About the Museum

Welcome to the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum. Founded in 1975 by over 500 community leaders under the leadership of George T. Abell, the Museum tells the story of petroleum and the rugged lives of men and women who sought a better life.

What started as a community dream 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.

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 40,000 square feet of interactive education and entertainment for adventurers of all ages. The mission of the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum is to share the petroleum and energy story and its impact on our lives.

Special thanks to XTO Energy for sponsoring our Virtual Tour!