Whether you want to experience the art and culture that DFW has to offer or just enjoy an indoor activity, museum visits are a great opportunity to do both. DFW Living on the Cheap has taken an extensive list of all museums in the Dallas and Fort Worth area to showcase just the ones that are always FREE to enter.
Museums in Dallas and Fort Worth that are Always FREE
Addison
As a tribute to businesswoman, May Kay Ash, the Mary Kay Museum is a must see spot located in the headquarters of Mary Kay. The museum houses the many accomplishments and innovative business ideas of Mary Kay Ash. Don’t miss the theater where you can experience motivational speeches by Mary Kay Ash.
Hours: Monday – Friday: 9am to 4pm, except on major holidays
Carrollton
The A.W. Perry Homestead Museum offers a glimpse of life as it was in north central Texas at the turn of the 20th Century. A.W. and Sarah (Huffman) Perry were pioneer homesteaders of Peters Colony who came to Carrollton in the year 1844 from Carrollton, Illinois. They claimed 640 acres and built a house on this farm in 1857. The museum is a hot spot for weddings, parties and photography sessions.
Hours: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, tours at 11 am and 1 pm
Also by appointment
Dallas
Credit: Dallas Museum of Art
Located in the Arts District in Dallas, the Dallas Museum of Art is a collection not to be missed. From contemporary pieces to relics, the DMA offers several exhibits to explore. Spend an hour or spend the day on the grounds of the museum and then stop in at one of the cafes for a quick bite. The DMA is a long standing Dallas tradition.
Hours: Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11am – 5pm
Wednesday: 11am – 5pm
Thursday: 11am – 9pm
Friday: 11am – 5pm
Saturday: 11am – 5pm
Sunday: 11am – 5pm
Founded in 1974, the African American Museum is the only one of its kind in the Southwest region. It is home to the cultural, historical and documented movement of the African American community. With one of the largest folk art collections in the US, the African American Museum is a historically significant place to visit.
Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 11am – 5pm
Saturday: 10am – 5pm
Sunday and Monday: Closed
Trammell and Margaret Crow Collection of Asian Art
Credit: Crow Collection
The Crow Collection of Asian Art is home to works of art from China, Japan, Korea India and Southeastern Asia. What began as a collection from Mrs. Crow, developed into a museum known for its devotion to asian culture and traditions. Enjoy one of the many exhibits in the museum or participate in Tai Chi, yoga and meditation sessions. There is something for everyone at the Crow Collection museum.
Hours: Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Sunday: 10am – 5pm
Credit: Samurai Collection
The Samurai Collection is a collection of 1,000 objects and pieces of Japanese armour. It was created in 2012 from the collection of Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller. The beautiful suits of armour, weapons, helmets and masks are masterpieces unlike any other.
Hours: Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 11am – 8pm
Wednesday – Saturday: 11am – 6pm
Sunday: 11am – 5pm
Museum of Geometric and MADI Art
Explore the collections of art by artists from all over the world. This museum houses some of the most unique exhibits of these multifaceted works of art. Discover the geometric shapes that make up the MADI art.
Hours: Monday: 11am – 5pm
Tues – Sat: 11am – 5pm
Sunday: 1pm – 5pm
Fort Worth
Credit: Amon Carter Museum
Amon Carter Museum has been a Fort Worth tradition for over 60 years. The Museum features a vast array of American Art and exhibits that is perfect for the art lover of any age. From paintings, photographs, sculptures and sketches, the Amon Carter Museum has a collection that covers all of American art. Have a look at the Amon Carter Museum website to see what special events they offer.
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 10am – 5pm
Thursday: 10am – 8pm
Sunday: 12pm – 5pm
A collection of over 3,000 toys awaits you at the DFW Elite Toy Museum. From automobile toys to dog collectibles, this is a museum you do not want to miss. Be sure to check out the cases of rare antique pedal cars like the 1928 Mercedes Benz SSK and the 1905 Open Limousine. Conveniently located in Fort Worth, it’s a museum for the whole family.
Hours: Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm
Open Most Saturdays and by Appointment
Credit: Kimball Art Museum
Consisting of around 350 works of art, The Kimbell is home to many masterpieces. A visit to The Kimbell will introduce you to some of the most pristine paintings, statues and designs, and it’s all available to you at no charge. Plan to spend some time browsing everything that The Kimbell has to offer.
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm (See the Kimball’s social club)
Friday: 12 pm – 8 pm
Sunday: 12 pm – 5 pm
Monday: Closed
Military Museum of Fort Worth (Free for members of the military and kids)
Honoring the lives of the men and women who serve our country is part of what makes this museum a must-see. The other part is the amazing pieces of history you’ll find here. From helmets to uniforms, the Military Museum of Fort Worth is perfect for all ages. Note: The Grand Opening of their permanent location is May 28, 2018.
Hours: Monday: 10 am – 5 pm
Thursday – Saturday 10 am -5 pm
Credit: Sid Richardson Museum
The Sid Richardson Museum is known for its American West works of art. This free museum offers tours, resources and educational opportunities to every visitor. Visitors will find permanent and special collections, all depicting the romance and the reality of the American West.
Hours: Monday – Thursday: 9 am – 5 pm
Friday – Saturday: 9 am – 8 pm
Sunday: 12 pm – 5 pm
Forney
Spellman Museum of Forney History
Experience the history of Forney with artifacts, old tools and even models of the city. Forney has a rich history, so this is definitely a museum you’ll want to check out.
Hours: Wednesday: 11 am – 6 pm
Thursday: 11 am – 8 pm
Friday: 11 am – 6 pm
Saturday: 11 am – 6 pm
Grapevine
Credit: Grapevine History.Weebly.com
Go on a journey experiencing the cultural and family life of early Grapevine residents. Some of the most popular exhibits include a pump organ from the 1870’s, three beautifully restored wedding gowns from different eras, childhood playtime memories on the porch of the Playhouse, a trip through Grandma’s attic and so much more.
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am to 4:00 pm
Monday: Closed
Next, check out our list of free or cheap date ideas in DFW!
