Favorite Museums in Dallas

It is no surprise that I have a big heart for the city of Dallas, after all I have lived here my whole life! I love exploring the city and especially love a day exploring a local museum. Whether you are visiting or live in the metroplex I am sharing my favorite museums in Dallas that everyone should visit. If you have not been following along my guide to Dallas, be sure to check out my Favorite Restaurants in Dallas, Favorite Places to Shop in Dallas and Favorite Hotels in Dallas! xoxo

Dallas Museum of Art – The DMA is a personal favorite and I make Alex go see so many exhibits, that we have become members! There are 17 permanent collections at the DMA and exhibitions are always rotating. The DMA also offers Late Nights and Second Thursdays with a Twist as unique ways to visit and enjoy the museum. Be sure to stop by the DMA before September 2019 to see the Dior: From Paris to the World exhibit. General admission includes all collections and most exhibitions (some are extra) adult admission is $16, seniors and Military are $14, students are $12, and members and children are free. 

Perot Museum of Nature and Science – In 2012 the Dallas Museum of Natural History, the Science Place and the Dallas Children’s Museum at Fair Park moved to Victory Park and became the Perot. There are 11 permanent exhibits as well as 6 learning labs and multiple rotating films. The Perot is a great museum for kids, because of all the things they can interact with. If you would like to visit the museum without thousands of kids running around, I recommend attending one of their Social Science nights. General admission for kids is $13, seniors are $18 and adults are $20.

Nasher Sculpture Center – The Nasher is next door to the DMA and houses Patsy and Raymond Nasher’s collection of modern and contemporary sculpture. The Nasher family also owns NorthPark Center and has some of their art on display throughout the mall. If you make a trip downtown to visit the Dallas Museum of Art, I recommend taking the extra time to go next door and see the Nasher. The Nasher is closed on Mondays and tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, $5 for students and educators, and free for children under 12, members and Military and First Responders. 

Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza – In 1963 John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dealey Plaza. In 1989 the very building where Lee Harvey Oswald shot JFK was turned into the Sixth Floor Museum. The museum has exhibits about JFK’s life, political legacy and all the conspiracy theories around his death. Considering the nature of the museum, there are some photos and videos that might not be appropriate for young children. Admission for adults is $18, seniors are $16, students age 6-18 are $14 and children under 5 are free.  

George W. Bush Presidential Center – In 2013 Southern Methodist University opened the George W. Bush Presidential Center (also known as Presidential Library). The museum walks through Bush’s presidency including a moving 9/11 exhibit and an opportunity to take a photo in a mock Oval Office. Until October 2019 the Presidential Retreats: Away from the White House will be on exhibit. Adult admission is $16, seniors and students are $13, youth age 13-17 are $14, children age 5-12 are $10 and kids under 4 and active Military are free. 

Museum of Biblical Art – A fire in 2005 destroyed the original 1967 museum, which was later rebuilt in 2010. The current Museum of Biblical Art has 11 galleries full of historical artwork and a large event space. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, $8 for children and free for kids under 5. 

Old Red Museum of Dallas County History & Culture – The Old Red Courthouse was built in 1892 and transitioned into a museum in 2007. This is the best place to learn the full history of Dallas and see a variety of historical artifacts. I recommend that all Dallas (or suburb) residents visit the Old Red Courthouse at least once. General admission is $10, seniors, students and Military are $8, children age 3-16 are $7 and kids under 3 are free. If you are downtown for jury duty you can receive reduced admission for $5.

Dallas World Aquarium – I know the aquarium is not technically a museum, but is is by far one of my favorite educational spots in Dallas. There are fish from all over the world in the 10 main tanks and a large tunnel that makes you feel right in the ocean. The Dallas World Aquarium opened in 1992 and has been a staple for Dallas children (and adults) since. Adult admission is $20, seniors are $16, children are $14, and kids under 2 are free. 

Image via Alex Phillips.