Museums are the cultural hubs of Fort Worth. Whether you’re looking to learn something new about Cowtown or plotting a way to spend your Saturday afternoon, here are 17 museums to visit in our city.
History
Stockyards Museum, 131 E. Exchange Ave. | $0-$2
Located in the 1902 Livestock Exchange Building, a collection of artifacts, photos, and exhibits document everything from Fort Worth’s Native American connections, and the Chisholm Trail, to the livestock market.
Don’t miss: Walk around the corner from the museum to see the cattle brands.
Log Cabin Village, 2100 Log Cabin Village Ln. | $0-$7
Explore Fort Worth’s past with live demonstrations at the living history museum. The 19th-century village includes nine historic structures.
Don’t miss: Make sure to stop by the nationally registered 1850s Van Zandt Cottage located at the entrance of Trinity Park.
National Multicultural Western Heritage Museum, 2201 Dottie Lynn Pkwy., Ste. 115 | $0-$15
Look back on the pioneers who lived on the American frontier through journals, photographs and other historical items are part of this new collection that document a wider version of Western history.
Don’t miss: Check out the Buffalo Soldier featured exhibits.
Lenora Rolla Heritage Center Museum, 1020 E. Humbolt St. | Free
Run by the Tarrant County Black Historical and Genealogical Society, the museum collects, preserves, and displays artifacts from African American historical contributions to Tarrant County.
Don’t miss: The annual juried art show recognizes works from youth artists.
The best part of the Carter — it’s free everyday.
Photo by Steven Watson / Wikimedia Commons
Arts
The Modern, 3200 Darnell St. | $0-$16
The Tadao Ando-designed haven for artwork from 1940 to the present features tree-like columns that sprout from a tranquil reflection pool. Founded in 1892, it is the oldest museum in Texas with pieces from Picasso to emerging artists.
Pro tip: Admission is free on Friday and half-price on Sunday.
Kimbell Art Museum, 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd. | $0-18
Designed by Louis Kahn and expanded by Renzo Piano, the Kimbell boasts a permanent collection — which is free for everyone — of approximately 350 pieces of art from around the world as well as traveling exhibitions.
Don’t miss: The Kimbell recently turned 50 years old — check out the commemorative exhibition.
Amon Carter Museum of American Art, 3501 Camp Bowie Blvd. | Free
The Carter draws back on our Fort Worth roots, featuring world-class collections that feel like home in an architectural masterpiece by Phillip Johnson.
Don’t miss: Frederic Remington’s bronze sculpture “The Broncho Buster.”
Sid Richardson Museum, 309 Main St. | Free
Located in Sundance Square, this museum for the American West was founded by the late oilman and philanthropist Sid Williams Richardson.
Don’t miss: 60+ creations by artists Frederic Remington and Charles Russell collected since the 1940s.
Christian Arts Museum, 3221 Hamilton Ave. | Free
Opened in 2004, the museum features a collection of spiritually inspired works of art.
Don’t miss: A lifesize sculpture of DaVinci’s “The Last Supper,” created by artist Katherine Marie Stubergh.
Science
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, 1600 Gendy St. | $0-$16
The big colorful blocky museum was designed by Ricardo Legorreta. The museum features the first IMAX dome theater in the southwest, which is currently under construction, as well as temporary exhibitions like “Cowtown Takes Flight” and “Mexican Roots.”
Pro tip: A general ticket includes admission to the Cattle Raisers Museum.
Monnig Meteorite Gallery, 2950 W. Bowie St. | Free
Experience the solar system up close with this out-of-this-world museum on TCU’s campus. Make sure you touch a chunk of Mars.
Don’t miss: With nearly 3,000 samples, the gallery is one of the largest university-based collections in the world.
Fort Worth Aviation Museum, 3300 Ross Ave. | $0-$10
Explore the science of flight with 24 historic warbirds and a B-36 Peacemaker in both indoor and outdoor exhibits.
Don’t miss: Try your pilot hand in the T-38 cockpit simulator.
Vintage Flying Museum, 505 NW 38th St. | $0-$12
Head to Hangar 33 of the Meacham International Airport to tour 30 rare and historic planes from the 1930s to 1960s. Plus, check out jet engines, WWII memorabilia, and an aircraft model exhibit.
Don’t miss: Be sure to visit the Rosie the Riveter Memorial Rose Garden.
CR Smith Museum, 4601 TX-360 at FAA Road | $0-$12
Named for the former president of American Airlines Cyrus Rowlett Smith, the museum aims to inspire future aviation professionals through education programs and heritage exhibitions that detail the history of American Airlines in Fort Worth.
Don’t miss: The restored 1940 Douglas DC-3 airliner, full-scale aircraft engines, and a 4K digital theater.
Western sports and film
National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame, 1720 Gendy St. | $0-$12
The only museum in the world dedicated to honoring women in the West features not only horsewomen, but female pioneers in the arts, humanitarian efforts, business, education, and writing.
Don’t miss: The “Sergeant Reckless” horse statue in Alice Walton Park.
Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame, 2515 Rodeo Plaza | $0-$4
The gallery honors 150+ individuals who have shown excellence in competition and business of rodeo and Western lifestyle in the Lone Star State.
John Wayne: An American Experience, 2501 Rodeo Plaza | $0-$22.95
Located in the heart of the Stockyards, the gallery traces the actor’s life through 400 pieces of personal and professional memorabilia. Walk through Marion Robert Morrison’s career as “The Duke” and how he epitomized the American dream both in real life and on-screen.
Pro Tip: Stop by the John Wayne Stock and Supply for commemorative art, leather goods + signature beverages.
What to bring
Whether you’re heading to check out the latest art showcase or ready to marvel through historic architecture, have these essentials on hand while you venture through your local museums:
- Stay hydrated while you peruse ancient artifacts with this 64 oz leak proof glass jug with versatile lids for easy use.
- Pack light and breeze through security screenings using this clear, waterproof cross sling bag to comfortably carry your valuables.
- Don’t forget to pack snacks for the tours –– like these low calorie, low sugar KIND Bar minis that give your taste buds the perfect salty/sweet combo.
- Your feet will be ready to conquer the world when you wear this pair of New Balance women’s sneakers that give all day support and cushion.
- These quick drying cargo shorts by Wrangler give a relaxed and comfortable fit and feature extra pockets for easy storage of car keys, cell phones, and a museum guide.
Use the thick lined pages of this compact style, vegan leather journal to capture your thoughts as you spectate whimsical paintings and statues.
What did we miss? If you know a museum that’s not on the list, let us know.
