One of the largest and most detailed collections of Spanish art, Meadows Museum is located at Southern Methodist University. Over a thousand years of Spanish art history and artifacts are included in the art displays found here.
Works cover the gamut, ranging from the 10th to 21st centuries. If you’re an art lover or have a particular interest in Spanish paintings and sculptures, you’ll want to include Meadows Museum on your list of “must do” activities while in Dallas.
Are you staying at the Warwick Melrose or Hotel Palomar? If so, you’ll be only a few miles from the museum and won’t want to miss the chance to experience the highlights of this noted Dallas attraction.
The art that served as an inspiration for Meadows Museum came from the collection of Texas philanthropist Algur H. Meadows, a businessman who was inspired to purchase Spanish pieces after traveling to Spain. He also was greatly impressed by the works in the Prado Museum.
Meadows Museum opened in 1965 and has continued to add to add to its already impressive permanent collection, thanks to the Meadows Foundation. Works by El Greco, Valequez, Goya, Miro and Picasso are just a few of the famous artists whose work can be found at Meadows Museum.
If you’re driving to Meadows, underground parking is available on the south side of the building. Be sure to get your ticket stamped while inside the museum so you can get reduced or free parking fees.
Visitors often comment on their delight in viewing paintings so closely that the individual brush strokes can sometimes be seen. This is a visitor-friendly museum and you won’t be kept at a distance from the various works.
Do take note that photography is not allowed. You’ll also be asked to deposit any drinks or food in outside trash receptacles before entering Meadows Museum.
Children and families are very welcome, although you may want to give youngsters a crash course in museum etiquette (basically, don’t touch the paintings or make too much noise). Meadows Museum is very family-friendly and you won’t find that kids are overly squelched by too many rules or lists of no-nos.
If you have children, do call ahead and see if one of the select Family Saturdays is scheduled while you are in town. If so, you’ll definitely want to bring the kids to Meadows Museum and let them enjoy hands-on art activities, games and even performances geared to children of all ages.
Parents are welcome to stay and enjoy the activities. One of the other very convenient services is the availability of Spanish speaking docents for those who prefer this option.
As you walk towards the museum building, you’ll see a box-shaped structure. Once inside, you’ll see a massive and very impressive stone staircase. Repeat visitors are particularly pleased by the lack of crowds at Meadows Museum, allowing them the chance to truly take their time as they view each piece of art.
They’re also amazed that such fine quality art lacks the crowded tourist atmosphere of other museums. Meadows is indeed a hidden gem in the Dallas community.
You’ll find some remarkable souvenirs or gifts at the Museum Gift shop. Most items do relate to the museum’s artworks so expect to find books, jewelry and decorative objects with a decidedly Spanish flair.
Like so many regular visitors, you’re likely to enjoy the wide variety of works at the museum. Renaissance alter pieces, Rococo oil sketches, sculptures, landscapes, modern paintings and even a large moving sculpture can all be found at Meadows. Both permanent and temporary exhibitions are on display so you never know exactly what you’ll find, making repeat visits well worth your while if you travel through Dallas again.
Temporary exhibitions have included theme such as “New Light on the Etruscans”, “Jack Kilbey: The Eye of Genius” and “Tile Design in Valencia.” Upcoming displays promise to bring an even wider range and diversity of Spanish art to Meadows.
On a budget? Special discounted rates are available for those ages 65 and older ($6.00), a bargain price to view a showcase of Spanish art. Bring the whole family on Thursday nights and enjoy free admission.
Children under 12 also get in free any day of the week, allowing you to introduce children to some of the world’s greatest art without bursting the budget. Even the regular admission price of ($8.00) is an excellent deal for those between the ages of 12 and 64.
Meadows is located at 5900 Bishop Boulevard, right on the campus of Southern Methodist University. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10am to 5 pm, Thursdays until 8 pm and Sundays from noon to 5 pm. Contact Meadows Museum staff for further information by calling (214) 768-2516.
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