The best museums in Dallas
Filled with rich history and also being an innovative, creative hub, Dallas gets the best from both worlds. This diverse city has one of America's largest art districts and offers countless things to do. Here are 15 must-visit museums in Dallas to suit all tastes.
Dallas Museum of Art
What is it?
One of the country's largest art museums, spanning 5,000 years of history, representing all media and a full range of world cultures.
Why should you go?
Located in the vibrant Art District, the DMA is a perfect place for art buffs, where you can easily lose track of time exploring thousands of works. The museum's massive collection includes Ancient Greek sculptures, Chinese porcelain, striking examples of African folk art, and masterpieces from heavy hitters, such as Pollock, Monet, and Picasso. Best of all, general admission to the Dallas Museum of Art is free.
One of the country's largest art museums, spanning 5,000 years of history, representing all media and a full range of world cultures.
Why should you go?
Located in the vibrant Art District, the DMA is a perfect place for art buffs, where you can easily lose track of time exploring thousands of works. The museum's massive collection includes Ancient Greek sculptures, Chinese porcelain, striking examples of African folk art, and masterpieces from heavy hitters, such as Pollock, Monet, and Picasso. Best of all, general admission to the Dallas Museum of Art is free.
Specialization: Art & Design
Perfect for: art lovers, tourists, families
Opening hours: Monday: closed, Tuesday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Perfect for: art lovers, tourists, families
Opening hours: Monday: closed, Tuesday – Thursday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Friday: 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Saturday & Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
What is it?
A historic site turned into a museum dedicated to the assassination and legacy of President Kennedy.
Why should you go?
Dallas is commonly notorious for the JFK assassination, so the exact place where it happened is an absolute must-see for anyone traveling to Texas. The Six Floor Museum is situated in that same building, where evidence of the sniper was found after the tragic event. You will have a chance to study numerous testimonials and explore the spot where Lee Harvey Oswald is believed to have fired the fatal shot.
A historic site turned into a museum dedicated to the assassination and legacy of President Kennedy.
Why should you go?
Dallas is commonly notorious for the JFK assassination, so the exact place where it happened is an absolute must-see for anyone traveling to Texas. The Six Floor Museum is situated in that same building, where evidence of the sniper was found after the tragic event. You will have a chance to study numerous testimonials and explore the spot where Lee Harvey Oswald is believed to have fired the fatal shot.
Specialization: History
Perfect for: tourists, history buffs, adults
Opening hours: Monday & Tuesday: closed, Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Perfect for: tourists, history buffs, adults
Opening hours: Monday & Tuesday: closed, Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Perot Museum of Nature and Science
What is it?
A 5-story, 180,000-square-foot science museum covering dinosaurs, space, engineering, and more.
Why should you go?
As soon as you enter the futuristic museum's building and take the external glass-encased elevator up to the top, you will embark on a fantastic journey of discovery. You will see towering dinosaurs and rare fossils, learn more about astronomical breakthroughs, find gems and minerals of every color of the rainbow, and get a fun interactive experience by trying your hand at designing and controlling a robot.
A 5-story, 180,000-square-foot science museum covering dinosaurs, space, engineering, and more.
Why should you go?
As soon as you enter the futuristic museum's building and take the external glass-encased elevator up to the top, you will embark on a fantastic journey of discovery. You will see towering dinosaurs and rare fossils, learn more about astronomical breakthroughs, find gems and minerals of every color of the rainbow, and get a fun interactive experience by trying your hand at designing and controlling a robot.
Specialization: Natural History & Science
Perfect for: children, families, science geeks
Opening hours: Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Tuesday: closed, Wednesday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Perfect for: children, families, science geeks
Opening hours: Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Tuesday: closed, Wednesday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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Frontiers of Flight Museum
What is it?
An aerospace museum that houses over 35,000 artifacts and tells the stories of aviation and space flight.
Why should you go?
The museum, located in an airplane hangar just a stone's throw from the Dallas Love Field Airport, gives you a chance to learn nearly everything about flying vehicles and various forms of air travel. You will see 30 different kinds of old and modern aircraft, as well as missiles and even the Apollo 7 command module. Many exhibits are open, so you can go inside and explore the control and cargo areas.
An aerospace museum that houses over 35,000 artifacts and tells the stories of aviation and space flight.
Why should you go?
