Meadows Museum
The Meadows Museum showcases the largest collection of Spanish art outside of Spain, featuring masterpieces from the 15th to 20th centuries.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Free admission & parking
Meadows Museum
Best Time
Free admission & parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The Meadows Museum showcases the largest collection of Spanish art outside of Spain, featuring masterpieces from the 15th to 20th centuries.
"Visiting the Meadows Museum was amazing!!!! The collection is really impressive and the people that work there were so nice!!"
🎯 Free Thursday Evenings
Enjoy free admission and parking every Thursday after 5 PM. A great budget tip!
🗣️ Take a Guided Tour
Enhance your visit with a docent-led tour for deeper insights into the art.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spanish Masters Collection
Main Galleries
Discover the largest collection of Spanish art outside of Spain, featuring masterpieces from the 15th to 20th centuries.
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Flaming June by Frederic Leighton
Featured Works
A breathtaking Pre-Raphaelite masterpiece that captivates with its vibrant colors and evocative portrayal of summer.
Roaming Mexico: Laura Wilson
Special Exhibition Space
Explore nearly 90 photographs capturing the essence of Mexico and its borderlands over four decades.
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The Scene of Beauty
Special Exhibition Space
An art installation from Puerto Rico, featuring diverse paintings that evoke deep personal connections.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Thursday Evenings
Guided Tours Enhance Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Thursday Evenings
Enjoy free admission and parking every Thursday after 5 PM. A great budget tip!
🗣️ Take a Guided Tour
Enhance your visit with a docent-led tour for deeper insights into the art.
🚗 Parking Info
Parking can be paid or free; check upon arrival. Redeemable inside the museum.
📸 Photography Allowed
Capture your favorite pieces, but check for any specific exhibit restrictions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Thursday Evenings
Enjoy free admission and parking every Thursday after 5 PM. A great budget tip!
🗣️ Take a Guided Tour
Enhance your visit with a docent-led tour for deeper insights into the art.
🚗 Parking Info
Parking can be paid or free; check upon arrival. Redeemable inside the museum.
📸 Photography Allowed
Capture your favorite pieces, but check for any specific exhibit restrictions.
☕ Nearby Cafes
Perfect spot to meet a friend, then grab ice cream nearby.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Meadows Museum for its impressive collection of Spanish art, calling it a 'treasure' and 'enlightening.' The free Thursday evenings are a major draw, and the guided tours are highly recommended for their insightful commentary. While parking can sometimes be a point of confusion, the overall experience is described as memorable and magical, with friendly staff enhancing the visit.
"Free parking and entry Thursday evenings after 5! Really worth getting the tour. Our guide had so much information. I never would have thought to ask about pieces in a museum. Who's the perfect place to meet up with a friend and then go around the corner for ice cream."
Lydia Waddell
"Visiting the Meadows Museum was amazing!!!! The collection is really impressive and the people that work there were so nice!! They made our visit very memorable. We hope to go again soon!!!"
Patricia Berretta
"This is my second visit to the Meadows Museum. Always such an enlightening place. This time around, I went to appreciate and delight myself with an exhibition that was brought from my island, Puerto Rico.
The Sense of Beauty is an exhibition that presents diverse paintings and that I hold them in a special place in my heart. These paintings in special Flaming June made me fall in love with art. So for me, seeing her again was just magic. Thank you Meadows Museum for such an incredible & fascinating experience."
Griselle Deras
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Meadows Museum is located on the campus of Southern Methodist University (SMU) at 5900 Bishop Blvd, Dallas, TX. You can reach it by car, and paid parking is available on campus. Public transportation options may also be available depending on your starting point in Dallas.
Yes, there is parking available. While some reviews mention paid parking, others note free parking, especially on Thursday evenings. It's best to confirm current parking arrangements upon arrival or on the museum's website.
Driving is a common method, with parking available on the SMU campus. For those using public transport, check Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) for bus routes that serve the SMU area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Meadows Museum is typically open Tuesday through Sunday. It is closed on Mondays. Specific hours can vary, so it's always recommended to check the official website, meadowsmuseumdallas.org, for the most up-to-date information.
General admission for adults is usually around $12, with seniors often paying $10. However, the museum offers free admission and parking every Thursday evening after 5 PM, making it a popular time to visit.
