Want to explore without spending big? These activities in Dallas, Texas deliver great experiences—from culture to nature—without breaking the bank.
Highlights:
Unique Affordable Activities in Dallas:
1. See the Edge of Expression at The Dallas Contemporary
Rating: ★★★★★
I'm starting with The Dallas Contemporary which offers free admission, although a $10 donation is suggested.
The Dallas Contemporary strives to engage you through a presentation of challenging ideas from international, national, and regional artists through a variety of exhibitions of present day artwork and learning programs.
The art facility is a non-collecting art institution. The Dallas Contemporary maintains a commitment to providing all of its visitors with a seamless museum-going experience. Each one of the galleries at the art museum is wheelchair accessible, and no drinks or food are permitted.
Accessible parking is available at the main entrance of The Dallas Contemporary, next to the entrance ramp. The institution is registered as a not-for-profit charity.
Address: 161 Glass St, Dallas, TX 75207
2. Reflect on Legacy at The John F. Kennedy Memorial
The John F. Kennedy Memorial features an “open tomb” style, symbolizing the freedom of John F. Kennedy’s spirit. It offers a place for remembrance and reflection.
A short distance away is The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, the site of JFK’s assassination.
The museum, which has a small fee, features various exhibits that explore, the legacy, life, and assassination of John F. Kennedy within the context of the culture and history of the 1960’s.
The multimedia experience is designed to encourage cross-generation communication. The permanent exhibit at the museum is the “John F. Kennedy and the Memory of a Nation” exhibit.
Address: 646 Main St, Dallas, TX 75202, Phone: 214-747-6660
3. Honor Heritage at the African American Museum of Dallas
The main goal of the African American Museum is providing meaningful experience for both adults and children who ordinarily would not visit a museum.
The museum consists of four vaulted galleries that house the rich history and heritage of African American art, as well as a research library.
The permanent collections at the African American Museum in Dallas include the Folk Art Collection, African Art, and African American Fine Art. The museum is also home to the Sepia Magazine Archives and the Royce and Carol West Library.
Admission to the regular exhibitions is free, some special exhibitions may have a fee.
Address: African American Museum, 3536 Grand Ave, Dallas, TX 75210, Phone: 214-565-9026
4. Explore Serenity and Detail at the Crow Collection of Asian Art
You can explore the Crow Collection of Asian Art from 10:00am until 5:00pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
The art museum is also open on Thursdays, from 10:00am until 9:00pm. The Crow Collections of Asian Art honors the vision and collecting tradition of Margaret and Trammell Crow.
The couple purchased their first work of Asian art in the 1960’s/ From that purchase, their collection grew into a distinguished Asian art collection, featuring works from Southeast Asia, Korea, India, Japan, and China spanning from contemporary to historical works of art.
Address: Crow Collection of Asian Art, 2010 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201, Phone: 214-979-6440
5. Dive into Creativity at the Dallas Museum of Art
General admission to the Dallas Museum of Art > is free for visitors every day. General Admission includes access to view the collection galleries at the museum, along with the majority of the art exhibitions.
More than twenty-four thousands pieces of artwork make up the collection of art at the Dallas Museum of Art.
This collection features works from a wide variety of time periods and cultures, spanning across five thousand years of the creativity of mankind. Visitors can also explore the Dallas Museum of Art during one of the Spotlight Tours.
Address: Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 North Harwood St, Dallas TX 75201, Phone: 214-922-1200
Romantic Affordable Activities in Dallas:
6. Step Into Masterpieces at the Kimbell Art Museum
You can join a tour of the Kimbell Art Museum’s permanent collection on Wednesdays at 2:00pm and Sundays at 3:00pm. The museum is open every day except for Monday.
The permanent collection is free to visit, but special exhibitions charge a fee for those who aren’t Kimbell Members.
Free parking is available in the Kimbell East Parking area and the Underground Parking Garage in the Piano Pavilion, off of Van Cliburn Way. While the permanent collection of the Kimbell Art Museum is small, it boasts a very high level of importance and quality, focusing quality over quantity.
Address: Kimbell Art Museum, 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76107, Phone: 817-332-8451
7. The Meadows Museum
The Meadows Museum is located on the Southern Methodist University campus. The art museum boasts a permanent art collection of Spanish works of art, ranging from the fifteenth century to the twentieth century.
There is also a sculpture garden and several special exhibitions throughout the year. There is usually an admission fee for visiting the Meadows Museum, however, free admission is offered after 5:00pm on Thursdays so you'll have to time your visit.
Free parking is offered in the parking garage beneath the museum. There are also the Mustang Express or Museum Express free shuttles that leave from the Mockingbird Station.
Address: The Meadows Museum, 5900 Bishop Blvd, Dallas, TX 75205, Phone: 214-768-2516
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