The City of Brownsville, in collaboration with the Mitte Cultural District, announced at a press conference on Monday the transformation of the former Brownsville Museum of Fine Art into The Mitte: Arts and Cultural Center, a dynamic new cultural hub designed to serve and inspire the entire community.
Unveiled during a press conference, the project was celebrated as a visionary partnership aimed at enhancing Brownsville’s quality of life through the arts, culture, and education. The reimagined space will feature rotating art exhibitions, live performances, and a diverse array of educational programs, making it a vibrant hub for all ages.
“This partnership is a bold step forward,” said Brownsville Mayor John Cowen Jr. “Together, the City and the Mitte Cultural District are revitalizing a treasured space and turning it into something that will serve generations of Brownsville families. The forthcoming Mitte Arts and Cultural Center is poised to become a cornerstone of creativity, education, art, and tourism. It supports our goals of enhancing the quality of life and building a thriving and inclusive city.”
The transformation is made possible through collaboration with some of Brownsville’s most prominent cultural institutions, including the Children’s Museum of Brownsville, Revival of Cultural Arts (ROCA), and the Gladys Porter Zoo. Together, these organizations will curate innovative events and programming that celebrate local heritage while promoting artistic engagement and community collaboration.
“Today represents more than just a building,” said Daniella Lopez-Valdez, Director of the Mitte Cultural District. “It is a promise for future generations, to preserve culture, nurture local artists and talents, and create a space where every member of our community feels welcome.”
As part of the development, the Mitte Cultural District will invest a minimum of $2.5 million in capital improvements over the next 18 months to enhance and modernize the facility.
“This has been an amazing project to see come to fruition,” said R.J. Mitte, President of the Mitte Foundation. “On behalf of my family and the Mitte Foundation, I am honored to celebrate the launch of The Mitte, and to witness the transformation of the arts museum into a cultural center for all.”
The Mitte: Arts and Cultural Center is part of the City’s broader initiative to invest in cultural infrastructure and promote Brownsville as a destination for arts, innovation, and family-friendly experiences.
Details on the grand opening, upcoming programming, and community input opportunities will be announced in the coming weeks.