Dallas Museum of Art
Just a half mile from our hotel lies the Dallas Museum of Art. The crown jewel of the Dallas Arts District. With over 25,000 pieces of art in a sprawling complex over 370,000 square feet, you can easily spend a day (or even two) taking in the captivating array of exhibits, getting hands on with a class, or catching a special lecture. One of the best free things to do in Dallas, the museum promises fun for all ages. Reserving advance tickets online is encouraged.
What to Do at The Dallas Museum of Art
Wondering what to do in Dallas? The museum is the perfect answer to a rainy day or space that needs filling in your itinerary. Some DMA exhibits include The Kier Collection of Islamic Art that spans over 13 centuries, and the Postwar and Contemporary Art Galleries featuring iconic works of Jackson Pollock, Jean Paul Basquiat, and more. Exhibits rotate frequently, so there’s always something new to explore at the largest art museum in the world.
There are all kinds of unique and immersive events to explore at the DMA. Family-friendly highlights include Wee Wednesdays for kids five and under (held on selected months), and Open Studio for hands-on art-making fun. For adults, join don’t miss brunch and jazz events at the museum, and Late Nights where the lights go down, the music goes up, and the cocktails are poured.
For dining options at the DMA, the DMA Café features soups, salads, and sandwiches inspired by the museum’s global art influence, plus soft drinks, wine, and beer. For an open-air experience, Eagle Family Plaza serves up hand-tossed pizzas, oven-fired sandwiches, delicious light bites, plus excellent city views.
Know Before You Visit: Admission, Hours & More
Here’s what you need to know before you visit the Dallas Museum of Art. Admission for most spaces and exhibits is free, though special exhibit tickets must be purchased after your initial free admission is reserved. Free admission tickets are required for all guests, regardless of age, so it is recommended to reserve your admission advance online. Public gallery spaces at the DMA are accessible to wheelchair and mobility device users and other visitors who cannot use stairs. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
An underground, 400-space parking garage is on a first-come, first-served basis for a rate of $20. Visitors are encouraged to use the DART public transit system by parking at a DART lot and riding to the St. Paul Station.
Visiting the DMA with kids? It’s recommended to start at Level 4 and work your way down to the ground floor. Go to the Guest Services Desk on arrival for a free Family Friendly Guide to explore the best exhibits for young ones. Wednesdays and Thursdays around 11:00 a.m. are the best times to visit the DMA for a quieter experience.
Hours of operation for the Dallas Museum of Art are as follows:
- Monday–Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday–Sunday: 11:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day
Nearby Attractions
There are all kinds of walkable attractions and local experiences close to the Dallas Museum of Art. The Nasher Sculpture Center is spread over two acres in the Dallas Arts District, Klyde Warren Park connects Downtown and Uptown Dallas, and is a true gathering place for community and culture. The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is a wonderland of fun and learning, (think dinos, diamonds, and DNA), and the Dallas World Aquarium is home to sea life and fauna from the world’s most diverse tropical regions.
With The Adolphus hotel as your home base, it’s easy to explore the best of Dallas. Book your stay at The Adolphus today and enjoy art, culture, and creativity just outside your door.
