Visit Meadows Museum

Meadows Museum
#32 of 100 things to do in Dallas

Dallas, Texas is home to a cultural treasure that stands as a testament to the power of art: the Meadows Museum. Located on the campus of Southern Methodist University (SMU), this museum is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge and understanding of art through the collection and interpretation of works of the greatest aesthetic and historical importance. As the home of the largest and most comprehensive collection of Spanish art outside of Spain, the Meadows Museum offers an unparalleled journey through centuries of artistic achievement .

Whether you are a seasoned art lover, a student of history, a family seeking an inspiring educational outing, or a tourist exploring Dallas, this guide provides everything you need to know for a memorable visit.

Key Details at a Glance:

• Location: 5900 Bishop Blvd., Dallas, TX 75205 (on the SMU campus)

• Phone: 214-768-2516

• Admission: Paid with generous free and discount options

• Vibe: World-class, educational, intimate, and culturally enriching

Hours of Operation

The Meadows Museum has a consistent weekly schedule, making it easy to plan your visit.

Holiday Closures: The museum is closed on Easter Sunday, July 4, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day .

Important Closure: The museum will be closed to the public from July 26 to August 3, 2026, to prepare for its next exhibition .

Ticket Prices & Admission

The museum offers a variety of ticket options, including generous free and discounted entry opportunities.

Free Evening Admission:

• Thursdays after 5:00 PM: The museum offers free admission to the public, making it a perfect time for a visit .

The Collection: A World of Spanish Art

The Meadows Museum’s permanent collection is its crown jewel, featuring works by some of the most significant artists in Western art history. The museum’s founding collection and subsequent acquisitions have made it the premier destination for Spanish art outside of Spain. Highlights include:

• Old Masters: Works by El Greco, Diego Velázquez, Francisco de Zurbarán, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, and Jusepe de Ribera.

• Modern Masters: Masterpieces by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Juan Gris, and Joan Miró.

• Sculpture: An exceptional collection of sculptures, including works by Pablo Picasso and Eduardo Chillida.

• Decorative Arts: A significant collection of Spanish ceramics, metalwork, and furniture.

Current Exhibitions (Through June 21, 2026)

• Raimundo de Madrazo: The first retrospective dedicated to this renowned 19th-century Spanish painter .

• Meadows/ARCO Artist Spotlight: Rubén Guerrero: The first U.S. solo exhibition of the contemporary Spanish painter .

• Yáñez: Saint Sebastian Revealed: Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the museum’s acquisition of this exquisite panel painting .

Upcoming Exhibition

• Spectacles of Power and Faith: Colonial South American Art from the Thoma Foundation (August 23, 2026 – January 24, 2027) .

Activities for Adults & Children: Art Appreciation & Creative Play

👨‍🖥️ For Adults: Deep Dives, Talks & Studio

1. Museum Admission: This grants access to the museum’s upper galleries, including the permanent collection and current exhibitions .

2. Gallery Talks: Join a docent for a short, deep dive into individual works of art at the museum .

3. Drawing from the Masters: Enjoy afternoons of informal drawing instruction with artist Ian O’Brien. This program is designed for adults and youth ages 12 and older .

4. Connections Program: This informal program is designed for individuals with early-stage dementia and their care partners or family members .

👧 For Children & Families: Education & Creativity

The Meadows Museum provides an array of programs specifically designed to welcome families.

1. Free Admission for Youth 18 & Under: This makes the museum exceptionally accessible for families .

2. Family Day: This special annual event features FREE art-making, gallery activities, story time, and more . It is not a drop-off program; children must be accompanied by an adult .

3. Open Studio: This free monthly program invites families to drop by the Education Studio to create art projects inspired by works on view. All materials are provided, and no registration is required .

4. Preschool Playdate: Designed for children ages 2–5 and their adults, this program takes place before the museum opens. It includes story time, looking at art, and an art-making process .

5. Children’s Drawing from the Masters: This program invites children ages 7–11 to enjoy guided looking and informal drawing instruction .

6. Teacher Resources: The museum develops multidisciplinary curricular materials for K–12 teachers, offering workshops and lesson plans .

7. Summer Art Camps: The museum offers exciting “Discovery” art camps for children ages 6-10.

Family-Friendly Note: Strollers are welcome, and changing tables are available .

Parking & Getting Here

🚗 Driving & Parking

Address: 5900 Bishop Blvd., Dallas, TX 75205

Free Parking: The museum offers free parking in the underground garage beneath the museum. The entrance is at the corner of Bishop Blvd. and Schlegel Street. Enter the right entrance marked “Meadows Museum Parking Only.” Visitors may access the museum entrance from the stairs on street level or by riding the elevators .

• Driving Directions:

  • From US 75 (Central Expressway): Exit Mockingbird Lane (exit #3). Go west and turn right on Bishop Blvd., then right on Schlegel Street, and make an immediate left into the garage .

  • From Love Field: Take the airport exit to Mockingbird Lane, turn left, and proceed east to Bishop Blvd. Turn left and then right on Schlegel to access the garage .

  • From DFW Airport: Take the south airport exit to 183 East, then I-35E South. Exit to US-75 North and follow to Mockingbird Lane. Turn left, proceed to Bishop Blvd., and follow to the garage .

🚆 Public Transportation

The museum is easily accessible via DART.

• SMU/Mockingbird Station: Take the Red, Blue, or Orange Line to the SMU/Mockingbird Station. From the station, walk or bike west on Mockingbird Lane approximately 0.75 miles to Bishop Blvd. You can also catch the FREE SMU Red Express (440) shuttle to campus .

• DART Game Day Shuttles: Check www.dart.org for game-day schedules, as modified routes may run .

Accessibility

The Meadows Museum is committed to providing an inclusive experience for all visitors.

• Physical Accessibility: The museum is fully wheelchair accessible.

• Parking: Accessible parking is available in the underground garage.

• Service Animals: Welcome.

• Program Accommodations: For program accommodations, contact the Education Coordinator at [email protected] at least one week prior to the program .

Tips for Your Visit

1. Visit on a Thursday Evening: Take advantage of the free admission after 5:00 p.m. on Thursdays for a budget-friendly visit .

2. Plan for 2-3 Hours: Allow enough time to fully appreciate the permanent collection and any special exhibitions.

3. Check the Game Day Schedule: The museum is adjacent to the SMU football stadium. Heavy traffic and altered traffic patterns are possible on game days. Check the SMU football schedule before your fall visit .

4. Check for Closures: The museum is closed on Mondays and major holidays. Confirm hours on the website before your visit .

5. Consider a Docent Tour: For a deeper understanding, join a guided tour or gallery talk .

6. Family Programs: If visiting with children, check the calendar for Preschool Playdates, Open Studio, or Family Day events .

Stay Connected:

Follow the Meadows Museum to stay updated on exhibitions, events, and news.

• Official Website: https://meadowsmuseumdallas.org

• Facebook: Meadows Museum

• Instagram: @meadowsmuseum

• YouTube: Meadows Museum

If you have any experience with this place, please share it with us in the comments below!

Meadows Museum, 5900, Bishop Boulevard, University Park, Dallas County, Texas, 75205, Statele Unite ale Americii