Dallas Museum of Art

Part of the downtown Arts District, the city’s major art institution, the Dallas Museum of Art, contains everything from ancient Mediterranean artifacts to contemporary art, although some collections are stronger than others (which has led to criticisms of lack of focus). In 2005 three prominent local families bequeathed to the museum more than 800 works of modern and contemporary art, significantly improving its holdings. Don’t miss the large Ancient American Art section, which displays ceramics from the Southwestern U.S., Mexico and Guatemala, gold from Panama, Colombia and Peru, and textiles and ceramics from Peru. Also worth visiting is the contemporary wing, which has several smaller galleries showcasing often-changing exhibits. The large windows of the soaring atrium—where jazz concerts are performed every Thursday evening at 6 and 8 P.M.—are adorned with colorful oversized glass flowers by Dale Chihuly, giving the whole space a charming Alice in Wonderland feeling. Closed Monday.