Best Museums in Dallas

Few cities outside of Spain have a finer collection of Spanish art than what is exhibited in this Dallas museum. The funds to construct it were donated by oil magnate Algur H. Meadows back in the 1960s and it was built in memory of his first wife. The nearby Elizabeth Meadows sculpture garden was inspired by Mr. Meadows' love for his second wife. The museum's permanent collection includes such works as Velasquez's "Sibyl With Tabula Rasa," Picasso's "Still Life in a Landscape", and Goya's "Yard With Madmen". The sculpture garden here includes works by both Rodin and Claes Oldenburg.

The Nasher Sculpture Center on Flora Street is a significant landmark in Dallas. The gallery, designed by Renzo Plano, displays works by Rodin and Picasso. This monumental structure with glass ceilings is bordered by a beautiful garden. The works are just as striking as the building itself. Rodin's Eve is an excellent example of how a simple subject can be sculpted beautifully. Picasso's elegant sculpture, Fleurs dans un vase, uses a mix of materials and will mesmerize you.

This is a permanent exhibition of the tragic events leading up to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza opened in 1989 and is located in the Dallas County Administration Building (initially named Texas School Book Depository), the site from where Lee Harvey Oswald allegedly shot the President. Displays include a moving overview of the time period and the life and accomplishments of the 35th President of the United States. Enlarged police photographs, news footage and audio tools allow visitors to learn about the tragic events of November 22, 1963.

Frontiers of Flight Museum is an assembly of artifacts celebrating the chronicles of flight. From the Wright brothers to the space age, each display is carefully organized to provide in-depth information on aircraft history. Exhibited models are on loan from the University of Texas at Dallas' Collection of Flight, one of the largest aviation archives in the country. Highlights include Hindenburg artifacts and the Apollo 7 spacecraft.

A wide variety of artifacts at this museum act as a somber reminder of the Holocaust, a tragic event that took place during World War 2. Among the graphic reminders on display is an actual boxcar that was used during that time, adding an authentic touch to the museum. Rotating exhibits from all over the world stop here on a regular basis. For a firsthand account, tours led by a Holocaust survivor can also be arranged by appointment. Other than the artifacts representing the event, the museum also celebrates more than 3000 years of Jewish culture and heritage as well an interactive display that focuses on promoting tolerance and universal acceptance. Overall, the museum is a moving tribute to recent history and is well worth a visit.

As the cornerstone of the Arts District, the Dallas Museum Of Art holds a renowned collection of timeless exhibits. Permanent displays include ancient Mediterranean art, contemporary art, European paintings and more. A multitude of temporary exhibitions takes you on a thought-provoking journey. Previous displays have included everything from Degas to Picasso, the works of David Weisner, and myriad contemporary artists. Today the establishment is a highly-ranked American institution that lives up to its mission of showcasing human creativity and educating the community.

Enjoy seeing wax replicas of some of your favorite celebrities at this combined Wax/Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum. The Ripley's Believe It or Not! portion of the museum holds such unusual wonders as a seven-foot Leaning Tower of Pisa. This site truly has something for every taste. There are movie scenes from Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz and a beautiful exhibit on the Life of Christ. The horror section may make you jump. House sculptor Peter Carsillo is a former makeup artist who does a wonderful job creating the wax characters.