Contemporary art museums in Texas

Dallas Contemporary is a contemporary art museum situated in the Design District of Dallas, Texas. Established in 1978, the museum has been a significant part of the city's cultural landscape for over four decades. It is a non-collecting institution, focusing on presenting new and challenging ideas from regional, national, and international artists.

The Nasher Sculpture Center, located in Dallas, Texas, is an art museum that is home to approximately 300 works of modern and contemporary sculpture. This collection offers a unique opportunity for visitors to explore a wide range of artistic styles and periods, all under one roof.

Blue Star Contemporary is a non-profit contemporary art institution situated in San Antonio, Texas. The establishment was founded by a group of artists in 1986, following the success of the Blue Star Exhibition. This history provides a rich background to the institution and its commitment to contemporary art.

This three-story abandoned construction was turned into a wonderful art project. Graffiti artists may display their works here legally.

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH), is one of the largest museums in the United States and is located in the Museum District of Houston. This makes it a significant cultural institution in the region and a notable destination for art enthusiasts visiting the city.

The Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum, often referred to as the UMLAUF, is a unique combination of a museum and an outdoor sculpture garden. The main focus of the museum is on the artistic creations of the renowned American sculptor Charles Umlauf. The museum is a testament to Umlauf's artistic prowess and offers visitors a chance to explore his diverse range of works.

The Contemporary Austin, previously known as the Austin Museum of Art, is the main contemporary art museum in Austin, Texas. It comprises two locations and an art school. This museum reflects the spectrum of contemporary art through exhibitions, commissions, education, and its collection. It's locally referred to as The Contemporary.

The Dallas Museum of Art, the city's primary cultural institution, was established 80 years ago and relocated to the heart of Dallas in 1984. This move marked a significant milestone in the museum's history, allowing it to become more accessible to locals and tourists alike. The building that houses the museum's collection was designed and created by Edward Larrabee Barnes, a renowned architect who won the AIA Gold Medal in 2007.

The Kimbell Art Museum, located in Fort Worth, Texas, is a private, non-profit organization. It was established in 1972 and has since been a significant cultural institution in the region. The museum is home to a variety of art collections, making it a worthwhile destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike.

The San Antonio Museum of Art, also known as SAMA, is located in downtown San Antonio, Texas. The museum is housed in the historic former Lone Star Brewery, a significant landmark in the city. This location adds a unique charm to the museum, blending history and art in a single space.

The Rothko Chapel, located in Houston, Texas, is a unique institution that welcomes individuals of all beliefs and religions. Founded in 1971 by John and Dominique de Menil, the chapel serves as a spiritual sanctuary and a space for meditation. It is a testament to the vision of its founders and their commitment to creating a space that fosters spiritual growth and contemplation.

The Mexic-Arte Museum, located in Austin, Texas, is a fine arts institution that focuses on showcasing and promoting both traditional and contemporary Mexican, Latino, and Latino art and culture. This museum is a platform for these cultures, providing a space where their art can be appreciated and understood by a wider audience.

The Chinati Foundation, also known as La Fundación Chinati, is a contemporary art museum situated in Marfa, Texas. The museum was established by the renowned artist Donald Judd, who aimed to preserve and present large-scale installations by a select number of artists. The museum's focus is on works where art and the surrounding landscape are closely intertwined, reflecting Judd's vision of art's relationship with its environment.

The Menil Collection is a museum situated in the Houston Museum District, in Houston, Texas. This museum is a part of a larger complex that includes multiple buildings and pavilions, each housing different parts of the extensive art collection.

The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, often referred to as The Modern, is a museum dedicated to post-World War II art. Located in Fort Worth, Texas, it boasts a collection of international modern and contemporary art. The museum's collection spans various movements, themes, and styles, making it a diverse and comprehensive representation of modern art.

The McNay Art Museum, established in 1954, holds the distinction of being the first modern art museum in Texas. Located in San Antonio, the museum is a testament to the state's rich cultural history and its commitment to the preservation and promotion of modern art.

The Beer Can House, located in Rice Military, Houston, Texas, is a unique folk art house adorned with beer cans, bottles, and other beer-related items. This distinctive house stands as a testament to the creative spirit of its creator, Houstonian John Milkovisch, who spent the late 1960s transforming his home into this iconic piece of folk art.

The Cavanaugh Flight Museum, located in Addison, Texas, is a non-profit organization dedicated to aviation education. The museum is recognized for its commitment to promoting aviation education, research, and American aviation heritage. It is a place where visitors can explore the history of aviation, view historically significant vintage aircraft, and learn about the science and technology behind flight.

The Old Jail Art Center (OJAC) is a unique blend of art and history, located in Albany, Texas. The museum is housed in a former jail, which was completed in 1878, adding a touch of historical charm to the art center. The building's past as a jail adds a unique backdrop to the art and history exhibits within.

