Dallas Texas and DFW Area Museums

Last Updated September 5, 2024

If you’re looking for things to do in Dallas and you like museums, you’re in luck. I’d argue that you’re in luck even if you don’t like museums, because Dallas and the surrounding area is a wonderland of niche interest collections and exhibits. Here’s a list of over 50 art museums and historical, science, or special interest museums in Dallas and beyond.

This list is organized geographically (separating Dallas “proper” from other North Texas counties) and by category.

The list is also a work-in-progress. I’ll be adding blog posts about the museums I’ve visited with “know-before-you-go” information and tips. Links (if any) from the name of a museum on the list will guide you to the related blog posts. Use links marked ‘Website’ to visit the museum’s web page.

Dallas Art Museums

A clay sculpture and 3 paintings from the Folk Art collection at the African American Museum of Dallas

A few items from the Folk Art collection at the African American Museum of Dallas

African American Museum – Will be open only to State Fair of Texas ticket holders from Sept 27-Oct 20. Beyond State Fair season – Free, except for special events and exhibitions | Open Tuesday – Friday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. , Saturday 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. |Easily Accessible by DART Rail | Free Parking | Website | Instagram | Facebook

Museum of Biblical Art – Adult Admission $8-15, Three Different Museums each with separate admission fees. Free outdoor Sculpture Garden | Open Wednesday – Sunday, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. | Accessible by DART Rail + NorthPark Center Shuttle | Free On-Site Parking | Website | Instagram | Facebook

Dallas History, Science, Nature, and Lifestyle Museums

Perot Museum of Nature and Science – 12 permanent exhibit halls, special exhibits, and movies

Holocaust and Human Rights Museum – The history of the Holocaust, advancing human rights

Hall of State/Dallas Historical Society – The history of Dallas and Texas.
Only open to State Fair of Texas ticket holders from Sept. 27-Oct 20. Free before and after State Fair season.

The Sixth Floor Museum – The assassination and legacy of President John F. Kennedy

Frontiers of Flight Museum – 13 galleries with stories of aviation and space flight

Juanita J. Craft Civil Rights House and Museum – A civil rights museum in the former home of noted local civil rights leader, Juanita Jewel Craft. Open by appointment. See website for details.

Dallas Firefighter’s Museum – presents the history and cultural heritage of the fire service of Dallas. Admission $6.

Haas Moto Museum and Sculpture Gallery – Over 200 motorcycles spanning 12 decades. Closed for relocation as of June 24, 2024.

The Samurai Collection (Free) – Samurai objects from the Barbier-Mueller’s collection

Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas (Free)– The Economy in Action

George W. Bush Presidential Center

Museum of Illusions – Interactive art with illusions, instagrammable scenes

Museum of Memories – Interactive art/Instagrammable scenes

Museums in Dallas County

Art Museums

Irving Arts Center – (Free) Multiple galleries displaying a wide variety of art and an outdoor sculpture garden. Galleries are under renovation through Sept 14, 2024 when four new exhibitions will open.

History, Science, Nature, and Lifestyle Museums

Irving Archives & Museum – (Free on Sundays and Second Saturdays) – Showcasing the history of Irving and the surrounding area.

Ruth Paine House Museum, Irving. $12. The home where Lee Harvey Oswald and his wife lived at the time of the John F. Kennedy assassination.

A.W. Perry Homestead Museum, Carrollton

Landmark Museum, Garland

Farmers Branch Historical Park –

Mary Kay Museum, Addison

Museums in Collin County

Art Museums

ArtCentre of Plano (Free)- a key promoter of the visual arts, local artists, and arts education. Art exhibitions and openings are free. Other special events at the ArtCentre may require ticket purchase.

History, Science, Nature, and Lifestyle Museums

Southfork Ranch, Parker

Interurban Railway Museum, Plano (Free)

Heritage Farmstead Museum, Plano. $5 Admission.

Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, McKinney – Dinosaurs Live and more

National Video Game Museum, Frisco – Videogame industry history + retro games

Museum of the American Railroad, Frisco – an outdoor collection of rolling stock and an indoor model train exhibit

National Soccer Hall of Fame, Frisco – honoring soccer achievements in the United States

The Best Little Toy Museum In Texas, Wylie – large collection of nostalgic toys + a retro gameroom. $10 Adult Admission.

Museums in Denton County

Art Museums

Patterson-Appleton Arts Center, Denton – (Free General Admission)

History, Science, Nature, and Lifestyle Museums

Denton County Historical Park (Free admission)

Denton County African American Museum, Denton
Bayless-Selby House Museum, Denton
Quakertown House
Taylor Log Cabin

Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum, Denton (Free admission)

Denton Firefighters Museum (Free admission)

Museums in Fort Worth and Tarrant County

Hanging sculpture, bench, painting, and gallery entrance in the Amon Carter museum in Fort Worth, Texas.

Amon Carter Museum of American Art in Fort Worth, TX

Art Museums

Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth – $14 Adult Admission, Free on Fridays, Half Price on Sundays

Amon Carter Fort Worth – (Free)

Fort Worth Community Arts Center – arts complex with seven indoor galleries and an outdoor gallery

Arlington Museum of Art – celebrating the past, present and future of art

Museum of Contemporary Art Arlington – nine exhibition galleries that connect the public with contemporary art and artists

History, Science, Nature, and Lifestyle Museums

FW Science Museum – Cattle Raisers Museum, DinoLabs and DinoDig®, Launchpad, & more

National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame Fort Worth– Honoring women of the American West

Monnig Meteorite Gallery – Located on the TCU Campus

CR Smith Museum, Fort Worth – A permanent exhibit of aviation heritage and educational programming

Fort Worth Aviation Museum –

Vintage Flying Museum Fort Worth

US Bureau of Printing and Engraving, Fort Worth

CLOSING October 31 Texas Civil War Museum, Fort Worth – artifacts relating to the history of the American Civil War and the role Texas played in the conflict