Don’t be surprised when you see the street signs – Arch Adams Street between West 7th Street and Lancaster Avenue in the Cultural District is no more. That segment of the street is now officially Van Cliburn Way.

Some folks dislike naming things after still-living people, and on occasion it can seem somewhat inappropriate – but in this case, we’re going to have to say “good move.” There are few people in Fort Worth history more worthy of such an honor than Van Cliburn, the legendary pianist who won went to Russia and won the International Tchaikovsky Piano Competition during the height of the Cold War and has since brought worldwide recognition and culture to Fort Worth through the famed Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. The man is one of Fort Worth’s treasures, and seeing that street sign between the Kimbell and Modern in the heart of Fort Worth’s Cultural District seems wholly appropriate.

Congratulations, Mr. Cliburn.