Fort Worth may be known for its smokin' barbecue and lively honky-tonks, but did you know the art scene is incredible too? From museums with world-famous artists to historical sites showing its true Western roots of Texas, plan a culture-filled day exploring all the Cowtown has to offer, for every taste!

Updated July 2023

KIMBELL ART MUSEUM 

Photo courtesy of the Kimball Art Museum 

Designed by world renowned architect, Louis Kahn, The Kimbell is an Asian, African and European inspired art museum in the Cultural District of Fort Worth. Admission is always free unless you want to upgrade to see select special exhibits. The Khan Building and the Renzo Piano Pavilion are the two main buildings that house some of the most famous paintings in the world, including Michaelangelo's first painting, the "Torment of Saint Anthony" and Monet's "Weeping Willow". After admiring these stunning works of art, have afternoon tea with finger sandwiches and champagne, pinkies up!

Museum District | Directions

MODERN ART MUSEUM

photo courtesy of Modern Art Museum

With an all glass look and infinity pools, the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth is a sleek structure that is home to some stunning paintings, photographs and sculptures. Two of the most famous pieces are Anselm Kiefer's "Book with Wings" and Wangechi Mutu's "The Seated III" sculpture bronze statue. After you work up an appetite from gawking at all that beautiful art, dine at the beautiful Cafe Modern for the stellar brunch or dinner in a futuristic looking atmosphere. The Modern is open from 10am to 5pm every day but Monday with tickets at $16 for adults.

Museum District | Directions

AMON CARTER MUSEUM OF AMERICAN ART 

Photo courtesy of Amon Carter Museum

In the Cultural District sits the gorgeous Amon Carter Museum of American Art. Built by Philip Johnson, the Amon Carter houses a plethora of pieces, with well known works from Frederick Remington and Charles Russel, two famous artists of the American West. From historical to modernist, there is something here that will interest every kind of person. The ongoing exhibitions are the gorgeous Carter Collection with over 400 pieces of art and the Gabriel Dawe: Plexus no. 34, the colorful threads in the atrium that look like technicolor vapor. Open every day of the week except Mondays, admission is free so bring the whole family and make a day out of it!

Cultural District | Directions

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY

Photo courtesy of Museum of Science and History

Open everyday until 5pm, except Monday and Tuesday, the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History is filled with interactive exhibits, films and displays. Tickets are $16 for adults, but free for kids! Grab a snack at the Stars Cafe before heading over to learn about the dinosaurs, space, energy, and creation at the various interactions exhibits. Venture over to the Noble Planetarium for an interstellar experience or the Innovation Studio to design your own unique creation. With a whole Children's Museum section, this is a great spot to bring the kids for a Fort Worth fun day!

Cultural District | Directions

STOCKYARDS MUSEUM

Photo courtesy of Stockyard Museum

Curious about why Fort Worth is called Cowtown? After a visit to the Stockyards Museum you'll have all your answers! Down at the Stockyards, this museum is located inside the Historic Livestock Exchange Building and highlights Fort Worth's livestock industry, from Native American connections to the Chisholm Trail. With admission at only $2, take a tour before heading to one of the lively restaurants and bars at the Stockyards!

Stockyards | DIrections

FORT WORTH BOTANICAL GARDEN

Photo courtesy of Fort Worth Botanical Garden

In the heart of the Cultural District, the Fort Worth Botanical Garden is truly a sight to see. As one of the largest Botanical Garden in Texas, the 120-acre property is filled with the famous Rose and Japanese gardens with koi-filled ponds, sculpted hillsides, waterfalls and various exhibits. With over 2500 species of plants and 25 different garden spaces, you could spend all day admiring its beauty. Open seven days a week, come explore this gorgeous before heading over to a downtown hot spot! 

Uptown | Directions

AMERICAN AIRLINES CR SMITH MUSEUM

Photo courtesy of American Airlines Museum 

Come fly away at the CR Smith Museum! Not far from the DFW airport, this museum’s main mission is to share the amount of time, dedication, and effort that goes into creating the largest airline in the world. You can learn more about the airline's history or check out one of the interactive exhibits; you can even 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.

East Fort Worth | Directions

NATIONAL COWGIRL MUSEUM AND HALL OF FAME

Photo courtesy of What's Up Fort Worth

Want to hear all about the women of the west? Come learn and celebrate the women who helped build the American West and displayed amazing courage, resilience and independence. At this museum, you can wander through interactive exhibit galleries, see authentic artifacts, and hear the stories of over 750 of the most wonderful women from Texas history. With admission at $12 for adults, come on down to this museum on Tuesday - Sunday from 10 am - 5 pm for a rowdy time!

Cultural District | Directions

SID RICHARDSON MUSEUM

photo courtesy of 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 10 am - 5 pm every day of the week except Sundays.

Sundance Square | Directions

LOG CABIN VILLAGE

Photo courtesy of FortWorth.com

Have you ever wanted to travel back in time? This is your chance! Visit the Log Cabin Village on Tuesday-Saturday from 9:30 am - 4 pm for a recreation of a 19th-century Texas village. With its historic buildings and method actors, the village gives you a true sense of what life was like during that time in Texas history. Observe demonstrations of actual pioneer activities such as candle dipping, blacksmithing, milling and washing clothes on a washboard. This will really make you appreciate your washing machine more now!

University | Directions

VINTAGE FLYING MUSEUM

Photo courtesy of FortWorth.com

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 located inside the Meacham International Airport and is open Friday from 10 am - 5 pm, Saturday from 9 am - 5 pm, and Sunday from 12pm - 5 pm. Tickets are $12 for adults, but for an extra charge you can schedule rides with different warbirds! 

North Fort Worth | Directions

BASS PERFORMANCE HALL

Photo courtesy of Ball Hall

A true Fort Worth icon, the Bass Performance Hall is home to the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, Texas Ballet Theater, Fort Worth Opera and so much more! As a nationally recognized performance arts venue, it also hosts Broadway shows and famous touring artists. The architecture is also absolutely stunning, be sure to book a tour of the hall on Saturday morning, or check out their show list for another opportunity inside!

Downtown | Directions

John Wayne: An American Experience

Photo courtesy of John Wayne Museum

Located in the heart of the Fort Worth Stockyards, the John Wayne Museum is for anyone interested in the life of the legendary cowboy and actor. With over 400 personal and professional memorabilia you’ll get lost in the Wild West and Wayne’s American Dream. Open 7 days a week, 9am-6pm, you can buy your tickets online or at the door from $18-$23 depending on age.

Stockyards | Directions

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