All modern art museums to visit in Texas

Experience the dynamic world of modern art at 36 museums in Texas. These museums showcase modern works that push the boundaries of creativity and expression.

Are you passionate about music and its history? Are you a fan of contemporary creativity? These are the modern art museums you should visit in Texas:

  1. Nasher Sculpture Center1

    Nasher Sculpture Center

     Dallas, TX
    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.
  2. The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston2

    The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

     Houston, TX
    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.
  3. Dallas Museum of Art3

    Dallas Museum of Art

     Dallas, TX
    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.
  4. Kimbell Art Museum4

    Kimbell Art Museum

     Fort Worth, TX
    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.
  5. San Antonio Museum of Art5

    San Antonio Museum of Art

     San Antonio, TX
    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.
  6. The Mexic Arte Museum6

    The Mexic Arte Museum

     Austin, TX
    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.
  7. Menil Collection7

    Menil Collection

     Houston, TX
    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.
  8. Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth8

    Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth

     Fort Worth, TX
    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.
  9. McNay Art Museum9

    McNay Art Museum

     San Antonio, TX
    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.
  10. The Old Jail Art Center10

    The Old Jail Art Center

     Albany, TX
    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.
  11. Meadows Museum11

    Meadows Museum

     University Park, TX
    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.
  12. Museum of Texas Tech University12

    Museum of Texas Tech University

     Lubbock, TX
    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.
  13. The Grace Museum13

    The Grace Museum

     Abilene, TX
    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.
  14. Heard-Craig Center for the Arts14

    Heard-Craig Center for the Arts

     Mckinney, TX
    The Heard-Craig House, located in McKinney, Texas, is a historic site with a rich history. Built in 1900 for Stephen and Lillian Heard, this house stands as a testament to the architectural and cultural heritage of the region. Visitors can explore the house and learn about its history, making it an interesting stop for those interested in historical architecture and local history.
  15. Stark Museum of Art15

    Stark Museum of Art

     Orange, TX
    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.
  16. Museum of Biblical Art16

    Museum of Biblical Art

     Dallas, TX
    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.
  17. Blanton Museum of Art17

    Blanton Museum of Art

     Austin, TX
    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.
  18. Amon Carter Museum of American Art18

    Amon Carter Museum of American Art

     Fort Worth, TX
    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.
  19. Bath House Cultural Center19

    Bath House Cultural Center

     Dallas, TX
    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.
  20. International Museum of Art20

    International Museum of Art

     El Paso, TX
    As its name says, you can see collections of art from around the world in this museum. Come and enjoy the works!
  21. Amarillo Museum of Art21

    Amarillo Museum of Art

     Amarillo, TX
    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.
  22. Art Museum of South Texas22

    Art Museum of South Texas

     Corpus Christi, TX
    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.
  23. International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS)23

    International Museum of Art & Science (IMAS)

     Mcallen, TX
    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.
  24. Arlington Museum of Art24

    Arlington Museum of Art

     Arlington, TX
    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.
  25. Dishman Art Museum25

    Dishman Art Museum

     Beaumont, TX
    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.
  26. Art Museum of Southeast Texas26

    Art Museum of Southeast Texas

     Beaumont, TX
    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.
  27. Tyler Museum of Art27

    Tyler Museum of Art

     Tyler, TX
    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.
  28. 28

    Centro de Artes Gallery

     San Antonio, TX
    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.
  29. San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts29

    San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts

     San Angelo, TX
    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.
  30. 30

    Permian Basin Petroleum Museum

     Midland, TX
    The Permian Basin Petroleum Museum, located in Midland, Texas, offers a comprehensive look into the oil and gas industry of the Permian Basin, which spans west Texas and southeast New Mexico. The museum's exhibits provide an in-depth understanding of the region's significant role in the petroleum industry.
  31. 31

    J. Wayne Stark Galleries

     College Station, TX
    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.
  32. 32

    Brownsville Museum of Fine Arts

     Brownsville, TX
    No art connoisseur should miss a visit of this museum. A rich collection of artworks is on display here.
  33. 33

    Martin Museum of Art

     Waco, TX
    This university museum hosts a permanent art collection and also temporary exhibitions of national and foreign artists' works.
  34. 34

    Beaumont Art League

     Beaumont, TX
    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.
  35. 35

    Michelson Museum of Art

     Marshall, TX
    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.
  36. 36

    Red River Valley Museum

     Vernon, TX
    The Red River Valley Museum is situated at 4600 College Drive, in the city of Vernon, within the county of Wilbarger, in the U.S. state of Texas. This location is easily accessible and provides a great opportunity for tourists to explore the rich history and culture of the region.