Arts and Culture
Canadian Cultural District
Rooted in the Canadian River Valley, Canadian is a community where families, businesses, arts and education are valued. Home to museums, galleries, performances and festivals, Canadian is a year-round destination.
The prevalence of art in the community prompted the city of Canadian to establish the Canadian Cultural District. Since 2017, the District has provided unity to our historical assets, local culture and arts scene. The district is home to many well-known annual events including festivals, music performances, fall foliage tours, museums and art exhibitions, artist and writer workshops, local industry conferences, rodeos and more. The Canadian Cultural District and its partners draw thousands of visitors into the River City each year.
Canadian Cultural District, designated by the Texas Commission on the Arts in 2018, encompasses the historical heart of the city along Main and 2nd St with outstanding natural and cultural parts north and south on Highway 60. In addition to many historically significant buildings, the cultural district includes a world class art museum, an outstanding regional history museum, a library located in the historic 1911 WCTU building, and a beautifully restored 1909 movie theatre.
Learn more by contacting the Canadian-Hemphill County Chamber of Commerce.
Cultural Destinations
The Citadelle Art Foundation
The Citadelle Art Foundation provides a sanctuary for all forms of expressions that celebrate life through art. The Foundation’s permanent collection includes over 150 paintings from around the globe. Numerous one-of-a kind sculptures and fine antiques complete the collection. This Canadian landmark was built in 1910 as the First Baptist Church. In 1977 the Abrahams purchased it, converting it into their family residence. They have donated the mansion, art, and gardens as a public art museum, known as The Citadelle Art Foundation. The Citadelle is home to several temporary exhibitions each year. It has showcased many big names in art including Mary Cassatt, J.C. Leyendecker, Marc Chagall, Edgar Degas, and many more.
520 E. NELSON AVE CANADIAN, TX 79014
River Valley Pioneer Museum
The River Valley Pioneer Museum offers historic interpretation of the settlement period in the eastern Texas Panhandle. From Spanish conquistadores and Indian battles to railroads and oil booms, Hemphill County, Texas, has seen it all. This land of sage-covered sand hills, rolling breaks and deep canyons cut by the Canadian River is home to ranching pioneers, a successful ranching and farming culture, as well as a thriving oil and natural gas industries. The museum hosts permanent as well as rotating exhibits extensive collections related to the area's settlement. A wide ranging collection of historical artifacts, art and interactive activities make this museum fun for all ages. So, stop in and experience our history--it's alive and kicking!
118 N. 2ND ST, CANADIAN, TX 79014
The Palace Theatre
Canadian’s Palace Theatre is often called ‘the crown jewel of Main Street.’ Originally built in 1909, the completely-renovated Palace has vintage clocks, signs, and telephones; original 1940 Gregg push-back theatre seats; and a state-of-the-art projection and sound system. The theatre also boasts Sony 4K technology, creating crystal-clear pictures. Along with Hollywood releases, the 289 seat auditorium also accommodates organizations and local and regional school districts for gatherings and special events. Locally owned and operated, The Palace broadcasts live sporting events featuring the Canadian Wildcats, as well as free movies sponsored by businesses and non-profits. The theatre also serves as an event venue.
210 MAIN ST. CANADIAN, TX 79014
Canadian River Art Center
The Canadian River Art Center offers certified art instructions for youth and continuing art education for adults. The organization’s mission is to provide positive learning environments, promote a love of learning, encouraging creativity and self expression. Current class offerings include ‘Intro to the Arts for Three to Four Year Olds,’ by Kayla Gregg; Michael Longhofer’s Professional Art Classes for students and adults, and ‘Paint Nights’ with Cara Dawn Macias.
Additional programs are offered seasonally. Please contact CRAC for current offerings.
Canadian Arts Alliance
Canadian Arts Alliance, a member supported organization, believes that the arts are an integral part of the wellbeing of our community. Their mission is to promote the state of the arts in Canadian, Texas and the surrounding area by sharing artists’ and musicians’ belief of enriching the community by highlighting local talent and by offering the community a chance to experience new cultural events.
CAA sponsors a children’s theatre workshop each summer, community theatre productions, writer’s workshops, and award annual high school scholarships.
Sunset Park
Sunset Park at the south edge of town offers a chance to get outside, stroll along the walking path and admire a variety of sculptures. Sunset Park is a 5.6 acre tract of land, donated and dedicated as a park and given to the City of Canadian in 1999 by Mert and Betty Cooper. Contributions from the Cooper and Abraham families, along with those of others, have provided trees, rock gardens, walkways, benches, picnic areas, a watering system and a basketball court in the park. Sunset park offers a .5 mile walking trail, which meanders between the park’s sculptures. At night, Sunset Park’s walking trail and sculptures are illuminated for guests.
210 E. CEDAR ST, CANADIAN, TX 79014