The Citadelle story begins in a 1910 red-brick church that anchors a quiet corner of Canadian, Texas. In 1977, Dr. Malouf Abraham Jr. and his wife, Therese Browne Abraham, bought the former sanctuary, turned it into their family home, and—three decades later—gave the entire property, its gardens, and their growing art collection to the public. That gift became The Citadelle Art Museum, which officially opened its museum doors in 2009.
OUR STORY
From historic church to community museum
Meet our Founders:
Dr. Malouf & Therese Abraham
Dr. Abraham was an Air Force veteran, a respected allergist, and an unapologetic art lover. He and Therese made their first significant purchase—Norman Rockwell’s First Day of School—on what was supposed to be a window-shopping trip to New York in 1972. That impulse buy sparked a lifetime of collecting and, ultimately, their decision to share art with the Panhandle through The Citadelle.
Therese, a former mayor of Canadian and tireless community volunteer, partnered with Malouf in everything from selecting paintings to welcoming school groups. Together, they created spaces that feel as hospitable as their own living room.
A Family Legacy of Generosity
The museum’s main exhibition hall—the Iris & “Oofie” Abraham Gallery—honors Malouf’s parents, local philanthropists Iris and Malouf “Oofie” Abraham Sr. The 1,400-square-foot space, completed in 2009, has featured masters such as Mary Cassatt, J.C. Leyendecker, and Marc Chagall.
The Permanent Collection
Over forty years have been spent in a passionate search for objects that represent human effort in its finest moments, objects that clearly were inspired. Being “pretty” is not enough to get into this collection.
The Citadelle Art Museum permanent collection includes over 150 paintings from around the globe. Numerous one-of-a-kind sculptures and fine antiques round out the collection.
