The Dallas Museum of Art stands as the inaugural arts institution within the Dallas Arts District, renowned for its pioneering exhibitions and expansive global collection. Encompassing over 25,000 pieces spanning 5,000 years of artistic expression, its ever-expanding collection boasts one of the nation’s foremost assemblies of modern and contemporary artworks.
Listed among the premier museums of considerable size in the US, the DMA serves as an access point to an array of globally recognized masterpieces and important pieces of creative work. It stands as the prime entity in the Dallas Arts District, noted for being the most extensive of its kind across the nation, with its vast space spreading across numerous levels and galleries. This space is home to a permanent collection of over 25,000 works, with some tracing their origins back to more than 5,000 years ago. The sizeable nature of this collection means that pieces are frequently rotated, allowing visitors to easily check which works are on display before their visit.
The DMA’s permanent displays are meticulously sorted into various galleries, each celebrating different cultural and artistic heritages such as the art of the Americas, contemporary expressions, African artistry, Asian creations, American works, the art of design and decorative pieces, classical pieces, Latin American creations, Pacific Island arts, European collections, and Texan contributions. The roster of artists includes both emerging local artists and world-renowned icons like Claude Monet, Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keeffe, Edward Hopper, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Admission to the DMA has been free since 2013, although it is necessary for visitors to book their tickets ahead of their visit. Additionally, the museum hosts an eclectic mix of temporary exhibits throughout the year, for some of which visitors might need to buy tickets, especially if they wish to explore certain museum sections.
History
The Dallas Museum of Art’s origins trace back to 1903 with the Dallas Art Association, initially showcasing art at the Dallas Public Library. The idea, supported by Frank Reaugh and the library’s first president, May Dickson Exall, aimed to promote art education and support local artists. The museum, initially named the Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, moved to an art deco building in Fair Park in 1936, coinciding with the Texas Centennial Exposition.
Under director Jerry Bywaters in 1943, the museum focused on Texas identity and acquired significant works, despite challenges in the 1950s from a movement against “communist” artists. The museum expanded by merging with the Dallas Museum of Contemporary Art in 1963, enhancing its collection with masterpieces by renowned artists.
By the late 1970s, the need for a larger facility led to the opening of a new $54 million venue in the Dallas Arts District in 1984, under director Harry Parker. The museum joined the Monuments Men and Women Museum Network in 2021. However, in 2022, a break-in by Brian Hernandez resulted in damage to ancient Greek vases and a Native American ceramic piece.
Plan a Visit
Opening Times:
- Open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday;
- The DMA is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
Admission Details:
- General admission to the Museum is free and includes viewing the Museum’s collection galleries and most exhibitions;
- Selected special exhibitions and programs require an admission ticket.
Contact Information
- Phone: +1 214-922-1200;
- Email: https://www.visitdallas.com/about/contact/;
- Website: http://www.dma.org/.