Home to some of the finest museums in the United States from the Perot Museum of Nature and Science to the NASA Space Centre, it’s no surprise that Texas’ incredible museums extend to the art category. From enormous Spanish collections to pre-Columbian masterpieces and beyond, there is plenty to explore in the world of art. Which is why we put together this list of the best art museums in Texas to get you started.
7 of the Best Art Museums in Texas
1. The Museum of Fine Arts – Houston
Houston’s Museum of Fine Arts holds the distinction of one of the United States’ largest museums with a permanent collection spanning more than 6,000 years of history. Plus, with over 70,000 works from 6 continents, no matter your art preference, there’s something sure to wow you at the MFA.
2. Meadows Museum – Dallas
Southern Methodist University’s Meadows Museum is not only one the best art museums in Texas, it’s also one of the largest collections of Spanish art outside of Spain. From Goya to Picasso and beyond, you’ll find masterpieces from all of Spain’s greats in here. Be sure to keep an eye out for El Greco and Miro, too.
3. Kimbell Art Museum – Fort Worth
With an enormous collection from both Asia and Europe, Kimbell Art Museum is in a league of its own. In addition to a renowned permanent collection, Kimbell also hosts a hefty lineup of travelling art exhibitions, educational programs and even its own research library. Notable exhibitions include Queen Nefertari’s Egypt and Flesh and Blood Italian Masterpieces from the Capodimonte Museum. Alternatively, the permanent collection is small but mighty with less than 350 works of art that outweigh their small number with their value and importance.
4. San Antonio Museum of Art – San Antonio
Just off the southern half of the riverwalk you’ll find the San Antonio Museum of Art which boasts the largest collection of ancient Egyptian, Greek-Roman and Asian art in the southern United States. Not only that, but it also has a great line up of Latin America art dating all the way from Pre-Columbian times to present day. Spanning back over 5,000 years, an afternoon in the SAMA will take you on an artistic journey around the globe.
5. Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth – Fort Worth
Home to more than 3,000 post-WWII artworks, Fort Worth’s Modern Art Museum is one of the best in Texas. Situated in the heart of the Cultural District in a building designed by renowned Japanese architect Tado Ando, it Texas’ most beloved hub for modern art. Starting as a small art gallery and library in 1892, it also doubles as Texas’ oldest museum. Even if its ideals and mission have changed a bit over the years.
6. Museum of Western Art – Kerrville
Set in the heart of Texas’ Hill Country not far from San Antonio, you’ll find the Museum of Western Art. The MWA focuses heavily on the history and culture of Native Americans and Western settlers. Thanks to this, it is as much a learning experience as it is an artistic one. On display, you’ll find countless tributes to the lives of Native Americans, gritty cowboys, women of the West, mountain men and so much more.
7. The Menil Collection – Houston
The Menil Collection houses the private art collection of its founders John and Dominique de Menil. They are famous for their contributions to make art accessible to Houstonians; which is why the Menil Collection is one of the most beloved museums in Texas. Inside you’ll find approximately 17,000 pieces of carefully curated art work. The most popular mediums range from sculptures to photographs, paintings and even rare books.