Museums are the cultural hubs of Dallas. Whether you’re looking to learn something new about the Big D or plotting a way to spend your Saturday afternoon, here are 13 museums to visit in our city.
Art
Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N. Harwood | Free
This major museum’s collection will take you back as far as 5,000 years ago with its collection of more than 25,000 works.
Nasher Sculpture Center, 2001 Flora St. | Memberships available
Stroll amongst the trees and 300+ sculptures in this picturesque indoor/outdoor gallery.
Crow Museum of Asian Art, 2010 Flora St. | Free
Cruise through 600+ works of art that range from historical to contemporary pieces from all over China, Korea, Japan, India, and Southeast Asia.
Dallas Contemporary, 161 Glass St. | Free, but $10 donation suggested
As a kunsthalle, or a non-collecting art gallery, this exhibit space frequently cycles through a variety of artists’ recent works. Check the museum’s website often, you never know what may be on display.
Meadows Museum, 5900 Bishop Blvd. | $4+
No need to travel all the way to Spain to get a taste of its culture. This museum — which is a division of SMU’s School of Arts — hosts a collection of historical pieces for locals and students alike to learn from.
Science and Technology
Perot Museum of Nature and Science, 2201 N. Field St. | $15+
Calling all curious minds — feed your brain with exhibits on fossils + animal bones, the stars and distant galaxies, and anatomy and the human mind. Plus, the new Glow Lab looks pretty sweet, too.
Texas Discovery Gardens, 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. | Free
No green thumb, no problem. Make friends with butterflies at the exotic butterfly house, ooh and ahh over various creatures at the snake and reptile house, or cruise the rotating art gallery.
History
Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, 300 N. Houston | $17+
Hear the stories of those who persevered through one of humanity’s darkest times and learn about how we might prevent from such a incredible tragedy from happening again.
The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, 411 Elm St. | $21+
On Nov. 22, 1963, the US was thrown into chaos after President John F. Kennedy was killed during a presidential motorcade through Dealey Plaza. Learn about his presidency and about how his death changed our country’s trajectory.
Dallas Heritage Village, 1511 Colorado St. | Free
Step back in time with what the museum’s website says is the “largest and finest collection of 19th century pioneer and Victorian homes” in Texas.
National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, 1720 Gendy St. | $6+
Yeehaw. Learn about the women of all backgrounds who helped shape the west through their courage, resiliency, and creativity. Mentions include Sacagawea, Georgia O’Keefe, and Annie Oakley.
Just for fun
Museum of Illusions, 701 Ross Ave. | $19+
You’re seeing things — this museum boasts 40+ exhibits featuring optical illusions (think holograms, stereograms, and immersive elements), visual tricks, and interactive displays.
Meow Wolf, 3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy | $40+
If you like your art a little bit more hands-on, this museum includes journeys into alternate worlds, scavenger hunts, and a cafe to help fuel your brain while it wraps around the world built with help from 40+ local artists.
