Five Popular Museums To Visit in Dallas
Dallas boasts an array of museums that cater to various interests, ranging from the exploration of regional history and culture to global politics, natural history, and evolution. Whether you’re fascinated by dinosaurs or gemstones, or you’re intrigued by local figures, there are unique and quirky museums dedicated to these subjects.
For history and arts and culture enthusiasts, Dallas museums offer an exceptional opportunity to delve into their passions. From contemporary art collections to displays of samurai arms and armor, aviation museums, and even submerged dinosaur skeletons, Dallas has it all.
If you’re seeking to quench your thirst for knowledge and appreciation of history, make sure to visit some of Dallas’s top-rated museums.
If you’re planning to visit multiple museums, consider utilizing the CityPASS to take advantage of discounted prices. Alternatively, check each museum’s website for information on free entry days.
- Perot Museum of Nature and Science
2201 N. Field Street -TX 75201 – Dallas
An eye-catching museum located at the outer edge of the Arts District, with a distinctive design resembling a slate-gray box that features a glass-enclosed escalator extending from its frontage. It provides an interactive experience for both children and adults. With five floors of interactive exhibits that cater to various interests, visitors can explore a diverse range of subjects, ranging from earth, geology, paleontology, engineering, dinosaurs, sports, space, and energy. They can fully immerse themselves in the subject matter and indulge their inner geek.
This magnificent science museum, spanning over 180,000 sq. ft is an architectural masterpiece designed by Thom Mayne, a Pritzker Architecture Prize Laureate. The museum offers numerous highlights, including a children’s museum with a dinosaur dig, an earthquake simulator, and a gallery of gems and minerals featuring a massive 5-foot geode. To fully appreciate the museum’s grandeur, visitors can start by taking the external glass escalator to the top floor and work their way down while enjoying panoramic views of downtown Dallas.
- Dallas Museum of Art
1717 N Harwood St – TX 75201 Dallas – Texas
Designed by New York architect Edward Larrabee Barnes, the Dallas Museum of Art spans a vast 370,000 square feet and boasts one of the largest and most impressive art collections in the United States. Its permanent collection, ranging from the third millennium BC to the present day, comprises over 23,000 works of paintings, sculptures, jewellery, and artefacts from diverse regions of the world. Visitors can admire masterpieces from renowned artists such as Pollock, Rothko, Monet, Rodin, Picasso, and many more.
Apart from the galleries, the museum also offers a children’s creative zone, a sculpture garden, and a cafe that features a window with Dale Chihuly’s mesmerizing glass flowers. Moreover, with the exception of specific exhibitions and events, general admission to the museum is always free, making it a great option for anyone interested in art and culture.
- Crow Museum of Asian Art
2010 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201-2335
The Crow family unveiled their remarkable collection of Asian art to the public for the first time in 1998. This exquisite collection is now permanently located in the Arts District of Dallas, and admission has always been free. The museum’s contribution to the city’s cultural landscape over the years is truly humbling.
Be sure to visit the museum’s blog for updates on upcoming events, as the artists whose work is displayed here often host events beyond the museum’s walls.
- Sixth Floor Museum
411 ELM STREET, DALLAS, TX 75202
Located at Dealey Plaza, the Sixth Floor Museum is where Lee Harvey Oswald fired the shots that killed John F. Kennedy. Today, the museum serves as a somber memorial to the tragic events of that day, featuring a collection of photographs, documents, and information related to the assassination, the search for Oswald, and the events surrounding it. Additionally, the museum showcases a variety of special exhibits that include historical artifacts, artwork, photographs, and documents with connections to the Kennedy family.
Situated in the heart of the city, the Sixth Floor Museum remains an essential destination for anyone seeking to learn about one of the darkest and most significant moments in American history.
- Frontiers of Flight Museum
6911 Lemmon Ave, Dallas, TX 75209, USA
The Frontiers of Flight Museum, situated in close proximity to the Dallas Love Field Airport, offers a comprehensive overview of aviation history, spanning from the 1920s to the modern era, including World War II. With a focus on the significant role of Dallas/Fort Worth in aviation, the museum caters mainly to aviation enthusiasts, although visitors with a passing interest will also find the exhibits engaging and worthwhile.
At the museum, one can explore the fascinating world of aviation and space industry with over 30 different types of aircraft and extensive information about all aspects of aviation. The museum provides an up-close and personal experience with historic aircraft, including full-sized models, along with exhibits, artefacts, documents, photographs, and information related to various aviation topics, such as war planes and the space program.
Several of the full-sized aircraft are open to visitors, offering a chance to step inside and view the controls and cargo areas. The museum also showcases the renowned Apollo 7 command module, which is sure to impress space enthusiasts and history buffs alike