Texas Performing Arts now owns the most extensive educational collection of Hollywood motion picture backdrops in the world, made possible by the generous donations of J.C. Backings and the ADG Archives Backdrop Recovery Project. The collection of sixty-eight historic paintings mirrors the research gathered by UT Austin Faculty co-authors Karen Maness and Richard Isackes to create their award-winning publication, The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop, Regan Arts 2016. In addition, the collection includes backings from iconic films brought here to educate the next generation of artists in the Texas Performing Arts Fabrication Studios.

On April 20, 2022, the first comprehensive national museum exhibition of Hollywood motion picture scenic art opened at the Boca Raton Museum of Art. The show features 20 backdrops from Texas Performing Arts Hollywood Backdrop Collection, including National Velvet (MGM 1944), The Sound of Music (20th Century Fox 1965), Ben Hur (MGM 1959), and North by Northwest (MGM 1958).

To support this project, please contact Anna Langdell, Director of Development at alangdell@texasperformingarts.org.

IN THE NEWS
Boca Raton Museum of Art Dedicates New Exhibition to Hollywood’s Painted Backdrops - Below the Line
Hollywood movie backdrops premiere in South Florida - USA TODAY
Boca Raton Museum of Art to open 'Art of the Hollywood Backdrop' exhibit - WPBF News
'Art of the Hollywood Backdrop' Paints a Mood in Boca - MiamiArtZine
Forgotten Hollywood backdrops become star attraction - The Times of London
Florida museum features massive scenic backdrops from iconic films - New York Post
‘Art of the Hollywood Backdrop: Cinema’s Creative Legacy’ Review: Movie Backgrounds in the Foreground - Wall Street Journal
Backdrop, Front and Center! - Palm Beach Florida Weekly

Alcalde Docs | Setting the Scene from Texas Exes on YouTube.

The backstory on Hollywood movie backdrops from CBS Sunday Morning on YouTube.

Art of the Hollywood Backdrop from Boca Raton Museum of Art on YouTube.