Location: Downtown Dallas
Top Things to do in Downtown Dallas
9 Museums in Downtown Dallas That You Shouldn't Miss
You may have all heard that everything is bigger in Texas. Well, Dallas does its best to fulfill that promise. You'll find several museums with vast art collections and fascinating specialty museums like The Sixth Floor Museum/Texas School Book Depository, which, though small in size, offers an immense amount of information about the assassination of John F. Kennedy. And of course, visit a local steakhouse for a terrific (and enormous) meal.
Restaurants in Dallas
1. Rising Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
Rising Gallery is a contemporary art gallery in Downtown Dallas. Walking distance from the Omni Hotel and WestEnd, the gallery displays art, custom furniture, and sculpture by local and national artists.Located in the basement of the Historic "Office Equipment Company" building.Open Tuesday-Saturday and by appointment
2. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9,127 reviews
One of Texas’ most visited historic sites, The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza chronicles the life, death and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. The Museum is in the former Texas School Book Depository building, where evidence of a sniper was found after the assassination of President Kennedy on November 22, 1963. Much of the exhibit space looks as it appeared in the 1960s. Highlights include a sniper’s perch, the FBI model used by the Warren Commission, an original teletype machine that first transmitted news of the president’s death, Oswald’s wedding ring, historic films, photos and more. An interactive display overlooks Dealey Plaza. Admission includes an audio guide, available in eight languages including ASL. The museum is open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas. RECOMMENDED: Buy timed-entry tickets in advance at jfk.org. The most convenient paid parking is adjacent to the building; stay in the far right lane of Elm Street to enter the parking lot.
Reviewed By jennlovesfood - San Diego, United States
I have always, always wanted to visit Dealey Plaza. I was not alive when President Kennedy was assassinated, but I am a history teacher and I have studied the Kennedy Assassination extensively because it is one of the most fascinating turning points in American history. We arrived in Dealey Plaza very early (about 8:30am) which was absolutely fabulous because we had time to explore the ground before the crowds of visitors arrived and before our Sixth Floor Museum entrance time. As a matter of fact, we pretty much had the place to ourselves for awhile so we could explore every inch of this fascinating historical landmark. We had the first time slot into the museum that morning so we met our tour group ahead of time. The audio tour and visual historical accounts on the displays were phenomenal. It was creepy to walk through this building but also incredibly interesting. The spot where Oswald fired the fatal shots that killed JFK is behind glass but you can stand at the windows next to it and see what the shot looked like. Not much has changed in Dealey Plaza except for the trees growing taller so it was a good representation of what the area looked like in 1963. Standing in that spot answered the question I always wondered - could Oswald have made the shots from that window. Just BEING in Dealey Plaza and standing on the 6th floor of the former Texas School Book Depository answered all the questions I ever had about this mystery. The other coolest thing EVER was seeing the actual suit worn by the police officer who was handcuffed to Oswald when Jack Ruby shot him. And there was Jack Ruby's hat on display - gave me chills. I had seen the pictures so many times but to see the actual artifacts in person was just awesome. I highly recommend this spot to ANYONE - not just history teachers or die hard history buffs. American history changed in this spot back in 1963 and it is worth exploring.
3. Dallas Museum of Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,025 reviews
Established in 1903, this prestigious art venue features a wide selection of art exhibits, from Ancient Mediterranean to Contemporary Art and Design.
Reviewed By vanessaindallas - Dallas, United States
My husband and I recently attended the Dior Late Night event which was from 7pm-9(ish). It was our first time attending one of their Late Night showings. They have these often when great exhibitions are displayed. It was such a great Date Night, roaming the museum after hours. Before the museum we listened to jazz music in the lobby and sipped on some wine. You can definitely make an evening here at the museum with your loved one (or group of friends). Dress code for Late Night is up to you! I went semi-dressed while there was a mix of casual and dressed.
4. Nasher Sculpture Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 844 reviews
The Raymond and Patsy Nasher Collection includes more than 300 sculptures by most of the 20th century's greatest talents, including Rodin, Calder, de Kooning, Giacometti, Matisse, Miró, Picasso and Serra. Admission Adults: $10 Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Riders: $8* Seniors 65 and over: $7 Students with ID: $5 Students under 12: FREE Members: FREE Military with ID: FREE First Responders: FREE *Valid proof of ticket required
Reviewed By lahlahlo - Singapore, Singapore
Small museum that punches above its weight. Clever art that challenges you, which good art should always do! The gift-shop is quite good, curated and worth a pop-in on your way out.
5. Crow Collection of Asian Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 231 reviews
This set of galleries is dedicated to the arts and cultures of China, Japan, India and Southeast Asia.
Reviewed By cinderellatheultimat - Saint James Parish, Caribbean
Our 1st visit to the museum and we really enjoyed our experience. It has a lot of interesting artwork and it truly gives a deeper view into Asian culture and history. This is a free museum, which is unbelievable given the high quality of the museum. The staff is super nice. Definitely worth visiting
6. Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 504 reviews
Get ready for an immersive, interactive journey unlike any other. The new Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum features state-of-the-art technology and a permanent exhibition focused on Holocaust/Shoah, Human Rights, and Pivot to America. The Museum brings to life the tragic history and consequences of the Holocaust, other genocides, and our own country’s journey for civil and human rights. It’s also one of only two Museums in the world that offers Dimensions in Testimony where visitors can interact with holographic images of Holocaust Survivors. Make sure to book tickets online at dhhrm.org to ensure your requested time and date.
Reviewed By travelerewl - Dallas, United States
This museum opened its new exhibition building in September 2019. A group of friends attended a private event, having an introduction to how the museum was conceived and built, before taking a tour through the museum. While visitors won’t have the talk, the tour showed us what a magnificent this museum is at so many levels. It’s so much more than a history museum about a dreadful time. While the world said “Never Again” after WWII, the museum shows us through impactful exhibits that we, citizens of the world, continue to conduct genocide. Each of the exhibits addresses a different component of genocide and uses a genocide from different parts of the world or history. Lest you thinking this is a depressing museum, it’s not. Rather, the museum brings in an outstanding exhibit of people who have stood up to genocide across the globe and then asks us what we would do. I wouldn’t bring children younger than middle school age, many of the films are grim. But tweens and teens can learn a lot. The museum is working to bring school groups in to learn about the Holocaust and genocide, challenging the young people to stand up against social injustice. The museum is located close to the school book repository museum making it easy to have a deep dive into our history.
7. Museum of Illusions Dallas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 49 reviews
Welcome to the Museum of Illusions Dallas! A place where nothing is as it seems, where the unbelievable truly becomes reality. The Museum of Illusions as the pioneer of the “edutainment concept” fuses fun and entertainment with education and learning. Whether you’re up for an adventure, a family excursion, or simply looking to broaden your knowledge and perspective, the Museum of Illusions, has something to please everyone.
Reviewed By CharlieJ2192 - Fort Worth, United States
Came with a few friends to the West End to visit some of the attractions here and stopped by the Museum of Illusions by coincidence. It was so much fun! We all loved it! It’s definitely mind intriguing especially the Einstein faces, the moving pictures and the puzzles! We also took some cool photos in the rooms and we went through the Vortex tunnel many times! Highly recommend if you’re looking for something light, fun and interesting.
8. American Museum of the Miniature Arts
9. Brad Oldham Sculpture
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