Why Art Enthusiasts Adore Visiting Dallas

With its remarkable artworks showcased in museums and galleries and a diverse array of performing arts events throughout the year, Dallas stands out as a dynamic hub for art lovers. Enjoy modern plays, classical concerts, and contemporary sculptures displayed in gardens and shopping areas. The Arts District, celebrated as the best in the nation by USA Today readers, adds to the city's appeal.

From acclaimed ballet and theater performances to a vibrant live music scene that spans genres like opera and country, there's always a captivating show or free art experience waiting for you. Here are some top ways to immerse yourself in the city's thriving arts landscape.

Explore the museums located in the Dallas Arts District

Housing over 25,000 artworks—from Native American woven baskets to Basquiat—the Dallas Museum of Art, affectionately known as “the DMA” by locals, ranks among the top 10 largest museums in the U.S., and admission is free. Nestled in the Dallas Arts District, its modern architecture by Edward Larabee Barnes and thoughtfully arranged exhibits foster a serene atmosphere.

Take a stroll to the Nasher Sculpture Center just across the street to explore a vast collection of modern and contemporary sculptures featuring works by renowned artists like de Kooning, Giacometti, Matisse, Miró, Rodin, and Picasso. On a lovely day—likely—stop by the café for lunch or coffee to enjoy in the garden surrounded by sculptures.

Explore Dallas’ vibrant local art galleries

Check out the Dallas Design District’s Conduit Gallery, showcasing the creations of local and emerging artists since 1984. With a diverse range of media, you might encounter photography exhibitions, still-life paintings, or sculptures crafted from straw and plaster.

Explore British contemporary art, featuring works by Damien Hirst, Michael Craig Martin, and Sarah Lucas, along with changing exhibitions by international artists at The Goss-Michael Foundation, established by the late pop star George Michael and Kenny Goss. Nearby, you’ll find Power Station, a historic former power plant that serves as a nonprofit gallery dedicated to showcasing contemporary art through rotating large-scale international exhibitions, including Miguel Sbastida’s Future Reefs, an intricate sculptural arrangement of cords and wires.

Discover all the free public art scattered throughout Dallas

Art is abundant in Dallas—and sometimes it even gazes back at you. Head downtown to see The Eye, a striking 30-foot sculpture by artist Tony Tasset made from fiberglass, resin, and steel, modeled after his own eyeball. Then make your way east to Deep Ellum, the city's live music hub, where you can admire the vibrant murals of the 42 Murals street art project, created by talented local North Texas artists.

Just a 10-minute drive away lies NorthPark Center, a shopping mall that resembles a contemporary art museum. Established by Raymond Nasher in 1965, this premier retail destination was partly designed to display his collection of 20th- and 21st-century art, featuring works by artists like Frank Stella and Jonathan Borofsky. While the retail landscape has evolved over the years, the allure of the art remains unchanged.

Experience live opera, ballet, or symphonic performances in the Dallas Arts District

Witness the drama unfold, with stunning emotional arias, as the Dallas Opera presents beloved works such as La Traviata and other timeless classics. The acoustically remarkable Winspear Opera House, praised by Opera magazine as the finest in the country, hosts these performances. You can also enjoy productions like Giselle or The Nutcracker from the acclaimed Texas Ballet Theater.

As the largest performing arts organization in the Southwest, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra showcases classics, pop, and Nashville hits at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, a collaboration between Pritzker Prize-winning architect I.M. Pei and renowned acoustician Russell Johnson. Recognized as one of the top 10 concert halls globally by acoustics expert Leo Beranek, this shoebox-shaped venue features adjustable wooden canopies over the stage to enhance sound quality.

Enjoy a play at one of Dallas’ vibrant local theaters

Take a seat and immerse yourself in the dynamic atmosphere that only live theater can provide. Established in 1959, the Dallas Theatre Center showcases original productions and timeless classics, being among the first regional theater companies in the nation. Today, it entertains audiences of all ages with performances ranging from Disney’s Little Mermaid to Waitress.

Famed for its innovative and boundary-pushing productions, Undermain Theatre in Deep Ellum frequently sells out. The intimate performance space, with just 80 seats in a repurposed warehouse basement, features a daring repertoire.

Join in and sing along to live music events throughout Dallas

Often regarded as Dallas' premier live music venue, the art deco theater The Kessler in Oak Cliff is a beloved local hotspot, featuring both marquee and local acts in a relaxed, intimate atmosphere with two bars. Its performances frequently sell out, so be sure to check the schedule ahead of time—you might score tickets to see renowned artists like country guitarist Junior Brown, Steve Earle, or Grammy nominee Jimmie Dale Gilmore.

Originally established for Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys in 1950, the historic Longhorn Ballroom (once managed by Jack Ruby) has hosted iconic figures across country, R&B, jazz, and beyond, including legends like Willie Nelson, Patsy Cline, Nat King Cole, Ray Charles, and B.B. King. Nowadays, you might catch performances from Asleep at the Wheel, Men at Work, or Los Lobos.