Whether you’re looking to explore the history of international cultures, share a special moment with a loved-one or simply unwind alone while surrounded by beautiful artwork, Texas is home to many masterpieces waiting to be discovered by the appreciative eye. Here are some must-see art museums to add to your list.
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
The Dallas–Fort Worth Metroplex comprises one of the premier art centers in the United States, if not the world. One of the city’s crown jewels is the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth which boasts more than 3,000 objects including paintings, sculptures, videos, photographs and prints. The majority of works in the collection are dated between 1945 and the present. For fans of Pop and Minimalism, The Modern’s collection is particularly strong. The museum offers free admission on Fridays and half-price tickets on Sundays.
Museum of Fine Arts Houston
In the state’s largest city of Houston is a three-mile-wide Museum District where art lovers will find 20 museums dedicated to art, science and history. For those looking for variety, the Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH) is the place. This massive museum is the fifth largest of its kind in the nation and offers more than 40,000 works from six continents across the globe. The museum spans roughly 300,000 square feet and is divided into seven areas, including the Cullen Sculpture Garden, Bayou Bend and Glassell School. For bargain hunters, admission is free on Thursdays!
San Antonio Museum of Art
Further south off the river walk in San Antonio is the San Antonio Museum of Art which is home to the largest and most comprehensive collection of ancient Egyptian, Greek Roman and Asian art in the southern United States. Additionally, the Museum has a large and significant collection of Latin American art from Pre-Columbian times to the present. Free admission on Tuesdays and Sundays give visitors no excuse to miss the museum’s extensive collection of Contemporary art and regional treasures.
The Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth
For those interested in modern architecture, The Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth is considered a gem. Its element of natural light is the focus of the design with elegant spaces that are perfectly suited for the art they house. The Kimbell has a substantial collection of Asian arts and features Japanese screens and hanging scrolls, Chinese paintings, Oriental ceramics and Indian, Southeast Asian, Chinese, and Japanese sculptures. The museum is also noted for its European art, and outstanding old master paintings include Duccio di Buoninsegna’s The Raising of Lazarus, The Cheat with the Ace of Clubs by Georges de la Tour and major portraits by Holbein, Velázquez, Rembrandt and El Greco.
Art Car Museum of Houston
A truly unique collection of contemporary and alternative art is the Museum District’s The Art Car Museum of Houston, also referred to as the “Garage Mahal.” In addition to a permanent collection of art cars, the museum features various traveling exhibits, including the works of local artists. Keeping with the museum’s main theme, the exterior of the building is adorned with scrap metal and chrome, making it unlike any other museum in the country.