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!

Updated August 2024


 

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 through Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and Sundays from 1pm to 5 pm. Admission is $15 for adults.

Arlington | Directions

 

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 from 11am to 5pm Tuesday through Sunday and admission is always free. They also frequently host complimentary yoga, meditation, and wellness classes.

Arts District | Directions

 

DALLAS CONTEMPORARY

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've never gone before!  The Museum is open from 11am to 6pm Tuesday through Saturday, and from noon to 5pm on Sundays.

Design District | Directions

 

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, but check the hours online before you go -- the gallery closes temporarily sometimes between exhibitions!

Design District | Directions

 

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 is 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

 

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 every day of the week except Monday, and tickets are $12 for adults.

University Park | Directions

 

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

 

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 and 19th centuries adorning the walls, and historical artifacts on display in various buildings.

Oak Lawn | Directions

 

SAMURAI COLLECTION

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. Admission is free!

Harwood | Directions

 

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 RemingtonCharles 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. The museum is open every day of the week, with limited hours on Sundays and extended hours on Fridays.

Fort Worth | Directions

 

TALLEY DUNN GALLERY

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 10am to 5pm Tuesday through Saturday, by appointment only.

Highland Park | Directions

 

THE GALLERY AT UTA

If you like discovering new art, the Gallery at UTA is a great spot to do so! The art students at the university create all the art featured in this gallery. 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, and by appointment only during the summer months.

Arlington | Directions

 

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 through Saturday from 11am to 5pm or Sunday from 1pm to 5pm, and admission is $15 for adults.

Northeast Dallas | Directions

 

THE WAREHOUSE DALLAS

The Warehouse Dallas is a huge exhibition space dedicated to promoting 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 to 40 people by appointment only, but are always free. 

Addison | Directions

 

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 10am to 5pm.

Far North Dallas | Directions

 

HISTORY

 

DALLAS HERITAGE VILLAGE AT OLD CITY PARK

Go back in time via 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 through the 1910’s, from a Main Street, to a blacksmith, 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! The park is open daily, check their website for fun events and special tours like a nighttime ghost adventure!

Cedars | Directions

 

GRAPEVINE HISTORICAL MUSEUM

You probably know this DFW suburb as the Christmas Capital of Texas, or the Urban Wine Trail, but did you know it has some of the richest history in the metroplex? Dating all the way back to 1844, Grapevine is the oldest city in Tarrant County, and you can learn all about its past at the Historical Museum. Explore what daily life was like for early residents through exhibits detailing agriculture, industry, family life, and more. Highlights include a trip through Grandma's Attic, restored wedding gowns, and stories from Grapevine Mayor William D. Tate!

Grapevine | Directions

 

HALL OF STATE

The Dallas Historical Society's home base is the Hall of State, a beautiful building in Fair Park that holds hundreds of years of Texas history. Take a self-guided tour of hundreds of artifacts, check out the Hall of Heroes honoring notable figures like Sam Houston, Stephen F. Austin, and more, or check out their rotating exhibits like Texas Liberty Forever!, a massive diorama of the Battle of the Alamo. The Hall of State is free to visit and open Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and Sundays from 1pm to 5pm.

Fair Park | Directions

 

HERITAGE FARMSTEAD MUSEUM

Step back in time at the Heritage Farmstead Museum, a time capsule of North Texas' agricultural past! The museum boasts over 10,000 artifacts like books, tools, and clothing, along with 15 historic farm buildings. Immerse yourself in farm life back in the day with demonstrations of common agricultural practices, and even see animals like chickens, goats, sheep, and more! The museum is open Thursday through Saturday from 10am to 2pm. Check their website for special events, camps, wagon rides, and more!

Plano | Directions

 

JOHN WAYNE: AN AMERICAN EXPERIENCE

John Wayne: An American Experience


A beloved cowboy on screen, John Wayne is an American icon off-screen too! Find a round-up of all things John Wayne at this museum located in the Fort Worth Stockyards, from stories of his personal life and background to famous memorabilia like his favorite cowboy hats. A visit here is truly a step back in time, immersing you in the Wild West! The museum is open seven days a week, and tickets can be purchased online ahead of time.

Fort Worth | Directions

 

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 six 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 through Saturday from 9:30am to 4 pm.

Fort Worth | Directions

 

NATIONAL COWGIRL MUSEUM AND HALL OF FAME

National Cowgirl Museum & Hall of Fame


Learn about and celebrate the women who helped build the American West, displaying 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 through Saturday from 10am to 4pm, and Sundays from noon to 4pm. Admission is $10 for adults.

Fort Worth | Directions

 

SCIENCE & INDUSTRY

 

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 airline's 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 Thursdays from 10am to 2pm, and Friday and Saturday from 10am to 4pm. Tickets are $9 for adults in advance.

Fort Worth | Directions

 

DALLAS FIREFIGHTER'S MUSEUM

Situated in an old firehouse that was built in 1907, the Dallas Firefighter's Museum aims to preserve the history of the Dallas Fire Department, honor its heroes, and educate the public on fire safety. You'll see old engines, original uniforms and equipment, and more. It's a great place for kids to learn, with interactive and approachable fire safety lessons. The museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9am to 4pm. Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for children.

Fair Park | Directions

 

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.

Fort Worth | Directions

 

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 aircraft 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 10am to 5pm Monday through Saturday, and 1pm to 5pm on Sunday. Admission starts at $10 for adults.

Love Field | Directions

 

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. Tickets for adults are $10, but note that the museum is moving to a new location during the summer of 2024. It will reopen in the fall, check their website and social media for updates!

Design District | Directions

 

MARY KAY MUSEUM

Did you know Mary Kay is headquartered in DFW? Located at the Mary Kay World Headquarters, this museum is a makeup lover's paradise, highlighting the story of an amazing businesswoman. Explore 3,500 square feet of exhibits about the history of the Mary Kay Corporation and lots of information on Mary Kay Ash herself! Explore the original products sold, Mary Kay's first checkbook, and more. Admission is free, and the museum is open to the Monday through Thursday from 10am to 4pm.

Addison | Directions

 

NATIONAL VIDEOGAME MUSEUM

National Videogame Museum


Home to one of the largest historical gaming collections in the world, the National Videogame Museum features 20 interactive exhibits, themed rooms, and a 1980s-style arcade! Explore over 100,000 artifacts, ranging from retro computer games, to rare items. The museum aims to capture the childhood nostalgia of video games, whether your first game was Atari or Minecraft. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, and admission is $12 for adults and $10 for kids ages three through 10.

Frisco | Directions

 

VINTAGE FLYING MUSEUM

Located at Meacham International Airport, The Vintage Flying Museum aims to preserve America’s flying history! You'll find a hands-on learning experience where visitors can peruse artifacts and memorabilia relating to WWI, WW2, Korea, and Vietnam eras, and even take tours of the aircraft. The museum is open Fridays from 10am to 5pm, Saturdays from 9am to 5pm, and Sundays from noon to 5pm, and tickets are $10 for adults. You can also schedule rides with different warbirds for additional charges. 

Fort Worth | Directions


 

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