Updated June 2021
The DFW Metroplex is full of amazing, well-known art collections and museums. In Dallas, there is the Dallas Museum of Art, The Perot Museum of Nature and Science, and the Nasher Sculpture Center. In Fort Worth, you can find the Kimbell Art Museum, the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. But did you also know there are countless other museums, exhibitions, and sculpture gardens all over town? Take a look at some of the other hidden gems across Dallas and Fort Worth that you may want to visit if you haven’t already!
THE SAMURAI COLLECTION
THE SAMURAI COLLECTION
The Samurai museum is tucked away on the second level of the Saint Ann Building in the Harwood district. Curated and made possible by Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller, this collection features over 1000 pieces of authentic Japanese armor from their personal collection. This museum features the largest collection of samurai armor outside of Japan and continues to grow. Due to Covid-19, the Samurai collection is only open Saturdays & Sundays from 11 am - 5 pm, and admission is always free.
HARWOOD | DIRECTIONS
photo courtesy of the North Texas Swiss Club
THE CROW MUSEUM OF ASIAN ART
THE CROW MUSEUM OF ASIAN ART
The Crow museum was established by Trammel and Margaret Crow in 1998 and seeks to provide opportunities for the public to learn and discuss the art, history, and cultures of Asia. The collection features pieces from China, Japan, India, Korea and Southeastern Asia, and has an immense permanent collection. The Museum is open 11 am - 5 pm Tuesday-Sunday and admission is always free. They also frequently host complimentary yoga, meditation and wellness classes.
ARTS DISTRICT | DIRECTIONS
photo courtesy of Culture Map Dallas
THE DALLAS CONTEMPORARY
THE DALLAS CONTEMPORARY
The Dallas Contemporary is a non-collecting art institution in Dallas so the museum is constantly changing and evolving with new exhibits and featured artists. Always free of charge for guests, the museum aims to engage and educate visitors through contemporary artwork in a warehouse-style building. It’s tucked away in the Design District so is very unassuming, but once you step inside, you’ll be upset you never went before! The Museum is open from 11 am - 6 pm Tuesday – Saturday or 12-5 pm on Sunday.
DESIGN DISTRICT | DIRECTIONS
photo courtesy of D Magazine
GOSS MICHAEL FOUNDATION
GOSS MICHAEL FOUNDATION
The Goss Michael Foundation was started by the late George Michael and Kenny Goss. The collection is owned by Kenny Goss and features a range of contemporary artists like Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst, Marc Quinn, and Sir Michael Craig-Martin. The Foundation also features international artists on a rotating basis. Admission is always free and the foundation is open Monday-Friday from 10 am - 4 pm.
DESIGN DISTRICT | DIRECTIONS
photo courtesy of Art Privée
OLD PARKLAND: THE AMERICAN EXPERIMENT
OLD PARKLAND: THE AMERICAN EXPERIMENT
Old Parkland is perhaps one of the most hidden art collections in Dallas because it is actually never open to the public. If you are lucky enough to work within the Old Parkland, attend an event there, or have a connection to get you in though, you can see quite an amazing collection of artwork. Behind the grand gates, there are Rodin sculptures scattered throughout the courtyard, paintings from the 18th & 19th century adorning the walls, and historical artifacts on display in various buildings.
OAK LAWN | DIRECTIONS
photo courtesy of RSM Design
JESUIT DALLAS MUSEUM
JESUIT DALLAS MUSEUM
A college preparatory school might seem like an unlikely place to find an art collection, but the Jesuit Dallas Museum is full of amazing pieces from artists like Dale Chihuly, Salvador Dali, and Robert Rauschenberg. The collection of ceramics, paintings, and bronze sculptures are inconspicuously displayed all around the campus in hallways, classrooms and offices so students get to see them every day. For visitors, admission to the museum is free but you have to request a guided tour on their website to see the artwork.
PRESTON HOLLOW | DIRECTIONS
photo courtesy of Culture Map Dallas
VALLEY HOUSE GALLERY & SCULPTURE GARDEN
VALLEY HOUSE GALLERY & SCULPTURE GARDEN
Valley House Gallery and Sculpture Garden is one of the best hidden gems in Dallas. Nestled on a 6 acre lot in far North Dallas, Donald and Peggy Vogel started this gallery over 50 years ago to bring impressionist, post-impressionist, and contemporary artwork to Dallas for both the public and art collectors. You can tour the gallery full of artwork or wander through the serene sculpture garden Monday through Saturday from 10 am - 5 pm.
FAR NORTH DALLAS | DIRECTIONS
photo courtesy of Dallas Art Fair
NORTHPARK CENTER
NORTHPARK CENTER
Hidden in plain sight, NorthPark Center actually has an internationally acclaimed art collection within the mall itself. NorthPark features artists like Andy Warhol, Frank Stella, Joel Shapiro, Jim Dine, Jonathan Borofsky, James Rosenquist, Antony Gormley, Beverly Pepper, and many more. If you need help finding these amazing pieces next time you shop, pick up a complimentary map from the NorthPark concierge and take a tour through these amazing works.
