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Best Free Museums in Dallas: Uncover the History and Art

This blog is going to be very interesting for those who want to explore Dallas Free Museums especially when it comes to discovering the city’s rich culture and history. Dallas boasts a variety of museums that offer free admission, making it easy for families, art lovers, and history fans to enjoy a day out without worrying about the cost. Make a perfect budget-friendly day in the city by visiting Dallas free museums which showcases artscience, or local history together. 

1. Dallas Museum of Art

Abraham Angel Exhibit Display in Dallas Museum of Art, best free museums in Dallas
Image source: https://shorturl.at/9gUkR

The Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) makes art available to everyone with free general admission.

  • Free First Sundays: On the first Sunday of every month, visitors can explore the museum’s exhibits and take part in free activities like art workshops and guided tours.
  • Free Admission: General entry to the DMA has been free since 2013.
  • Free Membership: The DMA also offers a free membership program for visitors.

2. Crow Museum of Asian Art 

outside view of crow museum, Trammell Crow Visual Arts Display, Trammell Crow Visual Arts Display
Image source: https://shorturl.at/WzJd5

The Crow Museum of Asian Art in Dallas is a place where you can explore beautiful art from different parts of Asia. The Crow Museum free to visit, and they are open from Tuesday to Sunday, between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. On Mondays, the museum is closed. Visitors can enjoy looking at paintings, sculptures, and other interesting pieces that show the rich culture and history of Asia.

3. African American Museum

picture of a man in display in African American Museum
Image source: https://nmaahc.si.edu/

 The African American Museum of Dallas offers free admission, except for groups larger than 10 people. For those interested in a deeper experience, tour guides are available at a small cost of $3 for adults and $1 for students. The African American Museum of Dallas is open Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Some special events or exhibitions may require tickets. Located in the historic Fair Park, the museum showcases African American art, culture, and history.

4. The Samurai Collection Dallas

a statue in display at The Samurai Collection Dallas. Best Free Museums in Dallas
Image source: https://samuraicollection.org/

The Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum, also called The Samurai Collection, is located at 2501 North Harwood Street in Dallas, Texas. This museum showcases almost 300 samurai items from Japan, including armor, helmets, masks, horse armor, and weapons. The collection covers pieces from the 12th to the 19th century, with a special focus on the Edo period.

The Samurai Collection in Dallas, Texas, is free to visit. 

  •  Hours: Open Wednesday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
  •  Closed: Mondays 
  •  Appointments: Open on Tuesdays by appointment only.

The museum is on the second floor of the historic St. Ann’s School building in the Harwood District. Visitors can book a free timed-entry pass on the museum’s website.

The museum has one of the largest collections of samurai armor and weapons in the world. It also offers family-friendly activities, like Saturday Family Days on the first Saturday of every month. These are designed for kids aged 4 and up and include fun tours and art activities.

5. Meadows Museum (SMU)

statues at display in The Meadows Museum (SMU). Best Free Museums in Dallas
Image source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meadows_Museum

The Meadows Museum at Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas, is dedicated to showcasing Spanish art and culture. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Spanish art through a vast collection of works spanning from the 10th to the 21st centuries. The museum is renowned for having one of the largest and most comprehensive collections of Spanish art outside of Spain, featuring masterpieces by artists such as El Greco, Velázquez, Ribera, Murillo, Goya, Miró, and Picasso. Located at 5900 Bishop in Dallas, the museum occupies a spacious, two-story Georgian red brick building. In addition to Spanish art, it also manages a collection of modern sculptures by non-Spanish artists, including Jacques Lipchitz, Henry Moore, and Claes Oldenburg. Often referred to as the “Prado on the Prairie,” the museum offers a rich exploration of Spanish and modern art.

The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. It is closed on Mondays, Easter Sunday, July 4, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

SMU Students, Faculty, and Staff: Free with a university photo ID

Youth (18 and under): Free through August 31, 2025

K-12 Student Groups: Free with a grant from the Fichtenbaum Charitable Trust

SMU Class Groups: Free

Dallas offers great free museums where you can enjoy art and history without spending money. You can explore the African American Museum, The Samurai Collection, and The Meadows Museum, each with unique exhibits and activities. 

To get the most out of your visit, check our website for hours and special events. Share this information with friends and family so they can also enjoy these free cultural experiences.

Do tell everyone around about these free museums and visit our website for the latest updates.

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