9 Best Museums in Dallas

What’s this place all about?
Southern Methodist University’s on-campus museum has the unique distinction of housing one of the largest collections of Spanish art outside of Spain. Sometimes called “the Prado on the Prairie,” the museum is housed in a dramatic neo-Palladian building that seems much older than it is—in a good way. (It was built in 2001.)

Ye shall know them by their permanent collection: How was it?
The collection is strong in Spanish masters like El Greco, Velázquez, and Goya, but Picasso and Miró make appearances, too. The museum is named for Algur H. Meadows, a Dallas oilman whose frequent travels to Spain for business led him to amass a significant collection of art from the country. You will also see altarpieces from the Renaissance and rococo sketches scattered throughout.

But also by their new shoes. How were the exhibits?
Special exhibitions typically focus on Spanish works as well, and range from Dalí to lesser-known names like post-war avant garde sculptor Eduardo Chillida.

What did you make of the crowd?
Admission is free for SMU students, so they're a common sight, as are visiting parents.

On the practical tip, how were facilities?
The museum is small and easily accessible to all.

Any guided tours worth trying?
Public tours are offered for free on Sundays at 2 p.m. Additionally, gallery hosts are available on Saturday afternoons to answer questions about the collection.

Gift shop: obligatory, inspiring—or skip it?
The gift shop has an tremendously strong library of books pertaining to art and artists in the museum's collection.