The Dallas – Fort Worth area is well known for its world-class museums. Both cities offer renowned options in diverse genres that are not only beautiful to look at on the outside but feature fascinating, educational, and entertaining galleries and exhibits as well. Exterior art and fountain areas, award-winning architecture, massive statues, and historic settings all add to the visit, and all are family friendly. While this list is by no means exhaustive, here are 13 outstanding museums in the Metroplex you absolutely must visit:
- Perot Museum of Nature and Science (2201 N. Field St., Dallas)
Jerry and Pat Donaho/Flickr
Rodney/Flickr This scientific wonderland attracts the science-curious of all ages. Of course, an all-time favorite exhibit is the dinosaur gallery.
- The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza (412 Elm St., Dallas)
Steven Martin/Flickr
Adam Jones/Flickr This museum chronicles the legacy and assassination of John F. Kennedy in Dallas in November 1963. Dealey Plaza is the top Dallas tourist destination.
- Crow Collection of Asian Art (2010 Flora St., Dallas)
Stephen/Flickr
Michael Cornelius/Flickr This distinguished collection of Asian art features pieces from China, Japan, India, Korea, and Southeastern Asia and spans from historical to contemporary.
- Kimbell Art Museum (3333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth)
Bjorn/Flickr
Ani Od Chai/Flickr The Kimbell collection consists of about 350 world-class works. Its exterior grounds are tour-worthy as well.
- African American Museum of Dallas (3536 Grand Ave., Dallas)
African American Museum of Dallas/Facebook
African American Museum of Dallas/Facebook “The Unknown and The Renown,” a celebratory exhibit for Black History month salutes all African Americans who have been recognized for their achievements. The exhibit explores the skill of famous portraits painted by artists who are virtually unknown and, in some cases, a mystery.
- Nasher Sculpture Center (2001 Flora St., Dallas)
Jeff Stvan/Flickr
Thomas Hawk/Flickr Located in the heart of the Dallas Arts District, the Nasher Sculpture Center features some of the finest collections of modern and contemporary sculptures in the world. It has been open since 2003.
- National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame (1720 Gendy St., Fort Worth)
Jeff Stvan/Flickr
The Bush Center/Flickr The interactive displays, along with the history of the cowgirl, make this a popular place to visit.
- Amon Carter Museum of American Art (3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth)
Theo Jones/Flickr
theamoncarter/Flickr Now in its sixth decade of operation, the Amon Carter Museum of American Art offers a diverse array of exhibitions, publications, and programs that connect visitors to masterworks of American art.
- Dallas Museum of Art (1717 N. Harwood St., Dallas)
Yvette Wohn/Flickr
Steve Grant/Flickr One of the largest art museums in America, this Dallas museum is located in the nation’s largest arts district in downtown Dallas.
- Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth (3200 Darnell St., Fort Worth)
Thomas Hawk/Flickr
DebMomOf3/Flickr “The Modern,” as it is commonly called, is a museum of post-World War II art. Its beautiful campus is in itself a sight to behold.
- Fort Worth Museum of Science and History (1600 Gendy St., Fort Worth)
Ben Dunham/Flickr
Jody Halsted/Flickr The museum is nestled within the city’s Cultural District. Permanent exhibits include DinoLabs & DinoDig, Energy Blast, Fort Worth Children’s Museum, and the Cattle Raisers Museum.
- George W. Bush Institute (2943 SMU Blvd., Dallas)
The Bush Center/Flickr
The Bush Center/Flickr Adults and kids alike will enjoy the stories of President Bush’ life, the interactive displays, and will appreciate the historical events of his time in office.
- The Dallas Holocaust Museum (211 N. Record St., Suite 100, Dallas)
Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education and Tolerance/Facebook
Dallas County District Attorney’s Office/Flickr This museum was founded in 1984 by Holocaust survivors who wanted to preserve the memory of what they endured and to teach others the consequences of unchecked hatred and bystander behavior. It is a powerful and very emotional experience to walk through the exhibits and hear about the horrors of what happened.
Which of these Metroplex museums have you visited and of those, which is your favorite? Are there others you feel are deserving to be added to this list? We’d love for you to share your thoughts in the comments below.
Jerry and Pat Donaho/Flickr
Rodney/Flickr
This scientific wonderland attracts the science-curious of all ages. Of course, an all-time favorite exhibit is the dinosaur gallery.
Steven Martin/Flickr
Adam Jones/Flickr
This museum chronicles the legacy and assassination of John F. Kennedy in Dallas in November 1963. Dealey Plaza is the top Dallas tourist destination.
Stephen/Flickr
Michael Cornelius/Flickr
This distinguished collection of Asian art features pieces from China, Japan, India, Korea, and Southeastern Asia and spans from historical to contemporary.
Bjorn/Flickr
Ani Od Chai/Flickr
The Kimbell collection consists of about 350 world-class works. Its exterior grounds are tour-worthy as well.
African American Museum of Dallas/Facebook
“The Unknown and The Renown,” a celebratory exhibit for Black History month salutes all African Americans who have been recognized for their achievements. The exhibit explores the skill of famous portraits painted by artists who are virtually unknown and, in some cases, a mystery.
Jeff Stvan/Flickr
Thomas Hawk/Flickr
Located in the heart of the Dallas Arts District, the Nasher Sculpture Center features some of the finest collections of modern and contemporary sculptures in the world. It has been open since 2003.
The Bush Center/Flickr
The interactive displays, along with the history of the cowgirl, make this a popular place to visit.
Theo Jones/Flickr
theamoncarter/Flickr
Now in its sixth decade of operation, the Amon Carter Museum of American Art offers a diverse array of exhibitions, publications, and programs that connect visitors to masterworks of American art.
Yvette Wohn/Flickr
Steve Grant/Flickr
One of the largest art museums in America, this Dallas museum is located in the nation’s largest arts district in downtown Dallas.
DebMomOf3/Flickr
“The Modern,” as it is commonly called, is a museum of post-World War II art. Its beautiful campus is in itself a sight to behold.
Ben Dunham/Flickr
Jody Halsted/Flickr
The museum is nestled within the city’s Cultural District. Permanent exhibits include DinoLabs & DinoDig, Energy Blast, Fort Worth Children’s Museum, and the Cattle Raisers Museum.
Adults and kids alike will enjoy the stories of President Bush’ life, the interactive displays, and will appreciate the historical events of his time in office.
Dallas Holocaust Museum/Center for Education and Tolerance/Facebook
Dallas County District Attorney’s Office/Flickr
This museum was founded in 1984 by Holocaust survivors who wanted to preserve the memory of what they endured and to teach others the consequences of unchecked hatred and bystander behavior. It is a powerful and very emotional experience to walk through the exhibits and hear about the horrors of what happened.
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