art and artists—a formerly dingy alley transformed into a local art exhibit for visitors and locals alike to take part in.
On Tyler’s North College Avenue, you’ll find the Gallery on Mainstreet, which is an art gallery that presents a rotational display of juried exhibits, is free to the public, and is open six days a week.
If art galleries are your scene, it’s also a must-do on a visit to Tyler to check out the Hinds Fine Art Gallery and Tyler Museum of Art. The Museum of Art officially opened in 1971 as a local nonprofit and can be found on the Tyler Junior College Campus.
When planning a family getaway, it’s always good to check out what local theaters, museums, and other performances are happening while you’re visiting.
As you can see from the above list, Tyler, Texas, goes above and beyond what many towns offer when it comes to a local art scene. Tyler’s community has cultivated its arts and culture options for many decades and hopes to share them with visitors and locals alike.
Before you plan your visit, make sure you look online to see what great music, dance, theater, and art are happening during your stay. Aside from entertainment and making memories with the whole family, it’s also a great way to help support the arts in the community you’re visiting.
If you’re looking for a trip that will be fun for the whole family, is affordable, and will give you wonderful forever memories—especially during the holidays—a trip to Tyler and enjoying all this small town with its’ big arts and culture scene has to offer will give you all that and more.
