Museums Everyone Should Visit This Summer in Fort Worth, TX

Are you looking forward to some time off this summer? Do you have anything planned so far? If not, consider the Fort Worth area, with its many cultural opportunities for you and your family to enjoy. Museums are ideal, inexpensive venues to learn, explore, and revel in artistic experiences. Moreover, with advanced technology, you can dive into so much more in these experiences. Read on to learn about three unique museums you can explore this summer in Fort Worth, Texas.

Kimbell Art Museum

Multicolored Museum Sign by Scott Webb is licensed with Pexels License

Standing tall in the Cultural District is the Kimbell Art Museum. Designed by architect Louis I. Kahn, it houses stunning Asian and European paintings and works. Additionally, it counts Egyptian artifacts among its collection. Currently celebrating its 50th anniversary, the museum houses the exquisite pieces Kay and Velma Kimbell obtained over three decades. In keeping with the Kimbells’ vision, the museum has continued to acquire items, adding to its original 260 paintings and 86 other works of art. You can view creations from Monet, Michelangelo, Renoir, and Matisse.

In addition to its collections, Kimbell Art Museum also offers lectures, discussions, live music events, workshops, and films. June 16 marks the hosting of Music on the Green, a free summer music event held on the Kimbell lawn. You’ll need to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit and enjoy local musicians and performers, and there will be snacks and drinks available for purchase.

You can also attend the Family Festival Summer Art Party with Ice Cream event on Sunday, July 16, at the Piano Pavilion on the museum’s grounds. This is another free event with live music, crafts, family-friendly activities, and ice cream.

Parking is free in the Kahn Building’s underground garage and on the Kimbell East lot. You can also find free street parking in front of the Kahn Building and Van Cliburn Way. While admission to the art museum is free for all ages, special exhibitions incur a cost for nonmembers aged 6 years and older.

For special exhibitions, there’s half-price admission on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Fridays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Reduced admission to special exhibitions is also available for active duty military personnel, K-12 teachers, and recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Remember that you can only buy half-price and reduced admission tickets at the Piano Pavilion Box Office.

Location: 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth.

Hours: Noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and Saturday, and noon to 8 p.m. on Friday. Closed on Mondays and July 4.

Amon Carter Museum of American Art

The Amon Carter Museum of American Art is only a two-minute drive from Kimbell and features exceptional American works from the 19th and 20th centuries. Architect Philip Johnson designed the building to showcase the sculptures and paintings of Charles M. Russell and Frederic Remington. Along with approximately 400 pieces from those renowned artists, this museum has one of the country’s most prominent American photography collections.

Amon Carter Museum of American Art

The Amon Carter Museum will be featuring several special exhibitions this summer. “Emancipation: The Unfinished Project of Liberation” recognizes the 160th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. The exhibition depicts what freedom looks like to Black Americans today and the long-lasting impact of the Civil War. The seven installations include paper and textiles, photography, and sculptures.

“Avedon’s West” pays homage to the 100th birthday of acclaimed fashion photographer Richard Avedon. The Carter commissioned Avedon to create a project in 1979. He traveled between Texas and Idaho for six years, photographing more than 750 everyday residents. The iconic style that came forth from this effort premiered in 1985 as “In the American West.”

Access is free for all these phenomenal displays. You are always welcome to tour the facility on your own, but if you would prefer a private guided tour this summer, you can contact the museum in advance to arrange it. You can also attend the free public guided tours on Thursdays through Saturdays, and these don’t require reservation. You can find free lot parking available on Camp Bowie Boulevard.

Location: 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth.

Hours: Noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday. Closed Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, and Labor Day.

John Wayne: An American Experience

For a truly unique museum excursion, visit the institution dedicated to John Wayne and his body of work. You can view The Duke’s legacy in the Historic Exhibits Building in the Fort Worth Stockyards. It spans over 10,000 square feet. John Wayne: An American Experience boasts a gallery of his most iconic costumes and props from his multitude of films. Other galleries at this location show rare photographs and personal memorabilia that give the general public a view of Wayne’s family life. Did you know that he weighed 13 pounds when he was born?

Be sure to check out the 2,000-square-foot retail space where you can buy limited-edition items, such as books, leather goods, Western accessories, apparel, and more. Another area allows you to listen to Wayne’s GRAMMY-nominated album of original poems, “America, Why I Love Her.” In remembrance of his birthday, May 26, the museum will celebrate John Wayne Day. This day is also the beginning of its extended summer hours.

Admission is free for children aged 5 or younger, and you can buy advance tickets online. While the museum permits non-flash photography, remember that video cameras and audio/visual equipment are not allowed. You can access various garage and lot parking options near the Stockyards.

Location: 2501 Rodeo Plaza, Fort Worth.

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Extended hours until 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday from May 26 through Sept. 2.

Did you enjoy our list of Fort Worth museums? Are there any you plan to visit? Our Hiley Subaru of Fort Worth team works hard to earn and keep your business. We enjoy serving this community. We are happy to help you with financing, new and used inventory, or any of your automobile needs. Contact us today to schedule a test drive or tuneup.