NORTHEAST DALLAS | DIRECTIONS
photo courtesy of Paper City Magazine
MADI MUSEUM
MADI MUSEUM
MADI or the Museum of Geometric and MADI Art is the first museum with a focus on MADI art, which is art that is, “non-representational, hard-edged, and comes out of the frame”. This museum has over 150 pieces in its permanent collection from artists all across the globe who all have one thing in common, a love for geometric shapes and colorful artistry. Admission to the museum is always free and is open Monday-Saturday from 11 am - 5 pm and Sunday from 1 - 5 pm.
UPTOWN | DIRECTIONS
photo courtesy of Trip Advisor
THE TALLEY DUNN GALLERY
THE TALLEY DUNN GALLERY
The Talley Dunn Gallery aims to showcase groundbreaking contemporary art. While it primarily focuses on bringing art to collectors, visitors interested in modern art can visit the permanent collection along with all of the special exhibitions to learn more. The gallery supports both emerging and established artists, and is open from 10 am - 5 pm on Tuesday - Saturday by appointment only.
KNOX DISTRICT | DIRECTIONS
photo courtesy of Art & Seek
MEADOWS MUSEUM OF ART
MEADOWS MUSEUM OF ART
The Meadows Museum of Art was founded by Algur H. Meadows who spent decades of his life cultivating an immense collection of Spanish artwork. The collection includes works by Francisco de Goya, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, Juan Gris and many more, and is known to have one of the best Spanish art collections outside of Spain. Along with the original collection, the Meadows Museum continually acquires more artwork that is also on display along with the University Art Collection and the Elizabeth Meadows Sculpture collection. Visitors can see the collections Tuesday-Saturday from 10 am - 5 pm (open till 9 pm on Thursdays) and Sunday from 1 - 5 pm, and tickets are $12 for adults.
UNIVERSITY PARK | DIRECTIONS
photo courtesy of CN Traveler
HAAS MOTO MUSEUM
HAAS MOTO MUSEUM
The Haas Moto Museum showcases over 190 different motorcycles with 40 unique models spanning over 12 decades. You can walk through the huge 20,000 square foot space that houses this collection and see how the bikes evolved over time, learn about the motorcycle culture, and visit the sculpture garden. The Haas Moto Museum is open Thursday - Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm, and tickets for adults are $10.
DESIGN DISTRICT | DIRECTIONS
photo courtesy of Visit Dallas
THE WAREHOUSE DALLAS
THE WAREHOUSE DALLAS
The Warehouse Dallas is a huge exhibition space dedicated to promoting the careful observation, thought, and conversation on postwar modern and contemporary art. The Warehouse Dallas has over 800 pieces of contemporary art that were formerly housed in the Rachofsky house as well as ever changing exhibits and featured pieces on loan from other museums. Gather your friends together for a visit as tours are arranged for groups of 10-40 people by appointment only, but are always free.
ADDISON | DIRECTIONS
photo courtesy of The Warehouse Dallas
THE MUSEUM OF BIBLICAL ART
THE MUSEUM OF BIBLICAL ART
The Museum of Biblical Art was founded in 1966 and displays Biblically-themed art. The museum has eleven galleries which house works of art, rare books, artifacts and sculptures. In addition to the 11 galleries housed within the Museum of Biblical Art, you can also visit the Via Dolorosa outdoor sculpture garden, the National Center for Jewish Art, or the Art Conservation Laboratory along with the temporary exhibitions featured at the time. The Museum is open Wednesday - Saturday from 11 am - 5 pm or Sunday from 1-5 pm, and admission is $15 for adults.
NORTHEAST DALLAS | DIRECTIONS
photo courtesy of DFW Hotspots
FRONTIERS OF FLIGHT MUSEUM
FRONTIERS OF FLIGHT MUSEUM
This museum is hard to miss with the giant Southwest airplane sticking out of one end of the building. Within the 10,000 sq ft space, you’ll find more than 30 aircrafts to wander, both inside and outside, along with several display galleries. Collections include early biplanes, historically important military and general aviation aircraft, the World War II exhibit, an extensive history of Southwest Airlines, the iconic Chance Vought V-173 “Flying Pancake” and the Apollo 7 command module. It’s open from 10 am - 5 pm Monday-Saturday and 1-5 pm on Sunday. Admission starts at $10 for adults.
