Oct 8, 2025 - News
Why Big Tex's boots are on display outside the Renwick Gallery in D.C.
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Big Tex's 12-foot-tall boots are welcoming visitors to the Renwick Gallery's state fair exhibit until Sept. 7, 2026.
The big picture: "State Fairs: Growing American Craft" displays more than 240 artworks submitted to state fairs across the country.
- The gallery, part of the Smithsonian, curated the exhibit after five years of researching how artists contribute and show their work at fairs.
- Visitors can see a butter sculpture, a pyramid of preserves, seed paintings and other state fair works.
The intrigue: The size 96 boots debuted on a rebuilt Big Tex in 2013. Lucchese designed the 900-pound boots, which were hand-painted in Dallas by 14 artists.
- Tex got a makeover after he caught fire in 2012.
Zoom in: Tex's boots seldom leave the state. The pair visiting D.C. were retired in 2023.
- The boots are a replica of his originals from 1949.
Threat level: The Smithsonian museums will close to the public after Saturday if the government shutdown continues.