Best Cities to See Art: Dallas
When we think of things commonly associated with Dallas, Texas, art might rank a bit lower in comparison to iconic football teams and their well-known cheerleaders. Although it isn’t on the very top of nationally ranked lists for most “artsy” places, when it comes to arts and culture, Dallas is no slouch. In 2013 the city was ranked 6th in the nation for the number of working artists living in the area, and it boasts the single largest contiguous arts district in the United States. And unlike your favorite sports teams, art almost never disappoints.
Speaking of the Dallas Arts District, it is undoubtedly among the best places to see art. For the purposes of experiencing the visual arts, we are embracing this opportunity to be your unofficial tour guide as you plan your culturally immersed experience through Dallas, starting with the museums within the Dallas Arts District and nearby galleries, as well as highlighting truly unique overnight accommodations.
Accommodations
Hall Arts Hotel
Before you check out the incredible museums and galleries, you might want to consider checking in to the award winning HALL Arts Hotel by Hilton. While we usually share recommendations relating to more traditional art venues, this sophisticated hotel is the perfect way to carry your art experience through to your place of slumber.
With not one but two art curators on staff, art is a prominent part of the hotel’s motif, and not the mass produced kind of art that you see in most lodging lobbies. We are talking about original works, representing great artists from throughout the Dallas area. Heck, the HALL Arts Hotel is so committed to their arts district address that they’ve themed several of their sleeping rooms around the concept. Needless to say, you can’t beat the location in terms of convenient access to Dallas art venues.
HALL Arts Hotel
1717 Leonard Street, Dallas, Texas
Museums
Dallas Museum of Art
What we would consider the anchor among a number of great museums within the Art District is the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA). The Museum was founded in 1903 and later merged with the Dallas Museum of Contemporary Art. It has in its possession over 24,000 works of art representing all cultures over a time span of approximately 5,000 years.
The Dallas Museum of Art’s collection includes an interesting history of Texas art and artists. Although you will witness truly great masterpieces at the DMA as well, the museum has an entire collection of award winning artworks acquired from Texas exhibitions during the 20th century including those conducted at the Texas State Fair Park Fine Arts Building. From the 1920s to about mid-century, Dallas art exhibitions were a common occurrence with many exceptional hobbyist artists as well as professional participants. During those exhibitions, for any piece that was awarded a prize, the art was added to the Dallas Museum of Art’s permanent collection, creating an interesting snapshot of the works of local artists during that period.
Dallas Museum of Art
1717 North Harwood, Dallas, Texas
Crow Museum of Asian Art of the University of Texas at Dallas
Asian culture awaits you at the Crow Museum of Art, a short walk from the Dallas Museum of Art. True to its name, its mission is focused on celebrating and educating visitors about Asian art. The Crow Museum is an affiliate of the University of Texas at Dallas. The gallery was established by Trammell and Margaret Crow and includes their collection beginning with their first purchase of Asian art in the mid-1960s. Throughout the years the museum has acquired an incredible inventory of works representing Asian artists and works from China, Japan, Indian, Korea and Southeastern Asia.
Crow Museum of Asian Art
2010 Flora Street, Dallas, TX
Nasher Sculpture Center
Raymond Nasher and his wife Patsy began collecting artworks during a trip to Mexico in 1950. This was the beginning of their love affair with art, which would grow to include large scale sculptures. Their guiding principle in building a substantial collection was that the works had to move them personally. The collection has grown significantly over the years, with masterworks by such artists as Calder, Rodin, Picasso, Serra and more.
One of our favorites on display is “Walking to the Sky 2004” in stainless steel with painted fiberglass by Jonathan Borofsky. A breathtaking piece, it portrays the impression of ten realistically sculpted lifesize figures walking into the clouds. Once exhibited in Rockefeller Plaza in New York, it has called the Nasher home since 2005.
Nasher Sculpture Center
2001 Flora Street, Dallas, TX
https://www.nashersculpturecenter.org/
Galleries
A short drive from the Dallas Arts District are some of the most prestigious art galleries in Texas, which are all in very close proximity to one another. Known as the Design District for its status as a creative repository for all things art and home decor, the area includes showrooms and galleries, and dozens of other retail shops specializing in interior design, as well as a number of upscale hotels and restaurants.
CINQ Gallery
This contemporary art studio oozes of charm and sophistication. The CINQ Gallery features artists whose work includes photography and painting as well as sculpture and jewelry design. The gallery offers smaller scale pieces which are grouped together on display as a means to encourage new art collectors to take the plunge, though its collection includes more substantial pieces as well. The owner Scott Dawson enjoys the process of connecting with customers, as well as giving artists an avenue to show their work.
CINQ Gallery
905 Dragon Street, Dallas, TX
Craighead Green Gallery
Craighead Green is a one-stop shop for great original artworks. Owners Kenneth Craighead and Steve Green have operated the gallery since 1992, and pride themselves on their comprehensive services for guiding the selection of art on behalf of private and corporate collectors. Featuring a range of styles and mediums, the gallery represents 40 national and international mid career artists.
Craighead Green Gallery
1011 Dragon Street, Dallas, TX
https://www.craigheadgreen.com/
Samuel Lynne Galleries
Samuel Lynne Galleries refers to itself as an “art destination,” a concept which we find very appealing. The studio is a clean, inviting space that features artists whose contemporary works are evocative and intriguing. One such artist goes by “Punk Me Tender” and keeps his actual identity hidden. He lists among his inspirations Alexander McQueen and Salvador Dali.
Samuel Lynne Galleries
1105 Dragon Street, Dallas, TX
https://www.samuellynne.com/
Dallas is among the best destinations in Texas to see art, and we hope this foray into some of the local museums and galleries has given you meaningful ideas for planning your next trip. If you prefer to peruse original works from the comfort of your home, check out UGallery’s website to discover new artworks weekly.
