Arts and Culture

Palestine’s small-town charm is accented by its diverse population’s affection for good food, eclectic music and living history. Residents and visitors have access to dozens of homegrown boutique shops and restaurants, where local craftspeople show off their East Texas heritage. There are a number of places to live, learn and play, including:


The Texas Theater

A movie palace built in the 1930, this restored and meticulously maintained example of Spanish Colonial architecture is considered the crown jewel of downtown Palestine, and remains one of the finest venues for live entertainment in the region.

The Curious Museum

Based on the world-famous Exploratorium in San Francisco, this is a hands on learning experience for all ages, promoting creativity and imagination.

The Museum of East Texas Culture

Housed in a 102-year-old high school, this must-see museum features a vintage classroom, log cabin, railroad memorabilia and exhibits that dig deep into Palestine’s and Anderson County’s rich history.

Railroad Heritage Center of Palestine

Located on Main Street near the Palestine Visitor Center, this interactive space features model trains, historical artifacts and train memorabilia to delight any age.

The Gallery at Redlands

Dr. David Tripp is now part of the written history of the fabulous Redlands Building at The Gallery at Redlands. 

Sacred Heart Catholic Church

Built in 1893, using 675,000 bricks, molded by hand and baked on site.  The church has beautiful stained glass imported from Italy and France and a Pilcher pipe organ.

Howard House Museum

Showcasing elegant Greek Revival architecture built in 1851, Howard House Museum is an official Texas Historical Landmark where visitors can peruse period furnishings, artworks, and other memorabilia evocative of a familial residence in the 1880s.

Mt. Vernon AME Church

This Gothic style church built in 1921 is home to a congregation organized in 1873 that makes it the third oldest African-Methodist-Episcopal congregation in Texas.

Art Tracks

The Palestine Art Tracks Sculpture Exhibit is a juried outdoor sculpture exhibit with each piece on loan for one year and rotated every October.

Pilgrim Church

An authentic reconstruction of the original 1833 house of worship, said to be the first Protestant church in Texas.

Railyard Park

The Palestine Railroad Heritage Sculpture Park is located at Oak and Spring Streets, and it commemorates Palestine’s railroad past.

Anderson County Courthouse

Built in 1914, the Anderson County Courthouse, features beaux-arts architecture with a double-spiral staircase and a beautiful stained glass montage in the dome.

Historic Main Street District

A Texas Main Street City that covers 44 blocks of downtown, Old Town, and the Courthouse Square where you can enjoy historic architecture, shopping, antiques, restaurants and more.

Carnegie Library

Built in 1914 and registered as a Texas Historical Landmark in 1970, this gorgeous building is one of only 13 remaining Carnegie Library buildings in Texas.

Dogwood Jamboree

The Dogwood Jamboree is a Branson-style country music show filled with family fun, laughter and great classic country music from some of the best artists anywhere.

Historic Walking and Drive Tours

Print and on-line guides are available at the Palestine Visitor Center for a drive through historic neighborhoods, downtown walking tours highlighting architecture, art, unique shopping and dining, or drives through the country side featuring lakes, parks and community forests.