LOVEFIELD | DIRECTIONS
photo courtesy of Art & Seek
DALLAS HERITAGE VILLAGE
DALLAS HERITAGE VILLAGE
Go back in time at the Dallas Heritage Village, located in the very first public park in Dallas, Old City Park. You’ll find an area filled with buildings representing the 1840’s-1910’s, from a Main Street, to a black smith, to historic plantation homes and more. And the people working at the Village are all dressed in costume and character, making this place the perfect spot to take kids to, for a fun experience and great history lesson! It’s open Monday - Friday from 10 am - 4 pm with extended hours on Thursday from 6 - 9 pm.
THE CEDARS | DIRECTIONS
photo courtesy of Trip Advisor
AMERICAN AIRLINES CR SMITH MUSEUM
AMERICAN AIRLINES CR SMITH MUSEUM
The American Airlines museum’s main mission is to share the amount of time, dedication, and effort that goes into creating a thriving airline. You can learn more about the airlines history or check out one of the interactive exhibits; you can climb into a cockpit and learn how to navigate a plane or practice to see if you have what it takes the stack the baggage in time for the flight to take off. The museum is open from Fridays from 10 am - 2 pm & Saturdays from 10am - 4 pm and tickets at $9 for adults in advance.
FORT WORTH | DIRECTIONS
photo courtesy of Wikipedia
NATIONAL COWGIRL MUSEUM & HALL OF FAME
NATIONAL COWGIRL MUSEUM AND HALL OF FAME
Come learn more about and celebrate the women who helped build the American West and displayed amazing courage and independence. At this museum, you can wander through interactive exhibit galleries, see authentic artifacts, and learn all about women from Texas history. This museum is open Tuesday - Saturday from 10 am - 4 pm and admission is $10 for adults.
FORT WORTH | DIRECTIONS
photo courtesy of What's Up Fort Worth
SID RICHARDSON MUSEUM
SID RICHARDSON MUSEUM
The Sid Richardson Museum is from the personal collection of oilman and philanthropist, Sid Richardson. This museum has special exhibits and permanent collections that center around renowned Western artists, Frederic Remington, Charles M. Russell and many more. This historic collection is located right in the heart of Fort Worth in Sundance Square and admission is always free. Museum hours are Monday - Saturday from 10 am - 4 pm.
FORT WORTH | DIRECTIONS
photo courtesy of Sir Richardson Museum
LOG CABIN VILLAGE
LOG CABIN VILLAGE
Log Cabin Village is a true preservation of Texas’ Pioneer era and has a significant collection of social, cultural, and historical artifacts. Visitors can wander through 6 log cabin houses that date back to the 1800s, and are filled with authentic artifacts and lifelike depictions of what life in the pioneer era looked like. In addition to the cabins, there is also a blacksmith shop, schoolhouse, and herb garden. The Village is open Tuesday-Saturday from 9:30 am - 4 pm.
FORT WORTH | DIRECTIONS
photo courtesy of FortWorth.com
FORT WORTH MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY
FORT WORTH MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY
The Fort Worth Museum of Science and History focuses on teaching the public about all things scientific and historical through interactive exhibits, films, and displays. Visitors can learn about everything from dinosaurs to tornadoes to dolphins, and there are always numerous fun events for both kids and adults. Admission is $16 for adults and $13 for kids age 2-18, but the museum is still temporarily closed due to Covid-19, but will reopen on June 25th.
FORT WORTH | DIRECTIONS
photo courtesy of Fort Worth Museum
VINTAGE FLYING MUSEUM
VINTAGE FLYING MUSEUM
The Vintage Flying Museum aims to preserve America’s flying history and works to offer the public a hands-on learning experience where visitors can peruse artifacts and memorabilia relating to WWI, WW2, Korea and Vietnam era or take tours of the aircrafts. The museum is open Friday from 10 am - 5 pm, Saturday from 9 am - 5 pm, and Sunday from 12-5 pm, and tickets are $10 for adults. You can also schedule rides with different warbirds for additional charges.
FORT WORTH | DIRECTIONS
photo courtesy of FortWorth.com
ARLINGTON MUSEUM OF ART
ARLINGTON MUSEUM OF ART
Located in the heart of downtown Arlington, this museum has been around since 1986, but it was officially founded in 1952. The AMA is a non-collecting museum that features traveling exhibitions in order to showcase as many artists as possible. The AMA is closed on Mondays, but they're open Tuesday - Saturday from 10 am - 5 pm & Sundays from 11 pm - 5 pm and admission is $15 for adults.
ARLINGTON | DIRECTIONS
photo courtesy of DowntownArlington.org
THE GALLERY AT UTA
THE GALLERY AT UTA
If you like discovering new art, the Gallery at UTA is a great spot to do so! All the art featured in this gallery is created by the art students at the university. The exhibits also rotate frequently, so there will always be something new to see. Admission is free and the gallery is open during the spring and fall semesters on weekdays from 10 am - 5 pm and Saturdays from 12 - 5 pm.
ARLINGTON | DIRECTIONS
photo courtesy of UTA
