Fort Worth is a cattle town with one of the best museum districts in the country. That surprises a lot of first-time visitors. The Cultural District packs several major museums, a botanic garden and a modern arena into a few walkable blocks west of downtown, about 20 minutes from our house.
The museums
Kimbell Art Museum. The Kimbell’s building, by architect Louis Kahn, is as famous as the art inside, with long vaulted galleries lit by natural light. The collection runs from ancient art to European masters, and admission to the permanent collection is always free. Special exhibitions are ticketed.
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. Across the street, the Modern’s glass pavilions seem to float on a reflecting pond. It holds postwar and contemporary art, and it charges admission. It has offered discounted and free days, so check its site before you go.
Amon Carter Museum of American Art. A short walk up the hill, the Amon Carter focuses on American art, including paintings of the West by Frederic Remington and Charles M. Russell. Admission is free.
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. For families, this is the one with hands-on exhibits for kids.
The Botanic Garden
The Fort Worth Botanic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in Texas. Its Japanese Garden, with koi ponds and stone paths, is the highlight. General admission is now charged for non-members, and the garden schedules free community days throughout the year. Its Fall Japanese Festival runs in early November.
Getting there from Casita
Head west past downtown Fort Worth and continue a few minutes to the Cultural District. It’s about 10 miles and 20 minutes without traffic. The museums have their own parking, and you can easily walk between the Kimbell, the Modern and the Amon Carter.
Plan your day
On a hot summer afternoon, the museums are the best place in town to be. Start at the Kimbell, walk across to the Modern, then finish at the Amon Carter. If you’re in town for a concert or the rodeo at Dickies Arena, a few galleries and an early dinner first make a great evening.
Make a weekend of it
The Fort Worth Zoo is a short drive south. The Stockyards are about 10 minutes north for the afternoon cattle drive. Downtown and Sundance Square are close by for dinner.
After a day of galleries, unwind in the backyard at the house. Check our dates for your visit.
Tips from the house
- Start at the Kimbell and the Amon Carter. Both have free admission to their permanent collections.
- The Modern charges admission but has had discounted and free days. Check its site before you go.
- The Botanic Garden now charges general admission for non-members. Look for its free community days.
- Park once. The Kimbell, the Modern and the Amon Carter are a short walk apart.
- Pair museums with an early dinner and an event at Dickies Arena next door.
Good to know
Is the Kimbell Art Museum free?
Yes. Admission to the Kimbell's permanent collection is always free. Special exhibitions are ticketed.
Which Fort Worth museums are free?
The Kimbell's permanent collection and the Amon Carter Museum of American Art are free. The Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth charges admission, with occasional free or discounted days.
Does the Fort Worth Botanic Garden charge admission?
Yes, for non-members. The garden has a set of free community days each year, listed on its website.
How far is the Cultural District from Arlington?
From our home near Lake Arlington it's about 10 miles, usually around 20 minutes by car.
Photo: Carol M. Highsmith, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.