The Meadows Museum, often referred to as the "Prado on the Prairie", is a significant art museum located in Dallas, Texas. It is situated on the campus of Southern Methodist University (SMU) and spans two stories, covering an area of 66,000 square feet. This museum is a division of SMU's Meadows School of the Arts and is a notable destination for art enthusiasts visiting the region.

The Museum of Texas Tech University, located in Lubbock, Texas, is a comprehensive institution that includes the main museum building, the Moody Planetarium, the Natural Science Research Laboratory, and the research and educational elements of the Lubbock Lake Landmark and the Val Verde County research site. These diverse components offer a wide range of exhibits and educational opportunities for visitors.

The Museum of Geometric and MADI Art, located in Dallas, is a unique institution dedicated to the exploration and celebration of abstract art and the Madí movement. This museum is the only one of its kind in North America, making it a distinctive destination for art enthusiasts and tourists alike.

The Grace Museum, situated in Abilene, Texas, is a recognized institution accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM). This accreditation signifies the museum's commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards, and continued institutional improvement. As a visitor, you can expect a high-quality experience, with the museum adhering to best practices and standards in the field.

The Irving Arts Center is a comprehensive art center located in Irving, Texas. Spanning across 10 acres, the center is designed to cater to all age groups within the community. It provides a space for both performing and visual arts, making it a versatile destination for art enthusiasts.

The Mustangs of Las Colinas is a captivating bronze sculpture by Robert Glen, located in Williams Square, Las Colinas, Irving, Texas. The sculpture vividly portrays a group of nine wild mustangs, magnified to 1.5 times their life size, galloping through a watercourse. This dynamic representation of the mustangs in motion is a sight to behold for any visitor.

The Stark Museum of Art, located in Orange, Texas, is home to one of the most significant collections of American Western art in the nation. This collection provides a comprehensive view of the artistic interpretation of the western region over two centuries, from the explorations of the nineteenth century to the artistic colonies of the twentieth century.

The Museum of Biblical Art (MBA) in Dallas, Texas, USA, is a unique institution that focuses on showcasing art with a Biblical theme. This museum provides a platform for artists to express their interpretation of biblical themes through various forms of art. Visitors can expect to see a wide range of artworks that draw inspiration from the Bible.

The Contemporary Arts Museum Houston is a non-profit institution located in the Museum District of Houston, Texas. Established in 1948, the museum is committed to showcasing contemporary art to the public. It provides a platform for visual arts of the present and recent past, documenting new directions in art.

The Blanton Museum of Art is not just a museum, but also a research center. It is part of the University of Texas at Austin, making it a significant part of the city's academic and cultural landscape. Visitors can expect to see a wide range of art exhibits, as well as benefit from the research and knowledge that the museum provides.

The Latino Cultural Center in Dallas, Texas, plays a significant role in the region as a hub for the preservation, development, and promotion of Latino and Hispanic arts and culture. This center is not just a museum, but a vibrant platform that fosters the growth and appreciation of Latino and Hispanic cultural heritage.

Rice University, officially known as The William Marsh Rice University, is a private institution located in Houston, Texas. It is renowned for its academic excellence and is consistently ranked among the top 20 universities in the United States. This prestigious institution offers a rich blend of history, academic achievement, and a vibrant campus life, making it an interesting destination for tourists interested in education and culture.

The Lawndale Art Center, located in Houston, Texas, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the exhibition of contemporary works of art across all media. The center primarily focuses on showcasing the work of artists from the Houston area. This provides a unique opportunity for visitors to explore the local art scene and gain insights into the creative minds of Houston's artists.

The Amon Carter Museum of American Art, located in Fort Worth, Texas, is a renowned institution dedicated to the exhibition and preservation of American painting, sculpture, and photography. The museum's collection spans various periods and styles, offering visitors a comprehensive look into the evolution of American art.

Artpace, located in downtown San Antonio, Texas, is a non-profit contemporary art foundation. It is open to the public and does not charge any admission fee. This makes it an accessible destination for tourists who are interested in contemporary art.

The Blaffer Art Museum is a contemporary art museum situated in the Arts District of the University of Houston campus. It is a non-collecting institution, meaning it does not maintain a permanent collection but instead focuses on presenting temporary exhibitions of contemporary art.

The Bath House Cultural Center, located on the east shore of White Rock Lake in east Dallas, Texas, is the first of six neighborhood cultural centers built and operated by the City of Dallas Office of Cultural Affairs. This center serves all of Dallas, especially the eastern region of the city, and is a significant landmark with a rich history dating back to 1930. Designed by Dallas architect Jon Carsey, the Bath House is one of the first Art Deco buildings in the southwest.

As its name says, you can see collections of art from around the world in this museum. Come and enjoy the works!

The Amarillo Museum of Art is situated at 2200 S. Van Buren Street, within the premises of Amarillo College in Amarillo city, Potter county, Texas. This location is easily accessible and provides a cultural hub within the city, making it a convenient and enriching stop for tourists.

