The Nasher Sculpture Center has been the centerpiece of the Dallas art scene for a few years now. Well, at least in my opinion. The other large Dallas art museum is the Dallas Museum of Art. The DMA is in an old building, architecturally uninteresting and seems to have faded from its glory days when it was probably the only art center in Dallas. Admittedly, the DMA is more likely to get bigger traveling exhibits because it has the space, but their permanent collection and the building itself is just sub-par.
So if you only have time to visit one of the Dallas art museums, I’d recommend the Nasher Sculpture Center. It’s a small museum but its backyard courtyard and garden are a welcome oasis in downtown Dallas. The Nasher museum is even free on the first Saturday of each month!
About the Nasher Sculpture Center
The museum features works by Jean Arp, Joseph Beuys, Antony Gormley, Alexander Calder and Alberto Giacometti to name just a few. The collection has been around for a while but the museum has only been open since 2003. I’ve visited the center twice now and enjoyed it both times. The sculpture garden in the back is the clear highlight. There’s also a popular cafe and restaurant on the terrace overlooking the garden—food with a view!
Dallas Art Museums
Nasher Sculpture Center
nashersculpturecenter.org
The Crow Collection of Asian Art
crowcollection.org
Dallas Museum of Art
dm-art.org
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Last time I was in Dallas I was unable to visit there but seeing this next time I’ll visit I will have to go. Great tip Adam I like the Kimball a lot as well.
The Kimball is one of my all-time favorite museums!
Never heard of this museum.i will check this out on my next visit.
I tend to get very bored by museums quite quickly, but I do love sculpture parks. This one looks worth a visit for sure. I love that net one. What’s with all those snails though?
As a local Dallasite I totally agree with you on the Nasher. Also if you have a family like I do, The Target First Saturdays are just amazing for kids. It’s free admission on those days and they have kid’s activities and yoga on the grounds. I love this place. If you don’t have kids, then this is a tip to avoid the first Saturdays since it can get rowdy! ;)
I can’t believe that we’ve never heard of this museum. We pass through Dallas frequently and will put it on our list of “must see” places. Thanks!
Hey Lane,
Definitely check it out on your next visit because it’s probably my favorite museum in Dallas.
The museums are much better in Forth Worth, though. The Kimball is likely in my top 10 favorite museums in the whole world!