Best Museum Exhibits To See This Fall In DFW
This fall, DFW hosts a wide range of exciting museum exhibits with interactive components, famous art and shows that uncover fascinating historic events that will sweep you back in time.
"The Kimbell at 40: an Evolving Masterpiece"
The Kimbell Art Museum
3333 Camp Bowie Blvd.
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 332-8451
kimbellart.org
Dates: October 7, 2012 through December 20, 2012
"The Kimbell at 40: an Evolving Masterpiece" celebrates the museum's genesis, its world-class acquisitions, exhibitions and history. The exhibit begins with the vision of founders Kay and Velma Kimbell to establish a smaller, more selective art museum that features masterpieces from important eras. The permanent collection includes works of Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Poussin, Monet, Matisse and important antiquities. This exhibit also features the museum's architecture, considered to be one of the most outstanding achievements of the modern era. Designed by the American architect Louis I. Kahn, historic materials, architectural models and the Renzo Piano building will be on display.
"Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition"
Fort Worth Museum of Science and History
1600 Gendy St.
Fort Worth, TX 76107
(817) 255-9300
fwmuseum.org
Dates: October 13, 2012 through March 24, 2013
This popular, newly expanded 10,000-square-foot exhibit features more than 300 artifacts. Visitors travel back in time and experience life as a passenger in 1912. Extensive room re-creations heighten the realism along with sound and touch. This show tells the official story of the 100-year journey of the tragic maiden voyage. It includes a near full-scale replica of the grand staircase and features hundreds of artifacts and painstakingly recreated rooms and details. This emotional journey explores the Titanic's launch through its tragic ending. It is exciting, educational and appropriate for all ages. Timed tickets are required and space is extremely limited. Walk-up tickets are available at the Museum Ticket Office.
Meet the Museum
The Sixth Floor Museum
411 Elm St.
Dallas, TX 75202
(214) 747-6660
www.jfk.org
Dates: Second Friday of every month
Forty-nine years ago, the shots ringing from the Texas School Book Depository Building in Dealey Plaza were heard around the world. President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas on November 22, 1963. The Sixth Floor Museum opened in the historic plaza building during 1989 to promote understanding, engagement and education about the era. It is a moving tribute to JFK's life and legacy. The museum recreates the social and political environment of the early 1960s and describes the lasting impact of Kennedy's administration on American culture. To further enhance understanding of the historic event, Meet the Museum sessions are held on the second Friday of every month. In October, it features a spotlight on Kennedy-related home movies. November welcomes Bill and Gayle Newman, the closest eyewitnesses to President Kennedy during his fatal shot. December spotlights the online collections database with oral histories, images and films.
"Posters of Paris: Toulouse-Lautrec and His Contemporaries"
Dallas Museum of Art
1717 N. Harwood
Dallas TX 75201
(214) 922-1200
www.dm-art.org
Dates: October 14, 2012 through January 20, 2013
Known as one of the greatest painters of the Post-Impressionist period, Toulouse-Lautrec's behind-the-scenes paintings of people in their working environment influenced other artistic giants like Manet and Degas. His artistic posters were widely accepted and loved by the public. Toulouse-Lautrec's work continues to influence designers and fine artists today. The DMA's exhibit showcases the early designs of Jules Chéret, the "father of the poster," and the flowering of this art style in Paris in the 1870s and 1880s. Although this show features posters and Toulouse-Lautrec's poster art, it also showcases rare preparatory drawings, watercolors, maquettes (a small model or study in three dimensions) and proofs. There is underground parking at the museum for a flat fee of $10 and a café inside the museum.
Related: Best Up-And-Coming Artists In DFW
The Hall of State Museum at Fair Park
3939 Grand Ave.
Dallas, TX 75210
(214) 421-4500
www.fairpark.org
Dates: Ongoing
The Hall of State Museum located at the historic Fair Park in Dallas is a shining example of art-deco and classicism architecture. Open year round to the public, perhaps the best time to go is during the famous State Fair of Texas. Built in 1936, the elaborate exterior features an 11-foot-tall bronze statue of a Tejas Indian holding up a large bow without an arrow to symbolize peace. Inside the Hall of Heroes, statues of Texas legends line the walls. One hero, James Fannin, was captured during the Texas Revolution and taken before a firing squad. He requested his family be given his watch but his request was not granted. Several years ago, his watch was found in Pennsylvania and donated to the museum. During the State Fair of Texas, running September 28 through October 21, 2012, there is an additional bonus. The Hall of State Museum also features the 100th Anniversary of Girl Scouts Exhibit. Enjoy an interactive experience by walking through a life-sized cookie box and be part of a virtual troop while learning about the past, present and future girl scouts. While at the fair, enjoy deep-fried Samoa Girl Scout cookies.
Marilee Vergati, is an international award winning art director and writer. As a native Dallasite and fifth generation Texan, she brings a unique insight to her beloved state, its events, arts, ecology and people. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.
