The future of one of Houston’s most distinctive historic landmarks is taking a hopeful step forward. The Texas Historical Commission (THC) has signed a six‑month lease for the 1940 Air Terminal Museum, allowing the agency to fully evaluate whether the site should join its statewide network of historic properties. The lease, effective July 1, pauses all efforts to remove artifacts and exhibits while the assessment continues.

The museum, housed in the original Houston Municipal Airport Terminal, served as the city’s primary air terminal from 1940 until 1955. Its Art Deco architecture and aviation heritage have made it a beloved fixture for historians, aviation enthusiasts, and visitors alike. After facing financial challenges, the museum closed in May and had planned to vacate the building by June 30.

The THC has already completed the initial phases of its review. This short‑term lease now opens the door for the final stage—an in‑depth analysis of the museum’s financial sustainability, operational feasibility, and the deferred maintenance required to bring the building up to code and meet accessibility standards. The findings will help determine whether the museum can be reopened and operated as an official state historic site.

“While there is no guarantee for the 1940 Air Terminal Museum to be reopened as a state historic site, we enter this final phase of assessment with optimism,” said Joseph Bell, Executive Director of the Texas Historical Commission. “We will make every consideration possible to move forward in that direction.”

If added to the THC’s portfolio, the museum would join 42 state historic sites and a wide range of heritage tourism programs managed by the agency. The THC’s mission centers on preserving Texas’s historic and prehistoric resources for education, enjoyment, and economic benefit—making the 1940 Air Terminal Museum a fitting candidate for consideration.

For now, the lease ensures the building and its collections remain intact while the Commission completes its due diligence. As the assessment unfolds over the next six months, supporters of the museum—and fans of Texas aviation history—will be watching closely.