10 Cultural Attractions to Visit in Dallas & Fort Worth

Dallas and Fort Worth offer some of the best cultural experiences in Texas. From world-class art museums to historic landmarks, this metropolitan area showcases both cowboy heritage and modern artistic expression. Whether you’re a history buff, art lover, or science enthusiast, these ten attractions provide unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages.

1. Fort Worth Stockyards National Historic District

Step back in time at this authentic Western heritage site where the Old West comes alive daily. Twice each day, genuine Texas cowhands drive a herd of longhorn cattle down Exchange Avenue, creating an unforgettable spectacle.

Visitors can explore historic buildings, enjoy live music at Billy Bob’s Texas (the world’s largest honky-tonk), and shop for authentic cowboy gear. The district’s brick walkways and wooden storefronts maintain their 19th-century charm.

Weekend rodeos showcase traditional skills like bull riding and barrel racing, giving families a taste of genuine Texas culture.

2. Dallas Museum of Art (DMA)

Located in the heart of the Dallas Arts District, this magnificent museum houses over 24,000 works spanning 5,000 years of human creativity. Art lovers can wander through galleries featuring everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to contemporary masterpieces.

Free general admission makes this cultural gem accessible to everyone. The museum’s interactive spaces encourage hands-on learning for younger visitors, while the thoughtfully designed galleries provide peaceful contemplation for art enthusiasts.

Monthly late-night programs transform the museum with music, performances, and special activities that bring art to life in unexpected ways.

3. AT&T Performing Arts Center

World-class performances find their home in this architectural marvel in downtown Dallas. The center’s stunning red Winspear Opera House features a distinctive solar canopy that seems to float above the building, creating a dramatic first impression.

Broadway shows, ballet performances, concerts, and comedy acts fill the calendar year-round. Families appreciate the center’s educational programs that introduce young people to the performing arts through workshops and special performances.

Before shows, patrons can stroll through the beautiful Sammons Park that connects the center’s venues, creating a peaceful urban oasis in the heart of the city.

4. Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre

Revolutionary in design, this aluminum-clad performance space transforms to fit each production’s unique needs. Unlike traditional theaters, the Wyly’s stage configuration can change completely – sometimes putting audience members in the center with actors performing around them!

Talented performers bring stories to life through plays, musicals, and dance performances throughout the year. The building itself serves as a work of art with its distinctive cube-like appearance and innovative use of space.

Young theater enthusiasts can participate in summer camps and workshops where they learn acting, stagecraft, and storytelling from professional artists.

5. The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza

History comes alive in the former Texas School Book Depository building where President Kennedy’s assassination changed America forever. Thoughtful exhibits chronicle JFK’s life, presidency, and the events of November 22, 1963, using photographs, films, and artifacts.

Audio guides narrated by journalists who covered the events provide personal perspectives on this pivotal moment. Visitors can look through the sixth-floor window and see the exact view Lee Harvey Oswald had of Dealey Plaza below.

Outside, many people walk the grounds to gain perspective on this tragic event, while X marks on Elm Street show where the presidential limousine was during the shooting.

6. Nasher Sculpture Center

Masterpieces of three-dimensional art find their perfect home in this light-filled gallery and garden space. Renowned architect Renzo Piano designed the building to bring natural light into every gallery through special roof elements, creating ideal viewing conditions for sculptures.

Outside, the garden presents monumental works among trees, fountains, and walkways where visitors can experience art in harmony with nature. Monthly family days offer hands-on activities that help children understand and appreciate sculptural concepts.

Famous works by artists like Picasso, Matisse, and Calder demonstrate how sculpture evolved through the 20th century, making this collection one of the finest in the world.

7. Kimbell Art Museum

Architectural brilliance meets artistic excellence in this Fort Worth treasure designed by Louis Kahn. Natural light pours through curved ceiling vaults, creating a constantly changing atmosphere that enhances the viewing experience throughout the day.

Though relatively small, the collection contains only masterpieces – from ancient Egyptian artifacts to European paintings by artists like Michelangelo, Caravaggio, and Monet. Every piece meets the museum’s strict “quality over quantity” philosophy.

Families enjoy free admission to the permanent collection and can participate in art activities during family festivals held throughout the year.

8. Perot Museum of Nature and Science

Curiosity takes center stage at this interactive wonderland where visitors of all ages can touch, experiment, and play while learning about our world. The building itself represents scientific innovation with its distinctive cube design that seems to float above the ground.

Five floors of exhibits cover everything from dinosaurs to DNA, with hands-on activities throughout. Kids particularly love the earthquake simulator, robot programming station, and sports hall where they can race against virtual athletes.

Regular special exhibitions bring fresh content to the museum, while family-friendly events like science sleepovers and holiday-themed activities make learning an adventure all year round.

9. National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame

Celebrating the bold women who shaped the American West, this unique museum challenges traditional cowboy stereotypes. Interactive exhibits let visitors experience virtual horseback riding, design their own Western wear, and learn about cowgirl skills firsthand.

The building’s stunning rotunda features a dramatic chandelier made from hundreds of moving pieces that create a horse-and-rider silhouette. Inspiring stories highlight women who broke barriers in ranching, rodeo, art, and business during times when women had few opportunities.

Young visitors especially enjoy the dress-up station where they can try on cowgirl hats, boots, and vests before taking photos on a replica rodeo horse.

10. African American Museum

Powerful stories of struggle, achievement, and cultural contribution come together in this important Dallas institution. Founded in 1974, it stands as one of the only museums in the Southwest devoted to preserving and displaying African American artistic, cultural, and historical materials.

The folk art collection showcases incredible pieces created by self-taught artists from across the South. Photographs, historical documents, and personal items tell the story of African American life in Dallas from the 19th century to today.

Special events throughout the year celebrate African American music, dance, food, and literary traditions, creating connections between past achievements and contemporary culture.