The Museum of Western Art was opened in 1983. The building has a very unique design both inside and out. The outside is made to resemble a fortified hacienda. The inside is even more special with mesquite flooring and Saltillo tiles which give it a very warm southwestern feel. The building uses heavy lumber and imposing stacked limestone retaining walls. The building itself is around 14,000 square ft. Ford made use of bovedas to demonstrate true artisan craftsmanship.