Blurred motion of people visiting art gallery, they walking along the hall among paintings on the wall
One of the best ways to get to know a city is through its art, so we’ve created a guide to help you discover Dallas through seven of its most enriching museums. From classical and contemporary art to history and science, this guide is for the curious minds and culture enthusiasts that are looking to explore the roots of The Big D.
Dallas Museum of Art
1717 N. Harwood St., Dallas, TX 75201
Wed-Sun: 11a.m.-5 p.m.
From contemporary installations to paintings and sculptures, the Dallas Museum of Art has much to offer lovers of the arts. Located in downtown Dallas, the DMA ranks as one of the leading art institutions in the country with its innovative exhibitions like “He Said/She Said: Contemporary Women Artists Interject,” a feminist piece that questions the narrative of the single male genius, and “Not Visible to the Naked Eye: Inside a Senufo Helmet Mask,” which explores the Komo, a secret all-male African society. With over 24,000 collections from around the world, ranging from Jean-Baptiste Marie Pierre and Claude Monet to statues dating back to 900-500 B.C., beautiful pieces of history are at your fingertips.
Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, photograph by Carol M. Highsmith
Museum of Nature and Science
2201 N. Field St., Dallas, TX 75201
Mon-Sat: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.Sun: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas is a dynamic and engaging six-floor institution that brims with wonders of the scientific and natural worlds.
Perot features 11 permanent exhibits with a wide range of subjects from the dinosaur-age to human evolution and modern technology. Museum and history lovers will find the Perot Museum a captivating place to engage with through its memorable installations. Especially fascinating exhibits include the massive Malawisaurus skeleton, the Expansive Universe Hall that features an immersive 3D journey through the solar system, the Human Genome Project that features interactive displays about the complexities of genetics, and the sports hall where visitors can explore the science of sports and analyze their movements in real time. With its one-of-a-kind experience, Perot offers guests the opportunity to explore our planet and history through interactive and fun exhibitions.
Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, photograph by Carol M. Highsmith
The Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum: The Samurai Collection
2501 N. Harwood St. Ste. 225, Dallas, TX 75201
Wed-Sun: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
The Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum, also known as the Samurai Collection, features a must-see collection of samurai armor located in Dallas’ downtown historic district. Dedicated to the rich, vibrant history and artistry of the samurai, it boasts one of the largest collections of samurai weapons and artifacts outside of Japan. For a deep dive on the samurai’s role in Japanese history, explore the world of these legendary warriors via hundreds of intricately-crafted suits of armor, helmets, and weaponry.
George W. Bush Presidential Center
2943 SMU Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75205
Mon-Sat: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.Sun: 12-5 p.m.
The George W. Bush Presidential Center offers an immersive experience into the presidency of Texas-raised former president, George W. Bush. Through exhilarating exhibits, multimedia elements, and historical artifacts, the center showcases various key events and decisions during Bush’s tenure as president during major crises in the United States. Visitors are able to explore a replica of the Oval Office, view Bush’s personal belongings, and learn more about a contemporary president that was behind many key moments in American history. For political buffs, this museum is a must to check out when in the Dallas area.
Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, photograph by Carol M. Highsmith
Valley House Gallery & Sculpture Garden
6616 Spring Valley Rd., Dallas, TX 75254
Mon-Sat: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Valley House Gallery & Sculpture Garden provides a relaxing and unique museum experience unlike any other. Not only are there artworks to explore inside of the museum, but exhibitions are displayed in a garden area as well. While here, be sure to check out works by David A. Dreyer, known for his abstract paintings and sculptures that explore themes of nature and spirituality. There’s also Lindy Chambers, whose work features vibrant and whimsical themes that often depict rural Texas landscapes and scenes. The Sculpture Garden contains a variety of outdoor sculptures set in a serene landscape, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in nature and art.
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
411 Elm St., Dallas, TX 75202
Wed-Sun: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Located on the sixth floor of the Dallas County Administration Building in downtown Dallas, this significant and somber historical site is dedicated to the former United States President John F. Kennedy who was assassinated in Dallas by Lee Harvey Oswald. Over 350,000 people from over 133 countries come and visit this location every year. The museum examines the life, death, and legacy of this American president and how this pivotal moment in time affected the country forever. This museum’s exhibition area features various photographs, artifacts, and historical film footage highlighting Kennedy’s assassination, the events that followed it, and conspiracy theories about this impactful event. For anyone interested in American history and Kennedy’s presidential legacy, this museum is a stop you can’t miss.
Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, photograph by Carol M. Highsmith
Dallas Contemporary
161 Glass St., Dallas, TX 75207
Tue-Sat: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun: 12-5 p.m.
Founded in 1978, Dallas Contemporary offers visitors a chance to experience the forefront of contemporary art, engage with unique exhibitions, and immerse themselves in a vibrant community of artists. Through displays of rotating exhibitions, engaging programs, and cutting-edge art pieces by contemporary artists, Dallas Contemporary presents new and challenging ideas from regional, national, and international artists. If you’re a lover of diverse art mediums and styles, this museum is the place for you. Some past notable exhibitions include works like Mickalene Thomas’s “Do I Look Like A Lady?” that addresses issues of identity, gender, and race through multi-layered works and Pedro Reyes’s “For Future Reference” that combine sculpture and performance to explore political and social themes. Dallas Contemporary is where art comes alive. Discover the exhilarating pieces that make this museum a must-visit destination.