The museum, located in an airplane hangar just a stone's throw from the Dallas Love Field Airport, gives you a chance to learn nearly everything about flying vehicles and various forms of air travel. You will see 30 different kinds of old and modern aircraft, as well as missiles and even the Apollo 7 command module. Many exhibits are open, so you can go inside and explore the control and cargo areas.
Specialization: Aviation
Perfect for: aviation enthusiasts, children
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Perfect for: aviation enthusiasts, children
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
@uretskyaviation
Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum
What is it?
A history museum founded by a group of Holocaust Survivors to tell the story of the Holocaust and the civil rights development.
Why should you go?
As one of just a few Holocaust-related museums in the United States, this institution is incredibly important. Filled with heartbreaking exhibits, the museum will lead you across Europe and back from 1933 to 1945 and show how the world progressed in the following years. The collection features video testimonials by survivors of the genocide, as well as numerous items recovered from concentration camps.
A history museum founded by a group of Holocaust Survivors to tell the story of the Holocaust and the civil rights development.
Why should you go?
As one of just a few Holocaust-related museums in the United States, this institution is incredibly important. Filled with heartbreaking exhibits, the museum will lead you across Europe and back from 1933 to 1945 and show how the world progressed in the following years. The collection features video testimonials by survivors of the genocide, as well as numerous items recovered from concentration camps.
Specialization: History & Education
Perfect for: adults, schoolchildren aged 12 and over
Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, closed on Tuesday
Perfect for: adults, schoolchildren aged 12 and over
Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, closed on Tuesday
@teheheman
Crow Museum of Asian Art
What is it?
A resident of the Dallas Art District that offers a free-to-view collection of art pieces from China, Japan, and other Asian countries.
Why should you go?
Located a few steps from the famous Dallas Museum of Art, this attraction is a real gem for everyone who wants to learn more about Asian cultures. Its immense permanent collection includes gorgeous Chinese jades, Buddhist sculptures, Samurai armor, and even large architectural pieces. As a bonus, you can enjoy quiet time in the museum's serene sculpture garden with a maze of maples, bamboo, and pines.
A resident of the Dallas Art District that offers a free-to-view collection of art pieces from China, Japan, and other Asian countries.
Why should you go?
Located a few steps from the famous Dallas Museum of Art, this attraction is a real gem for everyone who wants to learn more about Asian cultures. Its immense permanent collection includes gorgeous Chinese jades, Buddhist sculptures, Samurai armor, and even large architectural pieces. As a bonus, you can enjoy quiet time in the museum's serene sculpture garden with a maze of maples, bamboo, and pines.
Specialization: Art & Culture
Perfect for: art lovers
Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, closed on Monday
Perfect for: art lovers
Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, closed on Monday
@dooneyartist
George W. Bush Presidential Center
What is it?
A library and museum dedicated to the life and legacy of George W. Bush and the time of his presidency.
Why should you go?
The first decade of the 21st century was one of the most important and eventful periods in American history, and the museum allows you to experience this history firsthand. The collection covers everything from the 9/11 terrorist attack to Hurricane Katrina to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Also, you can walk through a replica of the Oval Office and take a picture at the president's desk.
A library and museum dedicated to the life and legacy of George W. Bush and the time of his presidency.
Why should you go?
The first decade of the 21st century was one of the most important and eventful periods in American history, and the museum allows you to experience this history firsthand. The collection covers everything from the 9/11 terrorist attack to Hurricane Katrina to the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Also, you can walk through a replica of the Oval Office and take a picture at the president's desk.
Specialization: History
Perfect for: history buffs, schoolchildren
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Perfect for: history buffs, schoolchildren
Opening hours: Monday – Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
@teheheman
Meadows Museum
What is it?
A world-renowned art museum housing one of the largest collections of Spanish art outside of Spain.
Why should you go?
Nicknamed 'Prado on the Prairie,' the Meadows Museum is ready to amaze you with stunning artworks by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Dalí, and other well-known Spanish painters. The permanent exhibition, spanning the period from the 10th to the 21st centuries, also includes Renaissance-era altarpieces, rare wooden figures, and select sculptures by famous non-Spanish masters, such as Rodin, Giacometti, and Moore.
A world-renowned art museum housing one of the largest collections of Spanish art outside of Spain.
Why should you go?
Nicknamed 'Prado on the Prairie,' the Meadows Museum is ready to amaze you with stunning artworks by Velázquez, Goya, El Greco, Dalí, and other well-known Spanish painters. The permanent exhibition, spanning the period from the 10th to the 21st centuries, also includes Renaissance-era altarpieces, rare wooden figures, and select sculptures by famous non-Spanish masters, such as Rodin, Giacometti, and Moore.
