The cream of the crop in Fort Worth Cultural District is The Kimbell Art Museum (3333 Camp Bowie Blvd., 817/332-8451, www.kimbellart.org, Tues.–Thurs. and Sat. 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Fri. noon–8 p.m., and Sun. noon–5 p.m., no admission charge for permanent collection; varying fees for traveling exhibits), which regularly receives accolades for being one of the finest art museums of its kind in the country.

Fort Worth entrepreneur Kay Kimbell donated his art collection and entire personal fortune to the Kimbell Art Foundation, which opened the museum in 1972.

Brimming with significant and intriguing works of art in a remarkably designed building, The Kimbell offers a rewarding visual experience that resonates with visitors long after departing. The Louis I. Kahn–designed building truly enhances the experience by bathing the museum’s concrete walls and artwork with indirect natural light emanating from gently sloping overhead barrel-vault arches.

The works contained within range in period from antiquity to the 20th century. The most memorable pieces are from modern notables such as Monet, Cézanne, Picasso, and Matisse. Though lacking in great number, the museum’s collection of older European masters is also significant, including masterpieces from El Greco, Rubens, and Rembrandt, as well as an impressive collection of Asian art.

The Kimbell also regularly hosts world-class traveling exhibits highlighting masterworks of painting and sculpture from premier collections. In addition, the museum hosts arts-related lectures, seminars, films, and musical performances throughout the year.