The Art Museum of South Texas, situated in Corpus Christi, Texas, is a significant cultural institution that was established back in 1936. The museum houses an impressive collection of over 1,850 works of art. The majority of these artworks originate from the Americas, with a particular emphasis on Texan art. This makes the museum a unique destination for those interested in exploring the rich artistic heritage of the region.

The International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS) is situated in McAllen, Texas. The museum's primary focus is on showcasing Latin American art and providing educational insights into various scientific concepts. Visitors can expect to immerse themselves in a rich blend of art and science during their visit.

The Arlington Museum of Art, situated in downtown Arlington, Texas, is a non-collecting art museum that hosts a variety of art exhibitions. In addition to these exhibitions, the museum also provides art-related adult workshops, children's classes, film screenings, and lectures. These activities offer a comprehensive and engaging experience for visitors of all ages.

The Dishman Art Museum is located on the campus of Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas. This museum is a significant cultural institution in the region, offering a variety of art exhibitions and educational programs. It is easily accessible and provides a unique opportunity to explore a diverse range of art styles and periods.

The Art Museum of Southeast Texas (AMSET), located in Beaumont, Texas, is a significant cultural institution in the United States. It was initially established in 1950 as the Beaumont Art Museum and later renamed to its current name in 1987. The museum has a rich history and has been a part of the community for over seven decades.

In 1974, Noël and his wife, Ellen Witwer, endowed the Ellen and Bill Noël Scholarship Fund at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin (UTPB). The fund was established to assist the children of their employees attending UTPB and to boost enrollment on the then fledgling campus.

The Tyler Museum of Art is situated at 1300 South Mahon Avenue in the city of Tyler, within the county of Smith in the U.S. state of Texas. This location is easily accessible and provides a cultural hub for both locals and tourists alike.

The Museo Alameda, located in the historic Market Square in Downtown San Antonio, Texas, held the distinction of being the largest Latino museum in the United States. It was also the first formal Smithsonian affiliate outside of Washington D.C. This affiliation with the Smithsonian Institution, a renowned group of museums and research centers, underscores the museum's significance in the cultural landscape of the United States.

The Longview Museum of Fine Arts boasts a permanent collection of over 700 works of art. The collection primarily focuses on contemporary art from the states of Texas, Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. This diverse collection offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of artistic styles and mediums, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of the region.

The San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts is a renowned art museum situated in San Angelo, Texas. It caters to the artistic interests of 14 counties, making it a significant cultural hub in the region. The museum is known for its diverse and growing permanent collection, as well as for hosting traveling exhibitions.

The Buddy Holly Center, located in Lubbock, Texas, is a cultural hub dedicated to the life and music of rock-'n-roll singer Buddy Holly. The center also celebrates the rich musical heritage of Lubbock and West Texas, making it a significant destination for music lovers and history enthusiasts.

The J. Wayne Stark Galleries is an art museum located on the campus of Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. It is a part of the University Art Galleries Department, which is under the Division of Student Affairs. The gallery is named after J. Wayne Stark, the first director of the Memorial Student Center.

One can spend all day here with the exhibitions and the sculpture garden. The venue organizes art and music festival in summer.

The Station Museum of Contemporary Art, located in the Third Ward of Houston, Texas, is a private institution owned and operated by James and Ann Harithas. This museum is dedicated to contemporary art and has been a part of the Houston art scene since its inception in 2001.

Barbara Davis, the founder of this gallery, is a well-known art personality in Houston, presenting contemporary art.

Not only there are nine galleries in this center, it also has two theaters and a dancefloor. Nobody will be bored here!

No art connoisseur should miss a visit of this museum. A rich collection of artworks is on display here.

The superb-fine gallery has exhibitions of contemporary art. Take part in its workshops and create masterpieces with other artists.

The gallery is specialized in presenting works of American artists who depict natural scenes, wildlife and landscapes.

This university museum hosts a permanent art collection and also temporary exhibitions of national and foreign artists' works.

The Museum of Western Art, located in Kerrville, Texas, is a unique institution that focuses on the works of contemporary artists of the American West. These artists continue the tradition of renowned figures like Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell. The museum's collection includes a variety of paintings and sculptures that reflect the rich history and culture of the American West.

The community of Bastrop artists has created a highly-regarded arts center. Participate in the workshops or take lessons.

The Beaumont Art League (BAL) holds the distinction of being the oldest non-profit art organization in the Beaumont, Texas area. This makes it a significant part of the local cultural landscape, with a rich history that adds depth to its current activities and exhibitions.

Visit the themed exhibitions showcasing the contemporary art created by Central Texas artists. They change every two months.

The Michelson Museum of Art, located in Marshall, Texas, was established with the primary purpose of preserving and showcasing the works of Latvian-American artist Leo Michelson. The museum was founded following Michelson's fear that his works, if donated to a larger museum, would end up in storage and not be displayed to the public.

If you are interested in art, you shouldn't miss out on this gallery where you can see a number of watercolor artworks.