When I think of Dallas, my brain conjures up images of cowboy hats, the 1980’s TV series, the Dallas Cowboys — and oil. What I didn’t expect to discover was an emerging city filled with historical monuments, museums, pop culture, and a thriving arts scene.
On a four-day exploration of the Big D, I left filled with some great memories – along with a ton of photos – of this impressive city.
[The Pegasus, a Dallas neon landmark, was first set atop the 29-story Magnolia Hotel]
Annual festivals celebrate film, food, and multicultural traditions, reflecting the city’s diverse communities. From contemporary galleries to historic architecture, Dallas offers an energetic arts scene that continues to both grow and inspire.
Dallas Arts District
The Dallas Arts District has three major museums, all clustered within a few minutes’ walk of one another: The Dallas Museum of Art, Crow Museum of Asian Art, and the Nasher Sculpture Center. I stopped in at two of the three during my visit.
[Naum Gabo, Constructed Head No. 2; 1916]
The Nasher Sculpture Center features masterpieces by renowned artists including Rodin, Picasso, and Calder. Their beautiful outdoor sculpture garden offers a serene space to enjoy yet more sculptural works.
[Robert Rauschenberg, Revolver V; 1967 – silkscreen ink on five rotating plexiglass discs]
[Robert Rauschenberg, Trojan Wedge (Scale); 1977]
Currently exhibiting at the Nasher Sculpture Center is a Robert Rauschenberg retrospective in honour of the artist’s centennial birth year. While his career also included photography, prints, performance, costume and set design, visitors can explore some of his most famous sculptural pieces here through the end of April.
[Roy Lichtenstein, Ceramic Head (Abandoned) trio; circa 1964-1965]
Look for pop artist Roy Lichtenstein’s small exhibition on the lower level. His primary-colour-focused artworks are always a treat to see.
[Roy Lichtenstein, Peace through Chemistry; 1970, was originally produced as a series of prints, then cast in bronze]
Part of a separate artist centennial, both the Nasher and Dallas Museum of Art were jointly gifted over 50 Lichtenstein pieces to display.
[Roy Lichtenstein, Sunrise over Water; 1982]
His bold brushstroke series considers the 3D possibilities of liquid traces left by a drag of the artist’s paintbrush.
[Joan Miró’s 1967 Caress of a Bird can be enjoyed at the museum’s outdoor sculpture garden]
[Amulet Box with Horus Hawk; Late Period (712-332 BC, Egypt]
The Dallas Museum of Art blew me away with its exceptional collection of diverse artwork from all corners of the globe, including African, Asian, Indigenous, and European art.
[Harp with human head (kundi); Late 19th-20th C, Democratic Republic of the Congo]
Here one can explore centuries of history and innovation while wandering through three levels of galleries. Best of all, it’s entirely free!
[Raven and Crouching Figure and Masks; 1800-1900, Haida Gwaii, British Columbia]
From ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces, the DMA offers an enriching experience for art lovers of all ages.
Dallas Contemporary, a free museum in the Design District, showcases contemporary artists within its expansive industrial galleries. All forms of media can be found here, from sculpture to performance art. There are a few galleries contained within the industrial space and most exhibitions are up for six to nine months at a time.
Bishop Arts District
Another Dallas cultural spot worth exploring is the Bishop Arts District, a neighbourhood filled with local shops, cafés, and restaurants along North Bishop Street in North Oak Cliff.
Colourful murals, brick storefronts, and tree-lined streets give it a lived-in, artsy vibe that invites wandering.
Peruse an eclectic mix of locally-owned boutiques, indie bookstores, art galleries, and one-of-a-kind shops that celebrate individuality.
[Al Fresco Nourish Bowl lunch at Tribal Café]
Food is a major draw here: Restaurants, cozy cafés, and laid-back bars serve everything from elevated Texas fare to global flavours, some with patios that spill onto the sidewalk.
I had been looking forward to visiting the Sixth Floor Museum as soon as I learned of its existence here.
The museum is housed in the former Texas School Book Depository. History buffs will want to deep-dive into the very spot where history changed in 1963, for this museum is dedicated to historical photos, exhibits, and eyewitness accounts of John F. Kennedy’s assassination.
[Original cameras used by eye witnesses during the assassination]
[Two X’s in the road mark the first and second shots taken by Lee Harvey Oswald on November 22, 1963]
Weekly gallery talks given by museum staff provide insight as to the events surrounding the assassination and its aftermath.
Just a short drive from the city’s downtown core, the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is a gorgeous space to enjoy seasonal floral displays, landscaped gardens, and walking paths, some with a view of White Rock Lake.
Fountains and sculptures are dotted throughout its 66-acre footprint.
[Armadillo spotting!]
The gardens are just coming back to life following a recent Texas cold snap. The hyacinths and tulips are on their way!
Deep Ellum is well worth the time to explore for its live music venues, bars, casual eateries, unique shops, and craft breweries.
The former warehouse district is now home to the Dallas Comedy Club, Quixotic World Theatre House and Magikal Event Space, Barry Whistler Gallery, Deep Ellum Brewing Company, Trinity Cider, Oni Ramen, as well as dozens of colourful murals and graffiti.
Arrive hungry, I was advised. Pecan Lodge is a Deep Ellum hot spot for a filling, hearty, and genuine Texas BBQ fix.
[Two Meat Platter, Mac ‘n’ Cheese with bacon]
Formerly located in a shed at the Dallas Farmer’s Market, the Pecan’s BBQ pits burn 24 hours a day, as owners Justin and Diane now have a well-loved space in the heart of Deep Ellum. You can’t go wrong with time-honoured family recipes prepared at a restaurant that’s been named one of the top four BBQ joints in the world, according to Texas Monthly!
Stranger Things fans will be pleased to know that Netflix House, one of only two in the country (the other is in Philadelphia with Vegas planned for 2027), includes an interactive rescue mission within Hawkins — with a Vecna encounter!
Stranger Things: Escape the Dark incorporates a lot of cool effects, lighting, and characters to lead participants through the rooms (flashlights and headsets are provided).
There are clues waiting to be discovered that just might lead to finding three missing persons. Note that strobes and startling noises are used and may be sensitive to some.
The other immersive experience currently on offer is Squid Games: Survive the Trials. Both are ticketed events that last an hour.
This innovative, content-meets-culture venue space brings hit shows to life via interactive installations, themed dining, and a shop filled with merch from Netflix shows, of course. Demogorgon air freshener, anyone?
CityPASS
I visited several Dallas attractions using the CityPASS, an excellent value that offers four visits, including the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Reunion Tower GeO-Deck, Dallas Zoo, and Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum. It’s easy to reserve a time via the companion smart phone app, and the pass includes various discounts and upgrades for ticketed users.
We’ve previously enjoyed using CityPASS in New York City, Seattle, Chicago, San Francisco and San Antonio.
I was hosted by Visit Dallas for the purpose of this feature. Opinions, as always, remain my own.