Specialization: Art & Design
Perfect for: art lovers
Opening hours: Monday: closed, Tuesday & Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Friday & Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Perfect for: art lovers
Opening hours: Monday: closed, Tuesday & Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Thursday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM, Friday & Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
@themeadowsmuseum
Related tours:
Nasher Sculpture Center
What is it?
A museum oasis with an outdoor sculpture garden and an impressive collection of modern and contemporary artworks.
Why should you go?
Situated right in the booming heart of the Dallas Art District, the Nasher Sculpture Center is an ideal place to stroll and admire the mind-bending sculptures scattered around the immaculate green area. The garden and indoor art galleries house over 300 pieces by Picasso, Ernst, Miró, and other famous masters and emerging artists. The museum also hosts various events, such as film screenings and music performances.
A museum oasis with an outdoor sculpture garden and an impressive collection of modern and contemporary artworks.
Why should you go?
Situated right in the booming heart of the Dallas Art District, the Nasher Sculpture Center is an ideal place to stroll and admire the mind-bending sculptures scattered around the immaculate green area. The garden and indoor art galleries house over 300 pieces by Picasso, Ernst, Miró, and other famous masters and emerging artists. The museum also hosts various events, such as film screenings and music performances.
Specialization: Art & Design
Perfect for: art lovers, couples
Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, closed on Monday & Tuesday
Perfect for: art lovers, couples
Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, closed on Monday & Tuesday
@nashersculpturecenter
African American Museum
What is it?
An intimate free museum that celebrates African and African-American art of all kinds and preserves the rich heritage of Black culture.
Why should you go?
Despite being a bit under the radar, this attraction is a true treasure and undoubtedly one of the best museums in Dallas. Moreover, it is the only institution of its kind in the Southwestern region. Walking through its galleries, you will marvel at masterpieces of Black renaissance paintings, discover the inspiring world of folk art, and dive deep into African-American history.
An intimate free museum that celebrates African and African-American art of all kinds and preserves the rich heritage of Black culture.
Why should you go?
Despite being a bit under the radar, this attraction is a true treasure and undoubtedly one of the best museums in Dallas. Moreover, it is the only institution of its kind in the Southwestern region. Walking through its galleries, you will marvel at masterpieces of Black renaissance paintings, discover the inspiring world of folk art, and dive deep into African-American history.
Specialization: Art & Culture
Perfect for: art lovers, history buffs, families
Opening hours: Monday: closed, Tuesday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday: closed
Perfect for: art lovers, history buffs, families
Opening hours: Monday: closed, Tuesday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday: closed
@aamuseumdallas
Dallas Contemporary
What is it?
An ever-changing and always free museum showcasing contemporary art from Texas and all around the globe.
Why should you go?
The Dallas Contemporary Art Museum doesn't hold a permanent collection, so each visit to this place is a bit of a surprise. Situated in a warehouse-style building, this fantastic museum is focused on rotating exhibitions. It allows you to engage with and learn about contemporary art in a friendly environment. If you are open to something new, it is the best way to get lost for a couple of hours without spending money.
An ever-changing and always free museum showcasing contemporary art from Texas and all around the globe.
Why should you go?
The Dallas Contemporary Art Museum doesn't hold a permanent collection, so each visit to this place is a bit of a surprise. Situated in a warehouse-style building, this fantastic museum is focused on rotating exhibitions. It allows you to engage with and learn about contemporary art in a friendly environment. If you are open to something new, it is the best way to get lost for a couple of hours without spending money.
Specialization: Art & Design
Perfect for: art lovers, youth, couples
Opening hours: Monday: closed, Tuesday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Perfect for: art lovers, youth, couples
Opening hours: Monday: closed, Tuesday – Saturday: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
@nineannahalf
National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame
What is it?
The only museum in the world dedicated to honoring courageous women of the American West.
Why should you go?
If you go to Texas to learn about history and culture and truly understand the real Wild West, the National Cowgirl Museum in The Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex is the right place. The 33,000-square-foot building with interactive exhibit galleries and two theaters offers you a unique educational experience. You will see artifacts and art pieces telling inspiring stories of cowgirls and other pioneering women who helped shape the West.
The only museum in the world dedicated to honoring courageous women of the American West.
Why should you go?
