Awesome Art

Texas has an abundance of world-class facilities in its metropolitan areas. Since the state boasts three of the country’s 10 largest cities — Houston [1], Dallas [2], and San Antonio [3] — the corresponding number of museums and galleries is rather impressive. Fort Worth’s Kimbell Art Museum [4] is considered by many to be the best in the state, and contemporary art museums in Dallas and Houston draw artwork and aficionados from across the globe.

In addition to these traditional museums, there are several Texas-themed locales worth visiting. Cowboy culture is on display at the Amon Carter Museum in Dallas [5], and Kerrville’s National Center for American Western Art [6] features historic artwork and artifacts in the charming Hill Country [7].

Fort Worth

Fort Worth’s Kimbell Art Museum [4] is a premier showcase for art through the ages, from Medieval to millennial. Also worth visiting is the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth [8], where rotating exhibits from the latest movers and shakers offer visitors a fresh perspective on the creative-art world.

Dallas

Dallas [2] is one of the state’s major cultural centers, but it’s far different than its sibling to the west. Despite is shiny veneer, Dallas is home to several authentically high-quality art museums. Be sure to visit the Dallas Museum of Art [9] and the Meadows Museum [10]. Also, the Amon Carter Museum [5] is a must for those in search of excellent Western and cowboy-related art.

Houston

You could spend several days exploring Houston [1]’s remarkable art museums. At the top of the priority list is the Museum of Fine Arts [11], featuring one of the country’s premium collections of art objects, painting, and sculpture. The Menil Museum [12] offers an interesting combination of ancient and modern art, and the Contemporary Art Museum [13] features ambitious exhibitions.

Austin

Austin [14] may be one of the state’s — even the country’s — cultural capitals, but it’s fairly lacking in visual art opportunities. Fortunately, the recently opened Blanton Museum of Art [15] has filled some of the void. Spend the afternoon at the capable Austin Museum of Art [16] (downtown or the historic Laguna Gloria grounds) and the intriguing Umlauf Sculpture Garden (www.umlaufsculpture.org [17]).

San Antonio

San Antonio [3] boasts several quality art museums offering a refined respite from the hectic Riverwalk scene. Be sure to visit the San Antonio Museum of Art [18], and drop by the quaint yet impressive collection at the McNay Art Museum.