While specific online ticket purchasing options might vary, it's advisable to check the official Meadows Museum website (meadowsmuseumdallas.org) for the most convenient way to secure your tickets or to confirm if advance booking is recommended.
Yes, discounts are often available for seniors. Additionally, the museum offers free admission on Thursday evenings after 5 PM, which is a significant saving. Check their website for any other potential discounts.
🎫 🖼️ Onsite Experience
The Meadows Museum boasts the largest collection of Spanish art outside of Spain. Key highlights include masterpieces by Goya, El Greco, and Velázquez. Don't miss Frederic Leighton's 'Flaming June,' a truly magical piece. +1
Yes, the Meadows Museum frequently hosts special exhibitions. Recent ones have included 'Roaming Mexico: Laura Wilson' and 'The Scene of Beauty,' showcasing photography and diverse paintings. Check their website for current offerings.
Generally, photography is permitted for personal use in the permanent collection galleries, but flash photography is usually prohibited. Special exhibitions may have different restrictions, so always look for signage.
The museum itself is noted for its beautiful architecture. Visitors often admire the building's design, and the 'Sho' sculpture by Jaume Plensa at the entrance is a striking piece of public art.
Absolutely! Guided tours are highly recommended. The docents provide in-depth information and context that greatly enhances the visitor experience, making the art more accessible and engaging.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the Meadows Museum primarily focuses on its art collection, there isn't a prominent mention of an onsite cafe or restaurant in visitor feedback. However, its location on the SMU campus means there are likely dining options nearby.
The museum is situated on the SMU campus, which offers various eateries. Additionally, the surrounding Dallas area has a wide array of restaurants and cafes. Visitors have mentioned going for ice cream nearby after their visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Beyond the stunning artworks themselves, the museum's architecture and the 'Sho' sculpture by Jaume Plensa at the entrance are excellent photo opportunities. The 'Flaming June' painting is also a highly photographed piece.
Photography for personal use is generally allowed in the permanent collection galleries, but always check for specific signage regarding flash use and any restrictions on special exhibitions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit more interactive, engage children by asking them about the colors, shapes, and stories they see in the paintings. The 'Flaming June' painting, with its vibrant hues, is often a hit. While there isn't a dedicated children's area, the guided tours can sometimes be adapted or provide interesting anecdotes that capture a child's imagination. Remember to check for any specific family programming or events the museum might offer.
💰 Budget Travelers
Beyond the free evenings, consider visiting on a Sunday morning when crowds are typically lower, allowing for a more relaxed and potentially more rewarding experience. While there isn't a cafe on-site, the museum's location on the SMU campus and its proximity to Dallas's diverse dining scene mean you can easily find affordable food options nearby. Planning your visit around these cost-saving opportunities makes the Meadows Museum a very accessible cultural attraction.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Spanish Art in Texas
+1Beyond the established masters, the Meadows Museum also dedicates space to contemporary and photographic works, demonstrating a dynamic approach to art appreciation. Exhibitions like 'Roaming Mexico: Laura Wilson' and 'The Scene of Beauty' highlight diverse artistic mediums and perspectives, drawing connections between Spanish heritage and broader cultural narratives. This blend of classical and contemporary ensures that each visit offers something new and engaging for art enthusiasts.
+2For those seeking a deeper connection with the art, the museum's guided tours are an invaluable resource. Docents bring the artworks to life, providing historical context, artistic analysis, and fascinating anecdotes that enrich the viewing experience. This community-backed approach, where knowledgeable guides share their passion, transforms a simple visit into an educational and memorable event.
Experiencing the Meadows Museum: Tips from Visitors
Many visitors emphasize the value of guided tours. The docents are praised for their extensive knowledge and ability to make the art accessible and engaging. They offer perspectives and details that might otherwise be missed, significantly enhancing the overall experience.
When it comes to photography, general guidelines allow for personal use in permanent collection areas, but it's always wise to check for specific exhibit restrictions. The museum's beautiful architecture and sculptures, like Jaume Plensa's 'Sho,' also offer great photo opportunities.
Finally, the museum is often described as a perfect spot for a meet-up with friends, with nearby options for a post-visit treat like ice cream, making it a well-rounded cultural outing. 
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