If you go to Texas to learn about history and culture and truly understand the real Wild West, the National Cowgirl Museum in The Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex is the right place. The 33,000-square-foot building with interactive exhibit galleries and two theaters offers you a unique educational experience. You will see artifacts and art pieces telling inspiring stories of cowgirls and other pioneering women who helped shape the West.
Specialization: History
Perfect for: tourists, families
Opening hours: Monday: closed, Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Perfect for: tourists, families
Opening hours: Monday: closed, Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Sunday: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
@carencparten
Old City Park
What is it?
An outdoor living history museum holding the greatest collection of 19th-century homes and commercial buildings in Texas.
Why should you go?
Old City Park, also known as the Dallas Heritage Village, invites you to go back in time and take a glimpse into the life of early settlers, pioneers, and immigrants. The area is filled with dozens of preserved buildings dating back to the Victorian era. Meeting people dressed in historical costumes and participating in various activities, you can experience the past in a fun and engaging way.
An outdoor living history museum holding the greatest collection of 19th-century homes and commercial buildings in Texas.
Why should you go?
Old City Park, also known as the Dallas Heritage Village, invites you to go back in time and take a glimpse into the life of early settlers, pioneers, and immigrants. The area is filled with dozens of preserved buildings dating back to the Victorian era. Meeting people dressed in historical costumes and participating in various activities, you can experience the past in a fun and engaging way.
Specialization: History & Architecture
Perfect for: children, families, tourists, history buffs
Opening hours: Holiday Monday & Thursday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Thursday Evening: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Perfect for: children, families, tourists, history buffs
Opening hours: Holiday Monday & Thursday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Thursday Evening: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The Samurai Collection
What is it?
A small but comprehensive museum holding one of the most extensive collections of samurai armor and weaponry outside of Japan.
Why should you go?
This intimate museum is literally a hidden gem, placed right on top of one of the numerous restaurants in uptown Dallas. Despite its small size and weird location, it showcases a tremendously wide range of unique artifacts spanning over 600 years of Japanese craftsmanship. You will see suits of armor from the Edo period, masks, helmets, and many more — at no charge.
A small but comprehensive museum holding one of the most extensive collections of samurai armor and weaponry outside of Japan.
Why should you go?
This intimate museum is literally a hidden gem, placed right on top of one of the numerous restaurants in uptown Dallas. Despite its small size and weird location, it showcases a tremendously wide range of unique artifacts spanning over 600 years of Japanese craftsmanship. You will see suits of armor from the Edo period, masks, helmets, and many more — at no charge.
Specialization: Art & Culture
Perfect for: curious people, Japanese culture buffs
Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, closed on Monday & Tuesday
Perfect for: curious people, Japanese culture buffs
Opening hours: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM, closed on Monday & Tuesday
@samuraimuseum
Museum of Illusions
What is it?
Part of a popular national chain of museums featuring different sorts of optical illusions.
Why should you go?
It will be the right choice for you if you are tired of typical museums and are seeking original things to do. Museum of Illusions is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and fun museums in Dallas for all ages, where nothing is as it seems, and some exhibits shake your faith in the laws of physics. It is an incredibly photo-friendly museum, so you will get plenty of amazing pictures.
Part of a popular national chain of museums featuring different sorts of optical illusions.
Why should you go?
It will be the right choice for you if you are tired of typical museums and are seeking original things to do. Museum of Illusions is undoubtedly one of the most exciting and fun museums in Dallas for all ages, where nothing is as it seems, and some exhibits shake your faith in the laws of physics. It is an incredibly photo-friendly museum, so you will get plenty of amazing pictures.
Specialization: Edutainment
Perfect for: families, children, adults, couples
Opening hours: Sunday – Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Friday & Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Perfect for: families, children, adults, couples
Opening hours: Sunday – Thursday: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Friday & Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
@chowsky7
FAQ
- 1What museums are free in Dallas?
- Dallas Museum of Art
- Crow Museum of Asian Art
- African American Museum
- Dallas Contemporary
- Samurai Collection
- Museum of Geometric and MADI Art
- 2What are the best museums in Dallas for kids?
- Perot Museum of Nature and Science
- Frontiers of Flight Museum
- Old City Park
- Museum of Illusions
- Dallas Firefighters Museum
- 3What are the best museums in Dallas for couples?
- Nasher Sculpture Center
- Museum of Illusions
- National Videogame Museum
- 4What are the best museums in Dallas for tourists?
- Dallas Museum of Art
- Six Floor Museum
- National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame
- Old City Park
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