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07-27-2025 Vol 2034

Experience Culture Without Breaking the Bank: Free Museum Admissions in North Texas

In the current climate where everything seems to be on the rise in cost, exploring the rich cultural offerings at museums in North Texas can remain an affordable option.

Several museums in the region are providing opportunities for free admission on specific days or even all year round, making it easy for you to enjoy art and culture with family, friends, or a date without the worry of an entry fee.

One highlight is the Dallas Museum of Art, which opens its doors for free every first Sunday of the month. Visitors can enjoy access to both the permanent collection and rotating exhibitions. Additionally, there are docent-led tours available from 2 to 3 p.m. on these days.

Details: First Sundays of the month, Dallas Museum of Art, 1717 N. Harwood St., Dallas, TX 75201.

If contemporary sculpture piques your interest, the Nasher Sculpture Center is worth a visit. It offers free admission on the first Saturday of every month, with family programming available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For an evening experience, don’t miss ’Til Midnight at the Nasher, occurring every third Friday from March through October. This event features outdoor concerts, film screenings, and opportunities to explore art after hours while enjoying refreshments from a bar and Wolfgang Puck catering.

Details: First Saturdays of the month from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., family programming from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., ’Til Midnight at the Nasher every third Friday of the month, 2001 Flora St., Dallas, TX 75201.

The Crow Museum of Asian Art offers access for free at both its Dallas Arts District location and its site at The University of Texas at Dallas in Richardson. Here, visitors can explore an impressive array of art from ancient to contemporary Asia through various exhibitions.

Details: Free admission when open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. UTD location: 800 W. Campbell Road, Richardson, TX 75080; Dallas Arts District location: 2010 Flora St., Dallas, TX 75201.

Another excellent option for art enthusiasts is The African American Museum of Dallas, where general admission is free. The museum invites visitors to learn about vital aspects of African American history and art through its permanent exhibitions, including those on the Freedman’s Cemetery and African American folk art.

Details: Free admission when open from Tuesday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 3536 Grand Ave., Dallas, TX 75210.

For American art aficionados, the Amon Carter Museum of American Art in Fort Worth provides free admission year-round. The museum hosts free docent-led tours every Friday through Sunday. Additionally, on the second Thursday of each month from 5 to 8 p.m., an event enables guests to mingle while enjoying refreshments and artworks.

Details: Free admission year-round, 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76107.

The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth offers a refreshing TGIF twist, opening its doors for free every Friday. Guests are welcome to explore the breathtaking building’s serenity or admire the permanent collections it houses.

Details: Free admission on Fridays, 3200 Darnell St., Fort Worth, TX 76107.

For contemporary art lovers, The Dallas Contemporary in the Design District stands out as a hidden gem. It is always free to the public during its operating hours, showcasing works by notable artists such as Shepard Fairey, Jose Dávila, and Gabrielle Goliath.

Details: Free admission from Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., 161 Glass St., Dallas, TX 75207.

Don’t overlook the Dallas Cultural Centers, which offer numerous free public events throughout the year. Visitors can engage in various cultural experiences, such as exhibitions and workshops at the Latino Cultural Center or concerts hosted at the Bath House.

Details: Check individual cultural center websites for specific events.

Finally, the Irving Arts Center caters to families with its free days every second Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Here, families can join hands-on art projects and explore the galleries together. Further, an art and storytelling event is hosted on the first Thursday of every month at 10 a.m. Gallery access is free from Tuesday to Saturday during regular hours.

Details: Free admission on second Sundays, first Thursdays, and during open hours, 3333 North MacArthur Blvd., Irving, TX 75062.

With this plethora of options available, exploring the arts in North Texas can be both educational and enjoyable without any financial strain.

image source from:dallasnews

Benjamin Clarke